Since I left Rhode Island, I have visited many beaches within the United States and abroad. It's too much of a contrast to compare beaches in the U.S. to places like Australia, New Zealand, Cancun, and the Dominican Republic, so this comparison will only be of east coast U.S. beaches.
I've been to beaches in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. The only states I'm missing are Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, and Georgia.
The best beach I've ever been to regularly is Robert Moses beach on Long Island, NY. The best beach period is Miami Beach, FL. Virginia Beach takes a close second behind Miami.
I think beaches are also dependent on the time of year you go. Miami gets my vote, but I was there in April when the water was a perfect temperature to cool you from a hot day. Robert Moses is a tried and tested beach, which I have been to at various times of year and have seen lots of water conditions.
Here's a list why Robert Moses makes the top of the list of tried and true beaches:
1. You can walk west and check out all the campers parked on the beach fishing, or go east for miles and be mostly alone (aside from the few nudists).
2. There is the freedom to be topless, nude, or fully clothed on the wings of the main beach and no one really bothers you (surprising for NY!).
3. The beach is not only wide from east to west, but the beach from the parking lot to the water is deep.
4. The sand is soft
5. Four out of 5 times in the summer the water is crystal clear and the surf exists but is not dangerous
6. It's only $8 per car and your money goes to the parks department (see reasons for New Jersey beaches not being selected below).
The one downside of Robert Moses is there is no bike path to the beach from the train station like there is to Jones Beach, LI.
Here is my summary of east coast beaches I have visited infrequently:
Maine - water is freezing for almost the entire summer!
New Hampshire - same as Maine
Connecticut - The east end beaches near RI do not have soft sand
Virginia - Virginia Beach is pretty amazing, and comes 2nd after Miami Beach. Even July at the beach is amazing - just be careful with the hot sand!
North Carolina - I haven't been to the Outer Banks yet, but I wasn't too impressed with the southern coast.
Florida - Fort Lauderdale was not as impressive as Miami Beach. With the amazing sand, clear water, a great boardwalk, and options to stay where the action is (or isn't), Miami - you are my #1.
Here is my summary of east coast beaches I have been to very often:
Rhode Island - beaches are all way too small and for this reason get super crowed
New York (Long Island) - I thought Fire Island would take the cake, but I was not impressed with our most recent visit to the far east end of the island. Erosion has taken it's toll on the beach and the water was not as clear as I would expect. I visited Jones Beach, Robert Moses Beach, and Fire Island/Shirley-Mastic consecutive days and hands down Robert Moses is the best - though all three beat any other beach north of Virginia Beach.
New Jersey - The erosion is too much in the water and on the beach, you walk 2 feet into the water and you are up to your ears! Plus, $8 per person and you have to wear a button to show you paid - give people a break! LBI is a little better, but the erosion is still a major downer.
South Carolina - There is nothing cool about Myrtle Beach. The sand is too hard and the town is a hole. Charleston is better, but still lacks the soft sand necessary for a quality beach.
When you escape the heat this summer and travel to one of the beaches I love or dislike, be sure to take care of it. Clean up after yourself, enjoy what nature has provided for us, and try to make decisions in your daily life that protect our land and water. (My short PSA)
