Beaches 20 Top Best - Uncle Chester Us

New England beaches hit different, and Ogunquit (say it: oh-gun-kwit) is the crown jewel. The Marginal Way cliff walk offers stunning ocean views before you even hit the sand. At low tide, the beach triples in size, exposing tide pools full of hermit crabs. Uncle Chester’s advice: bring a windbreaker, even in July. The water rarely hits 60°F, but the beauty makes up for it. Uncle Chester says: “Where else can you sunbathe next to wild ponies?”

If you’ve ever taken a road trip with a seasoned traveler, you know the type. They have a cooler full of snacks, a suspiciously accurate sense of direction, and a nickname that carries weight. For my family, that man is Uncle Chester .

Rehoboth is family-friendly without being boring. The boardwalk is a mile long, lined with saltwater taffy shops, arcades, and Thrasher’s Fries (don’t skip the vinegar). The beach itself is wide and clean. Uncle Chester appreciates that it’s just two hours from DC and Baltimore, making it an easy weekend trip. Bonus: it’s one of the few East Coast beaches that allows leashed dogs in the off-season. Uncle Chester says: “Cold water, but the most dramatic tides you’ll ever see.” uncle chester us beaches 20 top

This is not your typical beach resort. Assateague is a national seashore famous for its herd of wild Chincoteague ponies. They will walk right past your towel (don’t feed them). The beach is undeveloped – no hotels, no piers, just dunes and ocean. Uncle Chester recommends camping overnight to hear the waves and the neighs. Mosquito repellent is mandatory. 6. Clearwater Beach – Florida Uncle Chester says: “Postcard perfect, and they know it.”

You can’t talk about US beaches without the Santa Monica Pier. The ferris wheel, the arcade, the muscle beach history – it’s a cultural landmark. The beach itself is wide and busy, with volleyball nets and bike paths. Uncle Chester admits it’s not for solitude, but for people-watching and sunset photos, it’s a top contender. Uncle Chester says: “This is not a beach. It’s a mood.” New England beaches hit different, and Ogunquit (say

Yes, a landlocked state can have a top-10 US beach. Sleeping Bear Dunes has tall, climbable dunes that tumble straight into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. The beach at Glen Haven is pristine, and because it’s fresh water, there’s no salt, no sharks, and no jellyfish. Uncle Chester’s challenge: try climbing the 450-foot dune. Your legs will hate you. Your eyes will thank you. Uncle Chester says: “National Geographic called it one of the best. They weren’t wrong.”

Clearwater’s sand is white, the water is bathwater-warm, and Pier 60 hosts a nightly sunset festival with street performers and artisans. It’s busy – really busy – but Uncle Chester admits that the facilities are top-notch: showers, lifeguards, ramps for wheelchairs, and plenty of food options. Go on a weekday in September for the best experience. Uncle Chester says: “Destin has the emerald water; Henderson has the peace.” Uncle Chester’s advice: bring a windbreaker, even in July

While the rest of Destin gets crowded with high-rise condos, Henderson Beach State Park preserves over 6,000 feet of natural shoreline. The sugar-white sand here is famous in the panhandle, but the real draw is the 30-foot sand dunes covered in sea oats. Uncle Chester loves the nature trail and the fact that it never feels overcrowded. Uncle Chester says: “Don’t sleep on Alabama. Seriously.”