The best U.S. beaches to visit in 2025, based on a new study

Planning your 2025 beach vacation?

By Amanda Teague Published February 21, 2025

Avila Beach — PublicCo / Pixabay

As travelers start planning their perfect beach getaway for 2025, a new study has revealed the top destinations to visit across the United States. HomeToGo has just released its 2025 Beach Index, ranking the best 35 beach destinations based on factors like affordability, local charm, hidden gem status, and ideal weather conditions.

Taking the top spot this year is Avila Beach, California, a picturesque retreat on the state’s Central Coast. With its golden sands, invitingly warm waters, and a high Hidden Gem Score, Avila Beach offers a peaceful escape before it becomes a mainstream favorite.

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Rounding out the top three are Kure Beach, North Carolina, and Cherry Grove Beach, South Carolina. Kure Beach is a serene alternative to North Carolina’s busier shorelines, while Cherry Grove Beach is beloved for its gentle surf and the iconic Cherry Grove Pier.

The study also offered some financial insights, finding that in 2025, beach-goers can expect to pay an average median nightly price of $121 per person. However, Surfside Beach, Texas, offers the most wallet-friendly accommodations, with a median price of only $66 per person.

America’s best beaches: The full list

North Carolina beach — erinlanderson / Pixabay

Here’s the full list of America’s best beaches, according to HomeToGo.

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Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

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St. Simons Island

Looking for a beach getaway without the crowds? U.S. News & World Report has just named St. Simons Island, Georgia, the most underrated travel destination in the country. As part of its annual Best Vacations rankings, the outlet evaluated more than 1,500 global destinations, scoring them across categories like culture, food, and adventure. When all the data was in, this quiet Georgia barrier island topped the list.

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Wander alone, but never feel lonely

Boston

Solo travel is having a moment, and for good reason. There’s something incredibly freeing about waking up in a new place with zero compromises on what to do, see, or eat. Personally, I love solo trips because I get to follow my own schedule (or ditch it entirely), try new things, and meet people I might never have crossed paths with otherwise. And while Europe gets a lot of buzz for solo adventures, there are tons of amazing destinations stateside, too. From historic cities like Boston to laid-back beach towns and scenic mountain escapes, these are some of the best places for solo travel in the USA.

Boston, Massachusetts