Uncle Chester Us Beaches 20 Top -
Uncle Chester says: “Don’t sleep on Alabama. Seriously.”
Most people overlook Alabama’s coastline, but Gulf Shores offers soft sand, gentle waves, and the legendary Hangout Fest music event. The public beach is well-maintained with a fishing pier and a pavilion. Uncle Chester’s insider tip: drive 10 minutes west to Fort Morgan for a quieter, more historic beach experience with fewer umbrellas.
Uncle Chester saves the best for near-last. Bahia Honda has a natural sandspit and the old railroad bridge ruins. The water is bath-warm and brilliant blue. Snorkel the reefs right off the beach. “It’s the closest you’ll get to the Bahamas without customs.”
Uncle Chester says: “The most beautiful freshwater beach in the world.” uncle chester us beaches 20 top
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: “Yes, New Jersey. But the historic, classy part.”
Forget Jersey Shore stereotypes. Cape May is a Victorian seaside town with bed-and-breakfasts, a historic lighthouse, and a beach that’s clean, wide, and family-focused. The water is warmer than most of the Northeast, and the beach tags (small fee) keep it less crowded. Uncle Chester loves taking the Cape May–Lewes Ferry just for the view. Uncle Chester says: “Don’t sleep on Alabama
Uncle Chester says: “If Jacques Cousteau designed a beach, it would look like this.”
La Jolla Cove is small but mighty. Protected as an ecological reserve, the water is crystal clear and full of garibaldi fish, leopard sharks (harmless), and sea lions lounging on the rocks. Snorkeling and kayaking are world-class. Uncle Chester’s tip: walk the coastal trail to see the seals at Children’s Pool, but respect the closures during pupping season (December–May).
Uncle Chester says: “Spring break chaos, but also sea turtle heaven.” Uncle Chester says: “The most beautiful freshwater beach
South Padre is split personalities: March is loud and wild; the rest of the year, it’s a laid-back barrier island with incredible wildlife. Go to the Sea Turtle Inc. rescue center, then walk the beach to see if you can spot a Kemp’s ridley turtle nest. Uncle Chester warns: the sun is intense here. Bring SPF 50 and a shade tent.
A hidden unicorn. Uncle Chester calls it “the most photogenic beach in the lower 48.” The sand is streaked with purple due to manganese garnet. The keyhole rock frames the sunset perfectly—if you hit the right winter swell, waves blast through the hole like a geyser. Note: narrow road, no RVs.
