9 Most Instagram-Worthy Beaches in America
We totally get the importance of making jaws drop over our Instagram posts. This is why each week, we're scouring the app far and wide to bring you the most Insta-worthy photo opps in America that you can totally duplicate. Come back every Friday for additional IG inspo!
Summer may just about be a thing of the past this year, but we decided to post this week's Insta-Worthy for those who struggle to say goodbye to the best activity of the season: hitting the beach.
But what's a beach outing if not a glorious excuse to take some photos of the sweet surf or picture-perfect white sand and share them on Instagram?
From the calm and pristine beaches of Nantucket, Massachusetts, to the dramatic and picturesque coastline of Carmel, California, America is full if seasides that are too gorgeous not to snap a pic of, and they're bound to get you tons of Insta likes. Keep scrolling to see what we mean (and attempt to hit 'em up before it gets too cold outside)!
Hulopoe Beach
Location: Manele Bay, Hawaii
Let's get real, just about everywhere you look in Hawaii is downright stunning, and the array of beaches scattered across several islands are no exception—but Hulopoe Beach is in a league of its own. Located on the island of Lana'i, Hulopoe Beach, which borders Hulopoe Bay, is consistently named one of the best beaches in America, and is the perfect locale for snorkeling and swimming. In fact, large tide pools located at the eastern side of the bay, which have been naturally carved out of volcanic rock, are well protected, meaning the clear blue waters are calm and ripe for exploring. Talk about a photo op!
Myrtle Beach
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
As the largest resort along South Carolina's 60-mile Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is extremely popular with vacationers, and it's not hard to see why. In addition to the actual beach's soft white sand and endless opportunities for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, sailing and surfing, the surrounding area boasts amusement and water parks, restaurants and tons of live entertainment.
Surfside Beach
Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
For something a bit less congested but just as picturesque, head to Surfside Beach in Nantucket, Massachusetts. With its surf-friendly waters and wide stretches of sand, Surfside Beach is ideal for hitting the waves, having a picnic, and playing beach games. Basically, it's the perfect setting for a quintessential seaside experience, and if you stay long enough you'll be able to snap an awesome sunset pic to boot.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Location: Key West, Florida
For a gorgeous beach with a little history thrown in, head to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where you can spend an entire day soaking up the sun and snapping one beautiful photo after another. Whether you want to go snorkeling or have lunch by the ocean, Fort Zach (as the locals call it) has got you covered. What's more? Inside the park you'll find a remarkable old fort named after President Zachary Taylor that was used during the Civil War to protect the Key West Harbor. Snap a few pics at this stunning historical site and watch the likes roll in.
Moshup Beach
Location: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Since it's tucked beneath the infamous Gay Head Cliffs of Martha's Vineyard, Moshup Beach is an unspoiled paradise of pristine coastline, with soft, white sand framed by red, brown and tan striated cliffs that loom from above. In fact, the colorful cliffs are so close to the beach that it's not uncommon to see sunbathers treating themselves to mud baths using the mud from the rock formations. Talk about a unique photo op!
Main Beach
Location: East Hampton, New York
There's a reason tons of New Yorkers flock to East Hampton's Main Beach every summer, and we're betting it has something to do with the soft white sand and incredibly tasty lobster rolls that are available at the upscale snack bar, which also sells burgers, ice cream, and an array of other sweet treats. Oh, and the mega-mansions that dot the coastline aren't bad to look at either. In fact, they make a great backdrop for a beachy Insta photo that's bound to turn heads.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Location: Outer Banks, North Carolina
Stretching for about 72 miles along the Atlantic coast on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a skinny strip of barrier islands from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island. The area, which is managed by the National Park Service, boasts some of the best fishing and surfing on the east coast. What's more? The lighthouses that dot the region, like the black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse seen below, make this an especially scenic spot worthy of an Instagram post or two.
Carmel Beach
Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Dog-friendly Carmel Beach, which is located in the aptly named Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, not far from Monterey, is a great place to go if you want to include your pup in on the Insta fun. Volleyball and other beach activities are popular at this picture-perfect spot, which boasts breathtaking views of the California coastline. No filters needed here!
Ogunquit Beach
Location: Ogunquit, Maine
The Abenaki people named this gorgeous 3.5 miles of coastline "Ogunquit," which translates to "beautiful place by the sea." If that doesn't pique your interest, then perhaps you'll be pleased to know that Ogunquit is often rated among America's top beaches, thanks to its super soft sand, sandbars and safe, shallow waters. If these circumstances aren't ideal for taking the perfect Instagram pic, then we don't know what is!
For more Instagram-worthy locales, click HERE to find out where you can find the nine most photo-worthy cupcakes in America.
