The USA’s Best Beach Cities

When you’re on a backpacking adventure around the USA there’s a plethora of urban experiences you can enjoy, from seeing the sights in buzzing metropolises such as Las Vegas to chilling in the sun in stylish beachside cities.

Let’s check out the best of these coastal communities:

Los Angeles

LA is to the west coast what New York is to the east coast. Boasting a buzzing nightlife scene, myriad attractions – Hollywood; Universal Studios; Disney – and a magnet for celebrities, the City of Angels is more than a little bit cool.

It’s also got some fantastic beaches and is something of a Mecca for surfers, having been the epicentre of the sport in mainland America for many years.

Learn to surf at one of the numerous trendy beach resorts – Malibu, Huntington Beach, Long Beach or Newport Beach – and then afterwards chill out at a seafront bar watching the sun set over the Pacific.

Miami

Giving LA a run for its money in the cool stakes, the Magic City is a place where you can live life to the maximum.

If you’ve ever fancied having a Spring Break-esque experience, head to one of the city’s hedonistic pool parties and continue the party after the sun goes at a super club. Then when the sun comes up, roll out onto the sand to let the sea breeze soothe your head.

Other attractions in Miami include its excellent shopping, top sports teams and lively music scene.

San Francisco

If you’re after a bit more of a cultural experience, San Francisco could be the coastal city for you.

Sample delicious seafood at the world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf, stroll along Baker Beach to take in the views of the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge and get a unique prisoner’s perspective on the island of Alcatraz.

Chicago

Okay, so Chicago technically isn’t a coastal city, but given that Lake Michigan is 307 miles long and 118 miles wide, it certainly seems like you’re by the open ocean when you’re standing on one of the city’s 24 public beaches.

Despite its northerly setting close to the border with Canada and its nickname ‘The Windy City’, Chicago is generally hot and humid during the summer, giving you a chance to hit the beach and top up your tan.

If it’s raining, Chicago’s dining, shopping and entertainment options will keep you amused for days.

New York

Unlike Chicago, New York is a coastal city, but relaxing on the beach isn’t one of the activities you tend to associate with a place that is best-known for its landmarks, parks and theatre district.

However, the Big Apple actually has some lovely sandy beaches that feature a spectacular backdrop of skyscrapers, so if the weather is nice, give yourself a breather from the fumes and noise of Manhattan and hit the sand.

Panama City Beach

You can be forgiven for missing Chicago and New York’s strips of sand, but in a place containing the words ‘beach’ and ‘city’ there’s less of an excuse.

Panama City Beach enjoys a prime spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast and this can only mean a few things: white sand, warm water and blue skies. City beaches don’t come better than this, so don’t forget to pack to your swimwear and suncream.

Photo credit: header, venice beach