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?”
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.”
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.” uncle chester us beaches 20 top
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: “My personal number one. Don’t tell Cape Hatteras.”
Over six decades, Uncle Chester has dipped his toes in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf, and Great Lakes. He’s the guy who knows which beach has the softest sand, which boardwalk serves the best fried clams, and which shorelines are tourist traps versus hidden gems. After pestering him for months, I finally got him to spill the beans. New England beaches hit different, and Ogunquit (say
Tucked inside Los Padres National Forest, Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its violet-colored sand caused by manganese garnet deposits washed down from nearby hills. The waves crash through a keyhole rock arch, creating explosive spray at high tide. Uncle Chester’s warning: the road in is narrow and rough, and parking fills up by 10 AM. Go early, bring lunch, and prepare for no cell service. Uncle Chester says: “If Jacques Cousteau designed a beach, it would look like this.”
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.” Uncle Chester’s advice: bring a windbreaker, even in July
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. 10. Cannon Beach – Oregon Uncle Chester says: “Haystack Rock makes you feel like you’re in a movie. Because you are.”
