Are East Coast beaches better?

The only debate worth having is which side of Florida has the best beaches. The Atlantic coast has plenty to offer in the way of water sports. They get the better waves and, thus, some greater action. Florida's Gulf Coast, however, is responsible for those visions of smooth, sandy beaches and crystal, clear water.



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We'd argue that most of the country's best stretches of sand are actually along the Atlantic Ocean, and a few of them even offer clear water and white sand to rival anything you'd find on a Caribbean vacation. Here, we've rounded up 40 of the best beaches on the East Coast so you can plan your getaway accordingly.

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The waves that come from the Atlantic Ocean are significantly higher, so if you're looking to go surfing – the East coast is better, he explained. The wind on the East coast drives the waves, Dr. Beach said, leading to better surf and a cool breeze, too. The East coast also has bigger sand dunes than the West, he said.

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Distance from sediment sources: Beaches located far from major sediment sources, such as rivers or coastal erosion, tend to have clearer water. Sediments suspended in the water, including particles like sand, silt, or clay, can decrease water clarity and make it appear murky.

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Hawaii is home to many of the best beaches in the US, but Makena Beach State Park, at the south end of Wailea, is a wild, seemingly endless expanse of golden sand and turquoise water that feels more secluded than its crowded neighbors.

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Both Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard have some of the bluest waters on the East Coast, and Martha's Vineyard has much to offer visitors.

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Sediment plays a big factor in water color. Smaller, more fine sand particles can make water murkier since they are easily agitated. In clear water, sediments may be coarser and tougher to stir up since they are heavier and made of shell pieces and dead coral chunks.

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The only debate worth having is which side of Florida has the best beaches. The Atlantic coast has plenty to offer in the way of water sports. They get the better waves and, thus, some greater action. Florida's Gulf Coast, however, is responsible for those visions of smooth, sandy beaches and crystal, clear water.

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There are five states lucky enough to have a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, often referred to as the Gulf Coast. These states — Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida — attract millions of travelers each summer with promises of emerald waters and white-sand beaches.

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6 Places with the Bluest Water in the U.S.
  1. Blue Hole – Santa Rosa, New Mexico. ...
  2. Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks, Alaska. ...
  3. Las Olas Beach – Fort Lauderdale, Florida. ...
  4. Grand Lake – Grand Lake, Colorado. ...
  5. La Jolla Cove & Sail Bay – San Diego, California. ...
  6. Lake Conway – Edgewood, Florida.


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?? The Best Clear Water Beaches in the USA
  • Calusa Beach (Big Pine Key), Florida. ...
  • Huntington Beach, California. ...
  • Marquette (Lake Superior), Michigan. ...
  • Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, Florida. ...
  • Kailua Beach, Hawaii. ...
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida — One of the Cleanest Beaches in the US. ...
  • Myrtle Beach (The Grand Strand), South Carolina.


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Some of the best states for beaches on the East Coast include Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. Florida is known for its pristine white sand beaches, while North Carolina has the beautiful Outer Banks.

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