We look at the first two beaches in the continental USA to be awarded a Blue Flag for excellence. Plus, three other incredible beaches.
Are you attracted to buying a property in the USA because you want a beachy lifestyle? With a coastline that stretches for thousands upon thousands of miles, it can be hard to choose just one patch of sand for you. I have picked five gorgeous beaches that you might like to be your local place to swim and bathe.
Find homes in the USA via our property portal.
1. Westward Beach, Malibu, Los Angles
View of Westward Beach from Point Dume, Malibu.
Previously, the USA has not put any of their beaches forward for a Blue Flag Award. Based mainly in Europe, the Blue Flag Award programme recognises beaches for their cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and overall excellence. This year, the first Blue Flags were awarded in the continental United States of America. Westward Beach was one of two beaches to be given this award. As well as giving visitors extra reassurance that this beach is cared for and well-maintained, it will now be providing educational activities to the public.
Westward Beach is known for its super powerful waves. It has been the haunt of professional surfer Kelly Slater, and several premier surfing events are held here each year. Lifeguards are present but the surf can be too strong for some swimmers, so be careful about going in.
Westward Beach has disability access, volleyball courts, snack bars, showers and plenty of parking. If the waves ever do look too rough, there is lots of fun to be had on the sand.
Westward Beach is also famous for being an incredible place to watch the sun setting over the ocean or the mountains. Due to Westward’s beauty, you’ll often see people marrying here.
Best for: surfers. Sunset snaps.
Where? Westward Beach is located in Point Dume along the end of Malibu off the Pacific Coast Highway.
Price of property: According to Zillow, the average price of a home in Malibu is $3,406,947. This is down 7.8% over the past year.
2. Delray Beach, Delray, Florida
From up above: Delray Beach.
Delray was the other American beach to be awarded the Blue Flag. The two-mile long beach boasts of temperate waters and high-quality sand. You can snorkel, paddleboard, fish, and cycle here too. Plus, there are bicycle racks and picnic tables to enjoy.
Delray Beach is near to Atlantic Avenue. A stylish spot with al fresco bistros, cool pubs and boutique shops. In addition, from the aptly named Heart of Delray Gallery to the Blue Gallery and beyond, the area is known for its art scene. Swim in the morning, have a bite to eat at an al fresco bistro and brood over art in the afternoon, sounds fabulous, no?
Best for: A fun vibe. Those looking for a beach with lots to do once the salt water has dried on their skin and hair.
Where? Delray is in Palm Beach in south-eastern Florida. It lies along the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find it nestled between Boyton Beach and Boca Raton.
Price of property: Zillow’s data shows that the average home value is $346,140.
3. Port Aransas Beach, Mustang Island, Texas
Sunrise at Port Aransas.
Before you, a stunning six-mile-long stretch of white sand on the Gulf of Mexico, known for its warm waters. Port Aransas is a wide beach, so it’s unlikely anyone will be treading on your towel. It is amazing for swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, shallow water fishing and bird watching. Plus, for a fun day out, you can go on a dolphin watching cruise. Another entertaining thing to do is to rent a golf cart to explore the full length of the beach – you can drive them on the road too.
Best for: An all-round beach experience. Plus, the joy of driving a golf cart.
Where? Port Aransas is located on the northern part of Mustang Island. It can be reached by car, boat or ferry. It does have an airport for small planes only.
Price of property: Mustang Island is in Nueces County, where, according to Zillow, the average home value is $222,141.
4. Will Rogers State Beach, Santa Monica
Will Rogers State Beach.
In addition to being named after a 1930s movie star, this beach has another claim to fame. It is the place to embrace your inner super attractive lifeguard as it is where the hit television show Baywatch was originally shot. The beach extends for one and three quarters miles. Both the sand and waters are praised for being so clean and beautiful. It is an excellent place for swimming and skin diving. Moreover, it has a walk and cycle path. There’s also a volleyball court, playground, and gymnastic equipment. One thing to bear in mind is that does not have a diverse array of food options, so you might prefer to bring your own picnic.
Best for: Your best Baywatch inspired pose and run. Volleyball and swimming.
Where? Located between Pacific Palisades and Topanga, it is known for being less busy than nearby beaches.
Price of property: According to Zillow, the average house value in Santa Monica is $1,660,978.
5. Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island, Rhode Island
Mohegan Bluffs promises to be worth the trip.
If you like to feel like you have earned your time to flop down and doze, this is the beach for you. This beach is set at the base of the 200-foot-tall Mohegan Bluffs. With 141 steps leading down to It, this beach isn’t one you want to bring a load of stuff or a toddler on your hip to. Cyclists love to journey here too.
What Mohegan Bluffs does offer incredible views of the surrounding clay cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
There are not lifeguards here, so you will have to feel sure of your swimming ability and the water before taking a dip. You might come across a nudist or two.
Best for: Those seeking an out-of-the-way beach and a unique experience.
Where? Block Island is located roughly nine miles south of Rhode Island. Block Island has its own airport that does domestic flights. However, the regular, year-round ferry service tends to be people’s first choice. If you like the sound of Block Island but are not so keen on 141 steps to the beach, there are seventeen other beaches to explore. Crescent Beach is another favourite.
Price of property: Block Island is about six miles long and 3.5 miles wide. It has a year-round population of 1,000. As such, it is hard to get concrete data on the average price of property here. However, the average price of a Rhode Island home is $432,888, as reported by Zillow.
Sources: Blue Flag, Zillow: Real Estate, Apartments, Mortgages & Home Values.
