Top 5: U.S. Beach Cities

Skyscrapers, busy urban streets and the sounds of honking car horns are sounds typically synonymous with a laidback beach vibe. But the United States has a few such places where hectic city life meets soothing sands and waters. Mix the best of both worlds with a trip to one of the country’s best beach cities, including the following.

Miami Beach

Known for high fashion, succulent seafood and chic shopping, Miami Beach stretches from South to North Beaches, the latter of which is less crowded and the stretch of which varies nearly every mile.

Santa Monica

Graced by the eye-catching Ferris wheel at the end of the pier, Santa Monica is 3.5 miles of sun, sand and scream-worthy attractions. Do as the locals do and strap on a pair of roller blades to skate down to Venice Beach.

Mission Beach, San Diego

San Diego is the quintessential beach city that almost guarantees warm, sunny weather on most days of the year. Stroll the Pacific boardwalk at Mission Beach and marvel in the classic boardwalk days of yore.

North Avenue Beach, Chicago

For the few summer months when Chicago isn’t freezing, locals head to the shores of Lake Michigan, particularly Michigan Avenue Beach where the Midwestern metropolis spills out into a water sports paradise.

Jacob Riis Park, New York

Hop the ferry to this Queens-area beach for more than just a patch of sand and a water view. This Big Apple beach is also home to the Beach Bazaar with boutique shops, live music and local food. Other projects in the works include yoga classes and ping pong tournaments.