Summer approaches, and many Americans desire beach trips, though often prefer to avoid crowded areas.
However, vacation rental company Florida Panhandle conducted research, analyzing 450 popular U.S. beaches based on TripAdvisor reviews mentioning how “busy” they were, to identify the most jam-packed coastlines.
The resulting list highlights beaches that frequently feature breathtaking scenery, convenient access, and excellent amenities, which are key reasons tourists and locals are drawn to them. Here are the top 10 most crowded beaches in the USA according to this research:
1. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, holds the distinction of being the most crowded beach in America. Its immense popularity stems from several key factors, including its beach-friendly weather, which allows for enjoyment year-round.
The ease of access from the numerous resorts lining its shoreline also makes it an exceptionally convenient and popular choice for tourists.
This high level of activity is reflected in reviewer feedback, with just over 13% of TripAdvisor reviewers specifically mentioning how busy the beach was.
This combination of accessibility, climate, and surrounding accommodations firmly places Waikiki at the top of the list for crowded US beaches.
2. Manatee Public Beach, Florida
Manatee Public Beach, located in Holmes Beach, Florida, is a significant attraction, encompassing a 7-acre stretch of pristine white sands.
This beach is a consistent favorite for both locals and tourists due to its appealing characteristics. Its convenient beachside facilities, which enhance visitor comfort and enjoyment, are a major draw.
Additionally, the warm waters make it highly inviting for swimming and other aquatic activities. The combination of these amenities and natural features contributes to the beach’s constant crowds.
Approximately nine percent of reviewers on TripAdvisor specifically noted the persistent crowds at Manatee Public Beach.
3: Golden Gardens Park, Washington
Golden Gardens Park stands out as a unique crowded beach, especially given its location in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) where sandy beaches are considered rare gems.
This scarcity contributes significantly to its popularity. When the weather is favorable, both locals and tourists are drawn to this PNW beach in large numbers.
Visitors to Golden Gardens Park can enjoy scenic water views, expansive sandy shores, and picturesque hiking opportunities.
The combination of its rarity and recreational offerings makes it a highly sought-after destination. Just over 8% of reviewers for Golden Gardens Park specifically commented on the beach’s crowds.
4: Main Beach, California
Main Beach, situated in Laguna Beach, California, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic sections of Southern California’s coastline.
Its fame is well-deserved, characterized by its pristine blue surf, soft sands, and a vibrant, energetic boardwalk that adds to its appeal.
This beach’s picturesque qualities are so renowned that it has frequently appeared in various movies and television shows, further cementing its iconic status.
Such high visibility and inherent beauty naturally attract a large volume of visitors, contributing to its crowded nature. Just over 7% of reviewers noted their complaints about the crowds at Main Beach.
5: Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, California
Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, found in Santa Barbara, California, is a highly favored destination known for its stunning natural features.
The park boasts picturesque bluffs that are beautifully lined with towering palm trees, creating a scenic backdrop.
Its shore is uniquely etched with tide pools, offering fascinating opportunities for beach exploration. Furthermore, this beach is notably pup-friendly, making it a beloved spot for dog owners to enjoy with their companions.
These diverse attractions, catering to paddleboarders, general beach explorers, and dog lovers alike, contribute to its busy atmosphere. Just over 7% of reviewers discussed how crowded Arroyo Burro County Beach Park was.
6: Mission Beach, California
Mission Beach in San Diego, California, is recognized as a very popular destination, drawing significant crowds.
This one-mile stretch of white sands is advantageously located inside the sheltered Mission Bay, providing calm waters.
The area surrounding the beach is extensively lined with numerous hotels and resorts, which are designed to cater specifically to tourists.
Furthermore, Mission Beach is a frequent venue for large events, which further increases visitor numbers. While acknowledged for its beauty, the combination of its resort infrastructure and event hosting makes it consistently busy.
According to Florida Panhandle researchers, 6.96% of reviewers specifically complained about the crowds at Mission Beach.
7: Magic Sands, Hawaii
Magic Sands, located in Kahaluu-Keauhou, Hawaii, is particularly prone to crowds primarily due to its small size.
Despite being tiny, it remains a highly favored spot, especially for swimmers during the summer months.
Even though the beach is known to experience winter swells, which can impact swimming conditions, this does not deter tourists from flocking to the area consistently throughout the entire year.
Its allure as a swimming haven, combined with its limited space, ensures that it is almost always busy. Approximately 6.72% of reviewers noted the persistent crowds at Magic Sands.
8: Moonlight State Beach, California
Moonlight State Beach is situated in the town of Encinitas, just north of San Diego, California, and is known as a stunning public beach.
Historically, this beautiful spot was favored by locals for moonlight picnics, though it now closes at dusk. Despite the change in hours, its appeal during the day remains strong, attracting a considerable number of both locals and tourists.
The beach’s inherent beauty and accessible nature ensure it continues to be a popular daytime destination.
The steady flow of visitors contributes significantly to its busy environment. Specifically, 6.66% of reviewers reported that Moonlight State Beach was busy.
9: Silver Beach County Park, Michigan
Silver Beach County Park is uniquely positioned at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, along the shores of Lake Michigan.
This location contributes to its appeal and a variety of activities it offers. Throughout the entire summer season, the park warmly welcomes a diverse range of visitors, including fishers, swimmers, and sun-seekers.
The sheer volume of people engaging in these popular summer pastimes ensures that the beach is anything but quiet during these months.
Its status as a bustling hub for various recreational activities makes it a consistently busy spot. As noted by 6.49% of reviewers, this is indeed a very busy beach.
10: Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach in Florida is a highly sought-after destination, renowned for its azure waters, soft sands, and extensive facilities.
These amenities include a full playground, making it particularly appealing for families with young children.
The warm and calm waters further enhance its suitability, positioning it as an ideal location for a family vacation.
While these features create a perfect setting for relaxation and fun, they are also precisely what draws large crowds to the area.
The combination of its natural beauty and family-friendly infrastructure ensures its popularity, as discussed by 6.35% of reviewers who commented on the crowds.
Alicia Richards