My Top Picks For Unique U.S. Beaches - Follow My Yellow Brick Road

Sand in unique colors, surreal landscapes, historical significance…These are all elements that make a beach unique to the rest.

Beach destinations conjure up visions of crystal blue waters and extensive sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. Some are in exotic locales, some are close to home. But what makes a beach unique in its own way? Of course, all have items that are in the standard formula of beaches. But my top picks for unique beaches include elements that make them stand apart from the rest. Over the years, my travels have brought me to some amazing beaches and these are my top picks for unique U.S. beaches.

Pa’iloa Beach in Maui, Hawaii…

is located in Wai’anapanapa State Park, located just off the Hana Highway on the outskirts of Hana. The park’s name translates to “glistening water”. And as you approach its beach, you understand why. The contrast between the beautiful blue waters against the pitch black sand is quite striking. Created by the pounding surf on the bubbling lava coming from Haleakela, this beach became what many visitors enjoy today. And it just took at least a thousand years or more to create. Wow!

Naturally formed structures including sea arches, caves, blowholes and an amazing coastline are all part of this park. But this beach is unique not just because of its sand. It’s also a historically significant area.

Its caves are the scene of tragic legend that ended in the murder of Chief Ka’akea’s wife, Popo’alaea’s, at his hands. Supposedly, she ran away due to his cruelty. She and her attendant hid in these caves until her reflection was seen by Ka’akea. Every spring, on the night of Ku, red shrimp cover the cave floors making it blood red. This marks the anniversary of Ka’akea’s bloody murder of his wife and friend.

One last thought..Take your photos quickly here. Standing on black sand is much hotter than white sand. Ouch! To read more of my family’s Maui adventure, click here: https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?p=4921

And that leads me to my next unique beach…

Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida

Imagine sand that is the exact opposite of Pa’iloa Beach? Pure white sand, soft as talc powder and cool on your feet? Known for its brilliant quartz sand, this is Siesta Key. You will never have to worry about burning your feet on this dreamy sand. The sand coupled with turquoise waters and many beachside amenities, this slice of beach heaven is a go to for tourists around the world.

Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Looking for pink sand beaches? Look no further than the crown jewel of the Atlantic –the lovely island of Bermuda.

That rosy shade results from a blend of crushed coral and calcium carbonate from organisms called red forminifera. Sunbathers, swimmers, photographers and dreamers – none can resist the lure of these beaches, especially Horseshoe Bay, one of the world’s most Instagrammed beaches.

Sanibel Island, Florida

Conch Shells · Junonia Shells · Lightning Whelk Shells · Cockle Shells · Tulip Shells · Sand dollar. All of these types of shells and more can be found on Sanibel Island. Not surprising that this place is known as the “Shelling Capital of the World.” Because of its unique barrier island terrain, shells wash up on shore throughout the year. Join other shell collectors and perform the Sanibel Stoop referring to the position many shell lovers take to find the perfect shell.

Our first trip here as a family was when our kids were just 4 and 8. The smiles on their faces examining their “shell treasures” after a day of collecting is so heartwarming to this mom!

There are many beaches for shelling on Sanibel but our top pick is Bowman’s Beach. Why? This beach is somewhat more secluded than others on this island but this is what made it more appealing for my family.

No vendors here so be sure to bring your lunch and plenty of water. A five-minute hike across a bridge and over the dunes from the parking lot brings you to the sand which stretches for miles. The entire area north of the entrance is devoid of development. Just perfect!

There is more than just shells to collect on Florida beaches. Head over to…

The Beaches of Amelia Island, Florida

if you’re into shark teeth. Amelia Island’s shoreline is a shark tooth hunter’s dream. And searching for sharks’ teeth has become a tradition here. It’s not only fun and family friendly, it’s free!

So how did these beaches become a shark tooth hunter’s dream? The teeth are said to date back to a 20-million-year-old geological deposit. “Amelia Island sharks’ teeth are sourced to the dredging of nearby channel to the north and west. Over time, tides, currents and “beach nourishment” projects disperse this natural treasure of fossilized shark teeth along the shoreline much to the delight of beachcombers.”https://ameliaislandliving.com/fernandinabeach/2018/01/amelia-island-sharks-teeth-hunted-along-beach/

In addition to shark’s teeth, you’ll find an abundance of shells on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach as well.

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia

A stop at Jekyll Island while on a college road trip for my son was certainly a stroll down memory lane for me. I remember stopping here on family road trips as a child. So, of course, this was a must stop on our way through Georgia.

Visiting Driftwood Beach was on our to do list. Created by constant erosion, this surreal landscape of bleached and preserved fallen trees is like none other we’d seen before.

Marconi Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Why did I choose this beach as a unique beach? Well, for two reasons– (1) its history and (2) its rocky coastline.

The picturesque beach is named for Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi. In 1903, the first transatlantic wireless communication originating in the United States was successfully transmitted from nearby Marconi Station. The message was from Theodore Roosevelt to King Edward VII. The beach was also used by Camp Wellfleet for rocket and artillery testing.

Marconi Beach is very popular among surfers and boogie boarders. It is one of five Cape Cod national seashore beaches that are on the ocean side of the Cape, generally providing a better surf than beaches on the bay side. It is, however, very rocky, so it is not the best for swimming but the landscape great for collecting rocks.

Seals can frequently be seen in the waters off Marconi Beach which was a treat for this family of animal lovers.

And of course…

Long Island Beaches in New York

Hey.. I’m a Long Island girl and to me, our beaches deserve a shout out. This slice of New York is home to an array of beaches. Each provide a unique experience and many have significant historical meaning. Jones Beach, Fire Island, Robert Moses..the list is endless and each provide a unique experience. For example, at the turn of the century, the Fire Island lighthouse was the first sight of land for many European immigrants.

World-renowned for their fine white sand, spectacular waves, miles of boardwalks, trails, shore-side restaurants, public picnic areas, and beautiful sunrises & sunsets, Long Island beaches are a must see for any beachgoer.