What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Labor Day weekend? The beach! Whether you’re drawn to the golden sands of California or the lively boardwalks of the Jersey Shore, we’ve found the best beach in every state for your Labor Day weekend getaway. So grab your sunscreen, pack those beach chairs, and let’s make this one last hurrah before fall rolls in.
Alabama⼁Gulf Shores
Why go: Sugar-white sand + warm Gulf waters = the type of relaxation you’ve been dreaming of.
Must-do: Try parasailing, paddleboarding, or just plant your beach chair and stay put.
Local bite: The Hangout – seafood, live music, and exciting events all in one spot.
Alaska⼁Homer Spit
Why go: A narrow strip of land stretching into Kachemak Bay, offering miles of beaches.
Must-do: Wildlife spotting and world-class fishing.
Stay here: Land’s End Resort – cozy rooms and gourmet dining right at the spit’s end.
Arizona⼁Lake Havasu State Park
Why go: A desert oasis with sandy beaches and sparkling waters.
Must-do: Boating, swimming, tanning, and maybe even a jet ski are in your future.
Where to party: Kokomo Beach Club – tropical drinks and vibes.
Arkansas⼁Lake Ouachita
Why go: Known for some of the cleanest, clearest water in the U.S.
Must-do: Swim, fish, kayak.
Stay here: Mountain Harbor Resort – cabins, a marina, and a spa for post-adventure downtime.
California⼁Malibu (Zuma Beach)
Why go: Wide sandy beach, great surf, and Santa Monica Mountain views.
Must-do: Surf lessons or a beach picnic.
Stay here: Malibu Beach Inn – ocean views from your room.
Colorado⼁Boulder Reservoir
Why go: A local favorite with mountain views and calm waters.
Must-do: Spend a day on the water enjoying paddleboarding or swimming.
Eat here: Boathouse — Baja Mexican flavors and American classics.
Connecticut⼁Hammonasset Beach State Park
Why go: Over two miles of sandy shoreline with picnic spots, a popular campground, and a serene nature reserve.
Must-do: Picnic or explore the nature reserve right at the beach.
Eat here: The Wharf — fresh seafood and live acoustic Fridays.
Delaware⼁Rehoboth Beach
Why go: Vibrant boardwalk, family-friendly atmosphere, and laid-back beach town vibe.
Must-do: Stroll the boardwalk and relax on the beach.
Eat here: Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats — craft beer and local flavors.
Florida⼁Clearwater Beach
Why go: Soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters. A slice of the Mediterranean right in the U.S.
Must do: Stay on the beach all day and watch the sunset over the water.
Drink here: Sandbar — beachfront tiki bar with the best sunset views.
Georgia⼁Tybee Island
Why go: Clean beaches and a tight-knit community on this historic barrier island.
Must do: Visit the Tybee Lighthouse and Museum.
Eat here: The Crab Shack — low-country boils with marsh views.
Hawaii⼁Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Why go: Iconic golden sands, gentle surf, and vibrant nightlife.
Must do: Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau on the beach.
Eat here: Duke’s Waikiki — live music, Hawaiian cuisine, and the famous Hula Pie.
Idaho⼁Sandpoint City Beach
Why go: Breathtaking mountain views and plenty of water activities on Lake Pend Oreille.
Must do: Rent a kayak and paddle along the shoreline.
Eat here: Trinity at City Beach — waterfront dining with all the views.
Illinois⼁Oak Street Beach, Chicago
Why go: Relaxing beach experience right in the middle of Chicago.
Must do: Join a beach volleyball game.
Drink here: Shore Club — cabanas with cocktails and gourmet bites.
Indiana⼁Indiana Dunes National Park
Why go: Unique dune formations and 15+ miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan.
Must do: Take a guided nature walk through the dunes.
Eat here: Bartlett’s Fish Camp — fresh seafood and craft beers at one of the only waterside dining options in the region.
Iowa⼁Okoboji
Why go: Several connected lakes with clear waters and sandy beaches.
Must do: Ride a rollercoaster at Arnolds Park Amusement Park, right on the lake.
Drink here: Barefoot Bar — beach bites and nightly parties.
Kansas⼁Wilson Lake
Why go: Known as the “clearest lake in Kansas,” rugged shoreline with cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Must do: Hike one of the scenic trails along the cliffs.
Stay here: The Lodge at Russel — easy access to lake activities.
Kentucky⼁Lake Cumberland
Why go: Vast shoreline with secluded coves and clear waters.
Must do: Rent a houseboat and explore on-the-lake living.
Visit: State Dock Marina — boat and houseboat rentals in the houseboat capital of the world.
Louisiana⼁Grand Isle
Why go: Traditional Louisiana experience on a barrier island with seven miles of public beach.
Must do: Take a fishing charter for deep-sea fishing.
Stay here: Hurricane Hole Marina & Resort — waterfront dining, a pool, and fishing charters.
Maine⼁Old Orchard Beach or Sand Beach
Why go: Old Orchard Beach – amusement park, pier, and lively beach atmosphere. Sand Beach – located in Acadia National Park, surrounded by green trails and ocean views.
Must do: Ride the Ferris wheel on the pier at Old Orchard Beach. Go stargazing at Sand Beach.
Eat here: The Brunswick — large deck with live music and ocean views.
Maryland⼁Ocean City
Why go: Energetic boardwalk and long sandy beach stretch.
Must do: Try your luck at mini-golf or arcade games on the boardwalk.
Drink here: Seacrets — massive waterfront complex with bars, live music, and seating in the water.
Massachusetts⼁Cape Cod (Nauset Beach)
Why go: Classic Labor Day weekend beach with everything for relaxation.
Must do: Rent bikes and explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Eat here: The Beachcomber in Wellfleet — A Cape Cod staple with fresh seafood and live music.
Michigan⼁Sleeping Bear Dunes
Why go: Towering dunes with hiking trails and lush forests.
Must do: Climb the dunes for panoramic views of Lake Michigan.
Eat here: Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor — cherry-themed treats and wines.
Minnesota⼁Park Point Beach, Duluth
Why go: Longest freshwater sandbar in the world with great swimming.
Must do: Walk the sandbar at low tide for amazing lake views.
Drink here: Canal Park Brewing Company — craft beers with Lake Superior views.
Mississippi⼁Gulfport Beach
Why go: Calm waters with southern charm and family-friendly amenities.
Must do: Take a sunset stroll along the beach.
Eat here: Shaggy’s Gulfport Beach — casual coastal dining.
Missouri⼁Lake of the Ozarks
Why go: Popular lake destination with numerous coves and sandy spots for swimming.
Must do: Rent a boat for a day on the water.
Eat here: Dog Days Bar & Grill — live music and food on the water.
Montana⼁Flathead Lake
Why go: One of America’s largest freshwater lakes with stunning mountain views.
Must do: Spend the day on the lake and attend a live music show at The Raven at night.
Go here: The Raven — Caribbean-style food and the longest-operating live music venue on Flathead Lake.
Nebraska⼁Lake McConaughy
Why go: White sandy beaches and blue waters in the middle of Nebraska.
Must do: Go fishing or swimming in the clear waters.
Stay here: Admiral’s Cove Resort cabins — on-site restaurant and all the lake activities.
Nevada⼁Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe
Why go: Crystal-clear waters and sandy coves perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Must do: Snorkel in the clear waters or hike nearby trails.
Eat here: Lone Eagle Grille — cozy lodge dining experience.
New Hampshire⼁Hampton Beach
Why go: Classic New England beach with a family-friendly boardwalk and summer concerts.
Must do: Attend a summer concert or fireworks show.
Eat here: The Goat — beach bar and grill known for its burgers and live music.
New Jersey⼁Cape May
Why go: Gorgeous beaches and small-town charm with Victorian architecture.
Must do: Take a historic trolley tour around town.
Eat here: Rusty Nail — laid-back beach bar with tasty food and drinks. Don’t forget to order a famous Jersey Shore orange crush!
New Mexico⼁Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Why go: The largest lake in New Mexico, with desert surroundings.
Must do: Camp under the stars or rent a boat.
Eat here: Casa Taco — delicious tacos and fresh margaritas.
New York⼁Jones Beach
Why go: Popular beach destination with miles of sandy shore and facilities.
Must do: Attend a summer concert or festival at the amphitheater.
Eat here: Yummier Beach Club — flavor, culture, and good times.
North Carolina⼁Outer Banks (Nags Head)
Why go: Rich history and sandy beaches.
Must do: Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial nearby.
Eat here: Blue Moon Beach Grill — southern coastal cuisine, friendly service, and good vibes.
North Dakota⼁Lake Sakakawea
Why go: Expansive waters and picturesque shoreline.
Must do: Rent a boat and go fishing in the lake.
Eat here: Lund’s Landing Restaurant — home-style cooking on the lake.
Ohio⼁Headlands Beach State Park
Why go: The largest natural sand beach in Ohio.
Must do: Set up a picnic on the beach.
Eat here: Brennan’s Fish House — fresh seafood and freshwater fare since 1973.
Oklahoma⼁Lake Eufaula
Why go: Extensive shoreline with swimming, boating, and fishing spots.
Must do: Visit the local marina or rent a jet ski.
Go here: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park — camping, water slides, and plenty of activities for the whole fam.
Oregon⼁Cannon Beach
Why go: Iconic Haystack Rock, breathtaking coastal views, and a quaint seaside town atmosphere.
Must do: Search for tide pool creatures at low tide.
Eat here: Wayfarer Restaurant — Pacific Northwestern cuisine with fine wines and ocean views.
Pennsylvania⼁Presque Isle State Park
Why go: Sandy peninsula jutting into Lake Erie with diverse beaches, trails, and wildlife.
Must do: Rent a bike and cruise the park’s scenic paths.
Eat here: Sara’s Restaurant — nostalgic retro diner serving up burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream.
Rhode Island⼁Misquamicut State Beach
Why go: Summer hotspot with lively atmosphere and clean beaches.
Must do: Join a beach volleyball game or dance party.
Party here: Paddy’s Beach Club — beachfront party vibes.
South Carolina⼁Myrtle Beach
Why go: Wide beaches, bustling boardwalk, and vibrant nightlife.
Must do: Visit the SkyWheel for aerial views of the coastline.
Eat here: Sea Captain’s House — fresh seafood and Southern hospitality.
South Dakota⼁Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
Why go: Long sandy beach along the Missouri River with outdoor activities.
Must do: Rent a kayak or paddleboard on the river.
Eat here: Meridian Corner — beloved local spot serving up hearty meals and friendly service.
Tennessee⼁Norris Lake
Why go: Serene retreat with clear waters and secluded beaches.
Must do: Hike nearby trails or rent a boat for the day.
Go here: Stardust Marina — boat rentals, lakeside dining, and breathtaking views.
Texas⼁South Padre Island
Why go: Beaches, water sports, and nightlife.
Must do: Go parasailing for an unforgettable experience.
Drink here: Clayton’s Beach Bar — the largest beach bar in Texas with live music and cold drinks.
Utah⼁Bear Lake
Why go: Turquoise waters and sandy beaches, aka the “Caribbean of the Rockies.”
Must do: Explore nearby hiking and biking trails.
Eat here: Coopers at Bear Lake West — good food, good drinks, and good people.
Vermont⼁Lake Champlain (North Beach)
Why go: Sandy paradise with scenic views and excellent facilities.
Must do: Rent a paddleboat or canoe.
Eat here: Splash at the Boathouse — waterfront seafood and cocktails.
Virginia⼁Virginia Beach
Why go: Quintessential beach with a fun boardwalk and miles of sandy shore.
Must do: Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
Eat here: Waterman’s Surfside Grille — popular oceanfront restaurant with fresh seafood.
Washington⼁Ruby Beach
Why go: Dramatic sea stacks, rugged coastline, and tide pools within Olympic National Park.
Must do: Explore tide pools and photograph sea stacks at sunset.
Stay here: Kalaloch Lodge — cozy accommodations with a restaurant and panoramic views.
West Virginia⼁Summersville Lake
Why go: Crystal-clear waters, unique rock formations, and serene swimming spots.
Must do: Go cliff jumping or scuba diving.
Eat here: Maloney’s Pub — hearty pub fare and craft beers.
Wisconsin⼁Bradford Beach, Milwaukee
Why go: Classic urban beach activities in the heart of Milwaukee.
Must do: Attend a beachside concert or event.
Eat here: The Dock — beachside restaurant with live music.
Wyoming⼁Colter Bay, Jackson Lake
Why go: Sandy beaches with views of the Teton Range.
Must do: Hike trails in Grand Teton National Park nearby.
Eat here: The Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge — an upscale experience with gourmet food and top-notch service.
Beach, please
The only question you should be asking is which beach to hit next, not whether you’ve got the right travel insurance. Protect your Labor Day getaway with Faye, and enjoy peace of mind wherever the sun takes you.
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration on how to spend your Labor Day weekend.
