You’ve seen The Goonies , right? That’s Cannon Beach. The iconic Haystack Rock rises 235 feet from the surf, surrounded by tide pools full of starfish and anemones. The beach is huge, windswept, and dramatic. Uncle Chester advises: the water is freezing year-round (55°F max). This is a walk-and-gawk beach, not a swim beach. Also, bring a sweater even in August.
In the end, Uncle Chester’s top 20 beaches are not a ranking of opulence, but a roadmap of democracy. They are places where a family of four can spend a week without a second mortgage. They are stretches of shore where the primary entertainment is the horizon, and the primary activity is remembering how to do nothing at all. uncle chester us beaches 20 top
Of course, no list from a traditionalist is complete without the Atlantic giants. , might be kitschy, but Uncle Chester loves the boardwalk—the $5 t-shirts, the saltwater taffy, and the family arcades. It is the working man’s paradise. Further north, he would honor the historical weight of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware , and the sheer, untouched wildness of Assateague Island , Maryland/Virginia, where wild horses roam the surf. He would argue that Cape Henlopen offers the best fishing pier tax dollar can buy. You’ve seen The Goonies , right
La Jolla Cove is small but mighty. Protected as an ecological reserve, the water is crystal clear and full of garibaldi fish, leopard sharks (harmless), and sea lions lounging on the rocks. Snorkeling and kayaking are world-class. Uncle Chester’s tip: walk the coastal trail to see the seals at Children’s Pool, but respect the closures during pupping season (December–May). The beach is huge, windswept, and dramatic
Hawaii consistently dominates top rankings due to its pristine volcanic landscapes and turquoise waters. Kaanapali Beach