Slice of Paradise
The US is known to house some of the prettiest beaches in the world, but they aren’t all made equally. From sun-soaked shores to hidden coastal gems, some of these beaches are completely neglected by people. With that in mind, here are 10 beaches that are in a terrible state, and 10 with a clean bill of health.
1. Cole Park Beach
The views of the skyline and recreation options at Corpus Christi's Cole Park are nice. The water, not so much. Cole Park's beach ranks first in Texas for the most unsafe swimming days based on high bacteria counts from Environment America's 2022 report. Chronic pollution at Cole Park from untreated sewage spilling during rain events has plagued the city for years.
vastateparksstaff on Wikimedia
2. Flying Point Beach
The beach at Southampton's Flying Point looks like a Hamptons playground. But its water quality has high bacteria levels from runoff that comes down Mecox Bay and accumulates there from stormwater runoff. The bay water is contaminated with antiquated septic systems and cesspools.
3. Goose Rocks Beach
The white sand beach at Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine, may seem inviting, but the sparkling water may not be as clean as it appears. In 2022, the state's Department of Environmental Protection named Goose Rocks the state's most polluted beach because two heavily polluted tidal rivers feed high levels of bacteria. Swimmers are generally safe, but during periods of heavy rain, high tide, and strong currents, bacteria levels can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
InAweofGod'sCreation on Wikimedia
4. Imperial Beach
Surfers know Imperial Beach, south of San Diego, for its beachy pier and surf spots, but the scenic Pacific town is mired in a pollution crisis. The Pacific is often contaminated by raw sewage flowing from Mexico’s Tijuana River. The sewage spill in 2023 was so severe that all water samples collected failed state safety standards that year, and the beach was closed as officials worked.
5. Kalapaki Beach Park
Kalapaki may appear to be paradise, but the waters here are far from clean. The site has been tested repeatedly for bacteria and routinely found to have high levels. One 2023 study sampled a nearby stream 100 times, and every single sample was deemed unsafe for recreation. Don't let the beautiful backdrop of green mountains and high-end resorts trick you; there are frequent advisories here against swimming.
6. King’s Beach
King's Beach, located in Swampscott, Massachusetts, was a popular beach until it became well known for being very contaminated. Old storm drains and decommissioned sewage systems still run pollution, like sewage, into the water. Some residents have become desensitized to the contamination due to King's Beach's history of pollution and low rankings in water reports.
7. Easton’s Beach
Easton's Beach in Newport, Rhode Island, was a Gilded Age playground for the super-rich. But Newport's east end is also the state's dirtiest beach, due to high bacteria levels from Easton's Stream, contaminated runoff, and ocean water spray. As a result, the beach is often closed to swimmers.
Amit Chattopadhyay on Wikimedia
8. Gulfport West Beach
Mississippi's Gulfport West Beach is one of the dirtiest beaches in the state, with frequent advisories about bacteria in the water. After heavy rains, the advisories are more likely, probably because of runoff and spills from wastewater pipes and septic tanks. But the problem is spreading to other nearby beaches, according to a new report.
9. Linda Mar Beach
Linda Mar Beach, sometimes known as Pacifica State Beach, is notorious for being one of California's dirtiest beaches. Ongoing pollution from urban runoff, San Pedro Creek, and pet waste has resulted in poor water quality scores. The beach is popular with surfers, sunbathers, and dog walkers, in spite of the health risks.
10. Mother’s Beach
Mother's Beach, located in Marina del Rey, is a calm and family-oriented beach. However, the still waters of the small harbor have limited water circulation, which causes bacterial pollution to build up in the cove. This has led to the beach receiving several failing grades for water quality and swim advisories, such as a no-swim order as recent as September 2024.
Now that we’ve talked about some of the dirtiest beaches around, here are 10 of the best in the US.
1. Gulf Shores Public Beach
Gulf Shores Public Beach, located in Baldwin County, is an example of a clean beach. It has white sand and clear turquoise water. Regular beach cleanups and good beach management keep pollution and litter from being a problem. It is also a safe place to swim and enjoy the beach.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region on Wikimedia
2. Newport Beach at 38th Street
Newport Beach at 38th Street is known for its sparkling sand and crystal-clear waters. It is often praised for its cleanliness and safety, with lifeguard patrols, effective waste management, and regular maintenance contributing to a pristine environment. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and engage in family-friendly activities with peace of mind regarding pollution and water quality.
3. Dewey Beach-Swedes
Dewey Beach-Swedes, located in Sussex County, Delaware, ranks high in terms of water and beach cleanliness. The beach's well-kept, groomed shoreline, coupled with its crystal-clear waters, provides a safe swimming and recreation experience. This is due in large part to consistent maintenance, proper solid waste management and disposal, and strong local conservation support and initiatives.
4. Bowman’s Beach
Bowman's Beach is a beach in Lee County, Florida. The soft white sands, clear waters, and peaceful surroundings make it a popular place for families and visitors looking for a relaxing day by the sea. It is well-maintained and features regular cleanups and strong conservation efforts, making it a safe and pristine environment for visitors to enjoy.
5. Tybee Island North
Tybee Island North is a section of the beach in Chatham County, Georgia, that is noted for its clean sands, clear water, and picturesque coastal views. The shore is kept pristine with consistent beach maintenance and local conservation efforts, making the area a safe and inviting place to swim and relax. The region is well-maintained and is popular with families, sunbathers, and wildlife observers.
6. Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, is known for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning ocean views. The beach is well-maintained, and there is a strong emphasis on local conservation efforts, ensuring a clean and safe swimming and sunbathing experience. Its pristine conditions and serene atmosphere make it a popular spot for families, snorkelers, and those looking for a picture-perfect Hawaiian beach experience.
7. Singing Beach
Renowned for its soft, squeaky sand and sparkling clean waters, Singing Beach is a beautiful shoreline in Essex County, Massachusetts. Well-maintained with the help of many local conservationists, Singing Beach is as inviting as it is safe for swimmers and sunbathers. Hence, it is a great place to visit for families and beach-goers who are looking for a New England coastal experience.
8. Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary's County has clean, well-kept beaches on both the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Conservation and maintenance efforts by area officials keep the beaches' sands clean and their waters safe for swimming. The park's scenic waterfront and manicured shoreline also draw families, anglers, and other visitors looking for a quiet beach getaway.
9. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The beach at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Dare County, North Carolina, is a picturesque beach with clean and wide sands and clear, inviting waters. Frequent maintenance and protective conservation efforts are implemented to maintain the shoreline's pristine condition and safe swimming conditions. The scenic views of the historic lighthouse and well-maintained beaches attract many families, photographers, and nature lovers.
National Park Service on Wikimedia
10. Hampton Beach State Park
Hampton Beach State Park is located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. The park is known for its clean sands and well-maintained shoreline. Routine maintenance and local environmental preservation have provided safe swimming and a clean atmosphere. It is a beautiful setting for ocean views and is a family-friendly park for visitors looking for a traditional New England beach.
The original uploader was Decumanus at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
