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Uncle Chester isn’t your typical travel blogger. He’s a retired coast-guard veteran with 40 years of sand between his toes. He doesn't care about VIP clubs or overpriced cocktails. He cares about three things: Sand Quality, Water Clarity, and Scenery.
"I've walked every coastline from the rocky shores of Maine to the volcanic sands of Hawaii," Chester says. "If it’s on this list, it’s worth the trip. If it’s not, keep driving."
Here are Uncle Chester’s picks for the Top 20 Beaches in the USA.
The Ultimate Ranking of America’s Coastline uncle chester us beaches 20 top
Uncle Chester says: “The most beautiful freshwater beach in the world.”
Yes, a landlocked state can have a top-10 US beach. Sleeping Bear Dunes has tall, climbable dunes that tumble straight into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. The beach at Glen Haven is pristine, and because it’s fresh water, there’s no salt, no sharks, and no jellyfish. Uncle Chester’s challenge: try climbing the 450-foot dune. Your legs will hate you. Your eyes will thank you.
Uncle Chester says: “Spring break chaos, but also sea turtle heaven.” Uncle Chester isn’t your typical travel blogger
South Padre is split personalities: March is loud and wild; the rest of the year, it’s a laid-back barrier island with incredible wildlife. Go to the Sea Turtle Inc. rescue center, then walk the beach to see if you can spot a Kemp’s ridley turtle nest. Uncle Chester warns: the sun is intense here. Bring SPF 50 and a shade tent.
11. Gulf Shores, Alabama Uncle Chester loves a hidden gem. Alabama has some of the finest white sand you’ll ever see. It’s laid-back, affordable, and the fishing is top-notch.
12. Destin, Florida Known as the "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village." The water here is a deep emerald green, contrasting with blindingly white sand. It’s a paradise for anglers and snorkelers. The Ultimate Ranking of America’s Coastline Uncle Chester
You’ve seen this in movies (The Goonies). Uncle Chester says to visit at low tide to see tide pools full of purple ochre stars and anemones. The beach is vast, cool, and often foggy—bring a fleece. But the silhouette of Haystack Rock at sunset? Unforgettable.
San Diego’s crown jewel. Uncle Chester loves the underwater reserve: clear, gentle waters with garibaldi fish and leopard sharks (harmless!). The cove is small, so get there early. Also, share the sand with sea lions—they’re protected, so keep your distance.
Uncle Chester insists: “You haven’t done beaches until you’ve done a Great Lakes beach.” Lake Michigan’s water is shockingly clear, and the dunes tower 450 feet above the shore. Climb the Dune Climb, then collapse onto the pebbled shores of Glen Haven. It feels like an ocean without salt or sharks.