7 of the Prettiest U.S. Beaches That Aren’t on the Ocean

If you don’t live near the coast or don’t want to travel all the way to the ocean, there are plenty of pristine stretches of sand across the U.S. boasting postcard-worthy panoramic views. Relaxing lakeside is idyllic in any season, whether you take a vacation in autumn — when leaves turn brilliant shades of amber, crimson, and gold — or in summer, when the weather is ideal for activities such as paddleboarding and canoeing. Sans salt (and sea creatures!), these seven spots in the U.S. are some of the prettiest beach destinations that aren’t located on the ocean.

Oval Beach – Saugatuck, Michigan 

The hamlet of Saugatuck is home to a thriving arts community on Lake Michigan. It’s also a popular port for boaters and beachgoers in summer. One of the best places to experience the beauty of the region is Oval Beach, which is known for its crystalline waters and picturesque backdrop of rolling sand dunes. The soft, white sand is great for long walks at sunset — after spending the day there, it’s easy to see why it has repeatedly been named one of the best freshwater beaches in the world by TripAdvisor.

Million Dollar Beach – Lake George, New York

Lake George in upstate New York became famous for its steamboat tourism in the 19th century, and visitors still flock to this summer vacation spot. Located between the valleys of the Hudson and St. Lawrence rivers in the Adirondacks, Million Dollar Beach lives up to its name with its picturesque landscape. But its name actually comes from the cost to build the park in 1951 (roughly $1 million, or $12.5 million today), which is when its legacy as a coveted beach destination began. Today, it also offers amenities such as a volleyball court, picnic tables, a shower and changing room facility, concessions, and grills.

Sanders Beach – Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Named after V.W. Sander, the first postmaster of Coeur d’Alene, a popular resort town in northwest Idaho, Sanders Beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene is famous for its 1950s Craftsman-style beach cottages along a beautiful golden stretch of sand. Locals love the beach for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and its views of Tubbs Hill. The hill’s 165 acres feature dense pine and fir forests as well as unique rock formations and cliffs.

Whitefish City Beach – Montana

Hugging a 7-mile-long glacial lake in northwestern Montana, Whitefish City Beach is a remarkable stretch of sand at the edge of Glacier National Park. It offers views of the jagged Rocky Mountains along with docks, gazebos, designated swimming areas, and picnic tables. Visitors can enjoy boating, waterskiing, and fishing, but simply spending a day on the sand, taking in the fresh mountain air, is also a great way to experience this magical Montana watering hole. 

Round Hill Pines Beach – Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Round Hill Pines Resort Beach is one of the most stunning freshwater beaches in the nation, offering unparalleled views of Mount Tallac, Emerald Bay, and Tahoe’s West Shore. The half-mile-long stretch of sand is family-friendly, featuring a snack bar in addition to boat, jet ski, kayak, SUP, and bike rentals. With crystal-clear water and jaw-dropping forest and mountain vistas, the refreshing oasis is a true gem for lake lovers.

Riviera Beach – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

A resort city in southeastern Wisconsin, Lake Geneva is often overlooked by those flocking to nearby Lake Michigan, but for travelers in the know, the charming city has some of the best beaches in Wisconsin. Riviera Beach, in particular, offers views of the shoreline shops and is nestled near the scenic 21-mile-long Geneva Lake Shore Path. The path traverses past historic estates with landscaped gardens, many of which were built by Chicago natives who fled to the area after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Today’s visitors can take in the sun and sand before exploring the sights or spend all day splashing in the water on a summer day in the Midwest.

East Beach – Lake Crescent, Washington

Lake Crescent is a hidden treasure that radiates beauty, rain or shine. The pristine waters of this glacier-carved lake are unnaturally calm and home to the Beadslee and Crescenti trout, two types of fish found nowhere else in the world. To best take in the natural splendor of the surrounding rainforest of Olympic National Park, you’ll want to venture to East Beach, where you can launch a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.