Uninterrupted ocean views, stunning scenery, minimal crowds, and good old peace and quiet. If that sounds like your idea of vacation heaven, then keep reading. We’ve found places across America that offer all this and more. And not just cities or towns, but specific beaches that are known for total relaxation—and minimal crowds. Some of our picks have a low-key village feel, others are so remote you’ll probably be able to add human-spotting to your list of activities.
Get the peaceful retreat you deserve by booking your own vacation rental from TripAdvisor—the option that gives you an entire home for the duration of your stay, stocked with all the amenities you could wish for.
Stop the noise. Pick your favorite destination. Aaaand breathe.
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA

Where To Relax With Less Crowds: Del Monte Beach
There’s plenty in Monterey to help you unwind and get back to nature. Try the calm and quiet of Del Monte Beach, tucked away from the more popular stretches and loved by locals because of it. Here you can surf and stroll to your heart’s content, or just sit and watch the waves.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Monterey! EASTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

Best Beach For Relaxing: Dyer Prince Beach
The 17th-century pilgrim settlement of Eastham makes a tranquil Cape Cod getaway. Wander the paths along the shore taking in sweeping views of the dunes and marshes. To really get away from it all, turn off your phone, pick up your book, and make your way to Dyer Prince Beach. It’s only accessible via a rather overgrown pathway, making it a bit of a hidden gem. Here you’ll find a small beach edged with calm waters.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Eastham! CAROVA, NORTH CAROLINA

“Nice place and location. Wild horses everywhere, great views from the home and very relaxing.” — TripAdvisor Rental Review
This is one for people who really want to switch off. In fact, there isn’t even a paved road to Carova. You won’t find any hotels here, just quiet, comfortable vacation rentals where you’ve got the whole home to yourself, and probably most of the beaches too. Spend long lazy days on the sands feeling more like yourself every minute, interrupted only by wild horses enjoying the surroundings just as much as you are.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Carova! CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CALIFORNIA

Not far away from our first pick of Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea is a tiny beach town with an artsy feel. Whether your idea of best beach vacations include relaxing wine tastings, afternoons touring quiet art galleries, or days spent horizontal on a clean white sandy beach, Carmel-By-The-Sea is a great option.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Carmel-By-The-Sea! KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Our Most Scenic Pick: Kiawah Beachwalker Park
This pretty South Carolina barrier island offers ten miles of rolling sand dunes and sea grasses, not to mention pristine and mercifully quiet golf courses. One of the best beach vacations for families, Kiawah Island is kid-friendly but not overrun—just what you need to chill. Try Kiawah Beachwalker Park where you can walk through pine trees and yucca plants before emerging onto the sands.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Kiawah Island! TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

Most Chilled-Out Beach: North Bar Lake Beach
Set next to the blue waters of the Grand Traverse Bay is Traverse City, known for its Cherry Festival, scenic driving territory, and quiet cycle and hiking trails with unspoiled views. You’ll want to make a stop at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to discover its beaches (North Bar Lake Beach is particularly stunning), sand dunes, and forests. If you’re more of a lakeside cabin person than sandy beach house, Spider Lake is the perfect spot for kayaking, canoeing, or lounging on the dock.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Traverse City! DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA

“This condo is exactly as described. The location is superb with a view of the sea and the pool. We had everything we needed for a really stress-free stay.” — TripAdvisor Rental Review
Best Beach To Relax: Salt Creek Beach
Particularly popular with surfers and fitness fans, Dana Point is simply charming. Join a tour to watch whales and dolphins or choose calm Salt Creek Beach, with its sands, grassy recreation areas, and picnic tables pointed right at those fantastic North Pacific views. Head up to higher ground for an even better look at this gorgeous stretch of California.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Dana Point! BANDON, OREGON

Set on Oregon’s southern coast, Bandon is one of the best beach vacations out West you probably haven’t considered. It offers a gentle pace of life, with views so incredible you might not even get through your round of golf. It’s a year-round hub for hikers, cyclists, and wildlife fans, who come to watch migratory birds and the occasional seal or sea lion appear on the beautifully preserved beaches.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Bandon! ROQUE BLUFFS, MAINE

Come to Roque Bluffs for its crowd-free sand and pebble beaches, for glimpses of waterfowl, bald eagles, and plovers, or to kayak and fish your way around the gentle waters of Simpson Pond. Then why not wander the trails through the Roque Bluffs State Park to discover its orchards and fields? We can feel the stresses of real life melting away just thinking about it…
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Roque Bluffs! MOLOKAI, HAWAII

“Whether you want to relax by the ocean or hike to a waterfall, the location is perfect. The house layout is great so we never felt crowded.” — TripAdvisor Rental Review
The beautiful island of Molokai is where you’ll find an authentic Hawaiian welcome without the crowds or modern interruptions you get on some of the the more popular neighboring islands. This is a place where you’ll have certain beaches to yourself and where the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. Seek out the black sands of Awahua Beach (you may need a guide to help you find it). The water’s a bit choppy so be careful swimming, but the peace and quiet is unbeatable. With beachfront bungalows or tropical rainforest cabins for rent, Molokai is truly one of the best beach vacations to explore your inner zen.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Molokai! WELLFLEET, MASSACHUSETTS

Best Tranquil Beach: Bound Brook Island Beach
Wellfleet sits on a strip of land just two miles wide, flanked by pretty beaches and kettle pools. It’s criss-crossed with nature trails, where adults and children alike can learn about Wellfleet’s natural environment. Back in the quaint town center you’ll find many tiny art galleries, and you’ll want to stop and taste the famous Wellfleet oysters, too. Check out secluded Bound Brook Island Beach, one of the most tranquil places in Cape Cod.
See all TripAdvisor rentals in Wellfleet! Check out this post on the TripAdvisor Rentals blog to see the full list of most relaxing beach vacations!