5 US Beaches Flying Under the Radar

 PHOTO: Sandbridge Beach, Virginia. (photo via Flickr/lina smith)

Memorial Day signals the long-awaited return of summer for most Americans.

While nearly 40 million U.S. travelers are projected to hit the road for the extended holiday weekend this year, millions more will flock to America’s beaches at some point this summer.

Miami, Myrtle Beach, Honolulu and other iconic destinations are certain to draw a crowd once again in 2017 so consider instead these more underrated stretches of coastline:

Waipi’o Valley Beach, Hawaii

Looking for some adventure with your summer beach escape? Check out Waipi’o Valley on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Getting down to the mile-long stretch of black sand beach isn’t easy—you’ll have to hike or take a 4WD vehicle—but it’s totally worth your time. Depending on the weather conditions, you may even be able to catch the Kaluahine and Waiulili waterfalls at their best.

Sure, no one wants to root for rain at the beach but even that’s beautiful in Waipi’o Valley.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach is one of the many underrated stretches in the Mid-Atlantic despite drawing well over two million visitors each year.

The variety of attractions here is what helps set Rehoboth apart: When you’re not lying out under the sun, you can stroll the boardwalk, dine on local cuisine and shop ’til you drop at one of many stores.

There are also a plethora of parks and museums to explore.

St. Augustine, Florida

The oldest city in America is also home to some of the nation’s most beautiful beaches. 

There’s plenty of gorgeous white sand to go around at St. Augustine Beach and nearby Crescent Beach, which are perfect for relaxing by the ocean or engaging in some adrenaline-pumping water sports.

While there’s nothing wrong with Daytona, Tampa, Miami, etc., St. Augustine is one of the Sunshine State’s known-but-underappreciated summer hangouts.

Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

Virginia’s Sandbridge Beach is overshadowed by Virginia Beach to the north and the Outer Banks to the south. 

Dubbed the “Outer Banks of Virginia”, Sandbridge Beach may be lacking crowds but it certainly isn’t short on sea and sunshine. Beach houses and condos are available for rent here, so bring the entire family for a truly relaxing beach.

Virginia Beach is just a stone’s throw away, so there are plenty of attractions and nightlife to explore there as well.

 READ MORE: 13 Things You’re Doing Wrong at The Beach 

Orange Beach, Alabama 

Located just east of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Alabama is an ideal beach to wash away your summer worries. 

Average high temperatures hover around 90 degrees here in the summer months, and there’s no shortage of things to do if you somehow grow bored of all that sun and sand. Take a romantic dolphin-sighting cruise with your better half, go parasailing or take a ride on one of the highest Ferris wheels in the Southeast at The Wharf.

Whatever you do, just don’t come back without some tan lines. 

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