Top US Beaches for Calm and Quiet

Beaches are supposed to be serene escapes, where you can hear the sound of the surf.  But many are full of  buzzing phones, crowded boardwalks or party crowds blaring loud music.

These US beaches are top-rated for being calm, quiet and relaxing, based on online reviews which include at least one of those words.

To find out which US beaches are the calmest, the study looked at around 250,000 guest reviews from TripAdvisor for 158 beaches across the country, then calculated how often the words “calm,” “quiet,” and “relax” appeared in the reviews, ranking each beach by the percentage of reviews that mentioned these terms.

1. Holden Beach, North Carolina

Its uncrowded sands, small-town charm, and strict limits on commercial development may explain why so many people find it a peaceful haven, including endangered sea turtles, who nest here.

Midway between Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this is a classic Carolina beach town where time seems to slow down with the tide.

2. Lewes Beach, Delaware

Set at the meeting point of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, this spot is praised for being quiet, family-friendly, and refreshingly free of the party crowds that flock to bigger beach towns.

3. Cape Charles Beach, Virginia

This Chesapeake Bay gem offers protected waters and gentle waves, making it ideal for kids and anyone seeking a low-key escape. Plus, the town’s historic charm and slow coastal pace add to the peaceful vibe.

4. Chic’s Beach, Virginia

Just beyond the buzz of Virginia Beach. Locals often refer to it as a hidden gem, perfect for anyone who wants beach days without the crowds, parking chaos, or loud boardwalk noise.

5. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

Despite being within driving distance of Virginia Beach proper, Sandbridge maintains a quieter atmosphere with vacation homes instead of high-rises and hotels.

6. Oak Island Beach, North Carolina

Evening walks, lighthouse views, and long stretches of undeveloped shoreline make Oak Island a hit among serenity seekers, and its lesser-known status keeps it peaceful.

7. Sullivan’s Island Beach, South Carolina

Located close to Charleston, it offers calm waters, charming beach houses, and zero commercial clutter. There aren’t even hotels or big restaurants on the island.

8. Bethany Beach, Delaware

While it’s in a busy resort area, it has earned a reputation for being a more refined, family-friendly choice, with less nightlife, more nature.

9. St. Andrews Beach, Georgia

In ninth, Georgia’s St. Andrews Beach proves small can be mighty. Tucked away on Jekyll Island, this beach is known for its undisturbed natural setting and wildlife views.

Another choice on Jekyll Island is Driftwood Beach, which always gets top ratings as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, for its abundance of unusually-shaped driftwood trees, some still upright, others lying in the sand.  The photo is from my recent visit there.

10. Goose Rocks Beach, Maine

Located in Kennebunkport, Maine and operated by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, with a mandate to protect white sands, dunes, and stunning views of the Goose Rocks Barrier Reef for future generations.  This is a peaceful escape, even in peak summer.

The Trust also operates historic homes and forest preserves nearby.

Top 50 calmest beaches in the US

No beaches in either Hawaii or Florida made the top ten list, but they did rate in the top 50.  Here’s the full list, with their share of reviews highlighting beach calmness.