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With the exception of Hawaii, states in the Northern U.S. have the five highest amounts of public beaches per capita. Alaska's whopping , compared to its relatively low population help it take second place on the list. You'll also see states bordering the Great Lakes—like Michigan and Wisconsin—crack the top 10, in a reminder that beaches don't necessarily have to be oceanfront.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 5
- Total public beaches: 57
- Miles of public beach: 16.79

Though Illinois doesn't border an ocean, it does have . are particularly popular, with residents playing volleyball at North Avenue Beach and paddleboarding off of boat-free Hollywood Beach.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 5
- Total public beaches: 29
- Miles of public beach: 16.73

This mid-Atlantic state offers for locals and tourists alike, including summer vacation destinations like Ocean City Beach, fishing favorites like Sandy Point, and campgrounds with beaches like Rocky Gap State Park Beach. Maryland is also home to , where wild horses roam.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 5
- Total public beaches: 24
- Miles of public beach: 21.86

Just because Louisiana is better known for its swamps doesn't mean the beaches are anything to sniff at. The pristine beaches at are particularly popular with fishermen, thanks to the 400-foot pier, while campers can set up tents right on the sand at .

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 5
- Total public beaches: 47
- Miles of public beach: 36.53

The eponymous Virginia Beach is this state's best-known beach; it even holds the title of the . The 3-mile-long is a magnet for tourists, but if you prefer a quieter, more serene getaway, you might explore . Located just south of Virginia's Assateague Island, Chincoteague is home to wild ponies—you'll often see them grazing the shoreline.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 6
- Total public beaches: 167
- Miles of public beach: 331.35

With , Texas has an abundance of sandy beaches. Corpus Christi is a particularly popular beach destination, with options that offer all of the bars, restaurants, and amenities tourists love, like , as well as more natural, unspoiled beauty, like .

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 6
- Total public beaches: 242
- Miles of public beach: 362.38

Given Southern California's pop culture dominance, it's easy to equate the Golden State's beach culture with , , or . But overlooking Northern California's shoreline would mean leaving out some truly incredible natural landscapes, including in Fort Bragg, in Sonoma Coast State Park, and in Redwoods National Park.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 6
- Total public beaches: 75
- Miles of public beach: 43.74

Thanks to Lake Erie on its northern border, Ohio has 313 miles of shoreline—though only a fraction of that is publicly accessible. Come summer, Ohioans flock to public beaches like , which boasts a small beach a short walk from the campground, and , which has beaches along Lake Erie as well as an inland lake.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 7
- Total public beaches: 21
- Miles of public beach: 34.50

The white sand beaches, excellent deep-sea fishing, and 24-hour casinos in make it a popular beach destination for Mississippians and visitors alike. Though that town has the state's most well-known beach, and are also local favorites.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 11
- Total public beaches: 217
- Miles of public beach: 104.37

The Empire State is perhaps best known for the —where those among the richest 1% summer alongside 20-somethings escaping humid New York City—but that's not all New York has to offer. Drive about seven hours northwest of the Hamptons and you'll discover that Rochester also has —just on Lake Ontario rather than the Atlantic Ocean.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 11
- Total public beaches: 16
- Miles of public beach: 8.76

Most weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, traffic will be backed up on I-95 with lines of beachgoers just trying to make it to . Other, perhaps less crowded, New Hampshire beaches include rocky in Rye and on Lake Winnipesaukee.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 14
- Total public beaches: 80
- Miles of public beach: 58.02

The Minnesota side of Lake Superior boasts a few unique beaches. There's , which features charcoal-colored sand that was created by taconite waste rock dumped into Lake Superior decades back. On the other end of the spectrum, has smooth, pale pink rocks instead of sand. Pieces of a nearby rhyolite cliff that fell into the lake formed this special surface, and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach tinkles like tiny bells.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 19
- Total public beaches: 80
- Miles of public beach: 206.32

The Pacific Northwest has some truly stunning beaches, including Oregon's Cannon Beach, which is home to —a 235-foot basalt sea stack rising from the ocean. Visitors can often spot tufted puffins on the rock in spring and summer, as well as filled with colorful marine life. The is another of the state's most popular beach destinations—and is one of the largest temperate coastal sand dune systems in the world.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 20
- Total public beaches: 72
- Miles of public beach: 15.47

The gem of Connecticut's beaches is no doubt , with a boat launch and more than 2 miles of shoreline for swimmers, fishers, and campers to enjoy. is another local favorite, thanks to the nearby town's charming feel.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 20
- Total public beaches: 214
- Miles of public beach: 345.46

The long chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast makes this state a haven for ocean lovers. Some of the most popular destinations include , a family-friendly destination with plenty of beach amenities like grills and fishing piers; , a serene car-free island only accessible by ferry; and , a 70-mile stretch of unspoiled beaches with a signature black-and-white striped lighthouse.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 23
- Total public beaches: 23
- Miles of public beach: 23.85

Although Delaware has relatively few miles of public beaches, what the state lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Beachgoers can swim at Herring Point Beach in , or go for a hike to the scenic overlook at the point. If you prefer watersports, might be more up your alley: It's ideal for surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 25
- Total public beaches: 550
- Miles of public beach: 845.97

Thanks to its seemingly endless coastline, Florida offers tons of beaches for locals and tourists to choose from. 's white sand beaches have been voted some of the best in the country, while 's party vibe is popular with spring breakers and girls' getaways. There truly is something for everyone, from for scuba divers to for history buffs.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 32
- Total public beaches: 186
- Miles of public beach: 58.38

Wisconsin's beaches on Lake Michigan range from urban escapes to remote getaways. For the former, check out in Racine: The soft sandy beach just a few blocks from downtown features volleyball courts, a kids' playground, and a snack bar. On the other hand, nature lovers will want to visit on Washington Island, in the state's northernmost reaches. This isn't a sand beach, but one covered in smooth limestone rocks that can be stacked into a different version of sandcastles.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 42
- Total public beaches: 46
- Miles of public beach: 21.73

Much smaller than many other states on this list, Rhode Island nevertheless has some impressive coastal scenery. 's gorgeous sandy beachfront epitomizes the classic New England summer experience. Block Island—accessible by either ferry or plane—is another popular destination. Visitors love hunting for the hidden all over the island, as well as enjoying the dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the 200-foot cliffs at .

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 47
- Total public beaches: 437
- Miles of public beach: 182.77

The Jersey Shore is such a popular summertime destination, the nightlife even inspired an MTV reality show. In addition to and , other beloved New Jersey beaches include , known for its kitschy vintage feel, and , praised for its stunning architecture.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 58
- Total public beaches: 580
- Miles of public beach: 429.12

Michigan's beaches truly have a personality all their own. There's , located nearby the town of Holland, where all things Dutch—including tulips and windmills—are celebrated. In Traverse City, cherries are the talk of the town: The area is home to much of the state's cherry production and hosts the every July. Farther north in the Upper Peninsula, you'll find even more well-preserved coastline, like .

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 62
- Total public beaches: 435
- Miles of public beach: 132.56

Between , , and , Massachusetts has developed a reputation for its world-class beach destinations. If you're not lucky enough to know someone with a summer house there, though, you still have plenty of options. Head to Manchester-by-the-Sea to find , where the sand makes mysterious sounds when you step on it. Or, take a walk on near Ipswich, where the protected piping plovers make their nests.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 68
- Total public beaches: 94
- Miles of public beach: 31.58

Thanks to Maine's various coves, bays, and indentations, the state has . In southern Maine, you'll find white sandy beaches with lots of tourist amenities, like and . Drive several hours north, and you'll discover the of Downeast Maine, known for rugged, granite cliffs and rocky shoreline.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 142
- Total public beaches: 1105
- Miles of public beach: 954.09

With the Pacific Ocean along its western border and the Salish Sea, Puget Sound, and various other bays on its northern border, Washington has a truly awe-inspiring amount of coastline. Some of the most stunning natural landscapes can be found in the 70 miles of wild coastline in , including the and at Rialto Beach. Islands like , are also lovely vacation destinations.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 274
- Total public beaches: 201
- Miles of public beach: 313.97

With the most shoreline of any state by a long shot, Alaska has the second-most beaches per capita. Though the Last Frontier has plenty of public beaches, very few are swimmable—you might need to find a freshwater lake for that. is known as the gateway to Prince William Sound, offering jaw-dropping views of tidewater glaciers calving as well as marine wildlife like seals, whales, and seabirds. on Kodiak Island is a hotbed for salmon—and therefore brown bears. in Juneau has panoramic views of the Alexander Archipelago as well as dozens of bald eagles.

- Public beaches per 1M residents: 284
- Total public beaches: 409
- Miles of public beach: 305.16

It's only fitting that the Aloha State would take the top spot on this list—after all, the Hawaiian islands have become synonymous with beachfront paradise. has placid lagoons that are perfect for kids to splash around in, while Maui's is ideal for watersports like boogie boarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Admire the Big Island's volcanic origins at , or take in the enormous waves beloved by professional surfers at on Oahu's north shore.

Data reporting by Elena Cox. Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.