The 13 Most Expensive Beaches in the United States: Where Sand Meets Sky-High Prices
Ever wondered where America’s elite flock to soak up the sun without soaking their bank accounts? Spoiler: They’re not hitting up your local shoreline. From Malibu’s star-studded sands to Miami’s glittering coastlines, the U.S. boasts beaches where the price tags are as jaw-dropping as the views. Let’s dive into the crème de la crème of coastal luxury where owning a beach towel might cost more than your car.
1. Carbon Beach, Malibu, California: The “Billionaire’s Beach”
Why does a stretch of sand in Malibu command $30 million+ for a home? Simple: exclusivity. Carbon Beach is a 1.3-mile sliver of paradise where tech moguls and Hollywood A-listers compete for privacy. The median home price here hovers around $25 million, and public access? Let’s just say you’ll need a yacht or an invite from Jeff Bezos. Pro tip: Even parking spots lease for $100k/year. Casual, right?
2. South Beach, Miami, Florida: Art Deco Meets “Cash Deco”
South Beach isn’t just a beach it s a lifestyle. Think neon-lit nights, rooftop pools, and penthouse suites that cost more per night than most mortgages. Oceanfront condos here average $10–$15 million, and don’t even think about booking a cabana at the Fontainebleau without a platinum card. But hey, where else can you spot Leo DiCaprio sipping a smoothie between yacht parties?
3. Nantucket, Massachusetts: Whaling Wealth Meets Modern Opulence
Quaint cobblestone streets? Check. Quilted jackets with boat shoes? Double-check. Nantucket’s beaches, like Madaket and Surfside, blend old-money charm with eye-watering prices. A modest cottage? That’ll be $7 million, please. And if you’re eyeing a summer rental, brace yourself: $150k for July-August isn’t uncommon. Yikes.
4. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts: The Presidential Playground
If Nantucket’s the quiet cousin, Martha’s Vineyard is the extrovert. Presidents (Obama’s a regular), CEOs, and Silicon Valley giants flock here. Properties near Aquinnah Cliffs or Edgartown easily hit $20 million, and even a burger at the local pub costs twice what you’d pay inland. Who said democracy can’t be luxurious?
5. The Hamptons, New York: Where Sand Dollars Are Literal
The Hamptons don’t just set trends—they price them. Coopers Beach in Southampton regularly tops “best beach” lists, but parking your beach umbrella here means competing with hedge funders. Average home price: $3.5 million. A summer share house? $500k. But hey, at least the lobster rolls are (relatively) affordable.
6. Laguna Beach, California: Artsy Vibes, Hefty Price Tags
Laguna’s Victoria Beach is a postcard-perfect cove with tide pools and a medieval-style tower. Sounds dreamy? It is unless you’re house hunting. Oceanfront estates here list for $40 million+, and even fixer-uppers start at $8 million. But the sunset views? Priceless.
7. Coronado Beach, San Diego: Military Majesty Meets Millionaires
Coronado’s glittering sands sit next to a naval base, blending patriotism with luxury. The iconic Hotel del Coronado hosts weddings costing $500k+, while nearby homes fetch $15 million. Fun fact: Marilyn Monroe once filmed here. Today, you’re more likely to see TikTok influencers.
8. Kiawah Island, South Carolina: Golf, Gators, and Grand Estates
Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park offers 10 miles of pristine shoreline and a $12.5 million entry fee (for a home, that is). The island’s golf courses host PGA tournaments, but the real sport is outbidding retirees from Wall Street. Fore!
9. Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Lobster Rolls and Multi-Million Dollar Cottages
Cape Cod’s Coast Guard Beach is a National Treasure (literally, it’s in the National Park Service). But the real treasure? The $9 million shingle-style cottages in Chatham. Bonus: You’ll need a trust fund to afford the parking tickets in peak season.
10. Palm Beach, Florida: Old Money’s Winter Wonderland
Palm Beach isn’t just a place it’s a statement. Worth Avenue shops sell handbags worth more than cars, and oceanfront mansions? Try $50–$100 million. Even Mar-a-Lago’s neighbors pay $30k/month in property taxes. No big deal.
11. La Jolla, California: Sea Lions and Sky-High Mortgages
La Jolla’s Windansea Beach is surfer heaven… if you’re cool with $15 million bungalows. The area’s nickname? “The Jewel” and yeah, you’ll need a crown’s ransom to live here.
12. Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii: Surf’s Up, Prices Are Way Up
Pipeline’s legendary waves attract surf pros and tech pros buying $10 million estates. A shrimp truck lunch costs $20, but the real expense? The helicopter ride to your private cove.
13. Kennebunkport, Maine: Bush Family and Beachfront Bluebloods
This New England gem is where the Bush compound sits, and nearby homes follow suit. A cozy Cape Cod-style house? $7 million. But the lobster? Still $15. Priorities.
How to Visit These Beaches Without Going Broke (Maybe)
Can’t drop millions on a beach house? Don’t sweat it. Many of these beaches have public access points—if you’re willing to arrive at dawn. Pack a picnic, skip the valet, and soak in the same views as the 1%. Who knows? You might even snag a celebrity selfie.
Final Thought: Is It Worth It?
Sure, these beaches are ridiculously expensive. But between the golden sunsets, velvet sands, and bragging rights? For some, it’s a drop in the ocean. Would you splurge?