Saturday

04-26-2025 Vol 1942

Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park Named One of the Best Beaches in the U.S.

Ruby Beach, located in Olympic National Park, has gained national recognition by ranking as the 12th best beach in the United States, according to a recent list by the travel company Lonely Planet.

This accolade positions Ruby Beach as the only beach in Washington state to make the prestigious list, which includes renowned coastal destinations in Hawaii, Florida, and California.

Lonely Planet’s survey, released in March, highlighted 23 top beaches in the country, noting various attributes such as stunning surroundings, people-watching opportunities, and unique sand qualities.

Described by Lonely Planet in almost fairy-tale language, Ruby Beach is located on the scenic southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula.

The beach’s charm lies in its extraordinary natural features; the shores are likened to a giant having emptied his pockets.

Lonely Planet’s description includes scattered tree trunks resembling matchsticks, sea stacks clustered like crumbled chocolates, and a colorful assortment of agates and sea glass that add sparkling details to the landscape.

Moreover, the ranking places Ruby Beach alongside famous beaches like Venice Beach in California and Oneloa Beach in Maui, illustrating its significance among the country’s coastal gems.

Children are particularly drawn to Ruby Beach, where the forested sandstone cliffs create a wonderland of exploration.

Tide pools along the beach hide fascinating marine life, including anemones, sea urchins, and purple starfish, alongside skittering crabs that delight young adventurers.

The polished rocks along Ruby Beach, which are rich in agates contributing to its ruby-like coloring, also attract enthusiastic rockhounds and seashell hunters.

Leading the list of best beaches is Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia, which was designated as the best beach in the U.S. and noted for its eerie photo opportunities.

Lonely Planet has described the beach’s hauntingly beautiful landscape, where the twisted branches of gnarled oaks drape over golden sands, evoking a sense of mystery.

Visitors to Driftwood Beach can take romantic nature walks and engage in quiet reflection, with the driftwood creating a stunning backdrop for unforgettable experiences and photographs.

Here is the complete list of the 23 best beaches in the United States, as compiled by Lonely Planet:

1. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
2. Grayton Beach, Florida
3. South Beach, Florida
4. Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California
5. El Matador State Beach, Malibu, California
6. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
8. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
9. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
10. Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i, Hawaii
11. Oneloa Beach/Big Beach, Maui, Hawaii
12. Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington
13. Playa Tortuga, Isla Culabrita, Puerto Rico
14. Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
15. Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, California
16. Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
17. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
18. Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida
19. Edisto Beach State Park, South Carolina
20. Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida
21. Melbourne Beach, Florida
22. Hana Beaches, Hana, Maui
23. Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan

This ranking serves as a reminder of the diverse and captivating beauty of beaches across the nation, with Ruby Beach standing out for its unique charm and appeal.

image source from:https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/washington-beach-joins-ones-hawaii-173556455.html

Abigail Harper