Our family has visited beaches around the US on both coasts and have enjoyed on the beach holidays even in Europe. We still have a list of places in Southern Europe that we would like to take on the beach holidays.
Our favorites include
Ruby Ridge in Western Washington State - not a swimming beach a rocky beach that is isolated and has very little traffic.
Cannon Beach in Northern Oregon - large sandy beach but with beautiful rock formations that are accessible during low tide
Hampton Beach New Hampshire - Kind of looks like a prarie beach grass and sand not as well cared for as we like but a great place for the kids to swim and eat salt water taffy
Ogunquit Maine - great trail among low cliffs with areas of sandy beach
Isle of Palms SC - We have spent the most time on this beach. Can't get enough of the beach here.
