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New York Post
30-07-2025
- New York Post
‘Secret' beach just a short ride from NYC named third best in US — and swimsuits are optional
Sun's out, buns out. New Yorkers looking to beat the heat — and get naked — needn't look much farther than the Big Apple. BoatBooker, an international boat activity service, has named the most underrated beaches in the country — and a Garden State entry made the list. Advertisement Gunnison Beach, located in Sandy Hook, came in third place thanks to its sprawling shores and top-tier views of New York City, located just across the water. However, the skyline sights are far from the only spectacle this seaside destination offers. Gunnison is also the only clothing-optional beach in Jersey, making it a popular place for people with a particular penchant for naturalism. Advertisement 3 Gunnison Beach was the only Northeast spot to snag a top ranking on the list. Scenic Corner – Gunnison Beach has been a favorite of naked New Jerseyans since the '70s. However, the National Park Service advises that beach bums keep a close eye on posted signs to ensure they're not caught wandering au naturel out of bounds, as they could be slapped with a disorderly conduct charge. 3 The sandy stretch has plenty of signs about the clothing-optional culture. Steven Hirsch Advertisement 3 Sandy Hook also has plenty of other beaches for the clothing-inclined, but they may be swarmed by summer crowds. John McAdorey – Not only is it clothing-optional, it's also a close commute for New Yorkers and Jerseyites alike. During the summer months, beachgoers can hop on a ferry from lower Manhattan to get to Sandy Hook in an hour or so. New York has its own highly-ranked beaches to be sure, but this season, the most sought-after spots in the Hamptons have become costlier and more crowded than ever before. Advertisement A simple weekend getaway can cost thousands of dollars, plus hours on the highways in traffic. Aside from the New Jersey beach that took bronze, sandy spots in South Carolina and California fared favorably. In fact, aside from Gunnison, literally no other beaches beat out the top-tier Palmetto and Golden State shores. While these hidden gem spots may boast sprawling, crowd-free sands, many listed areas — Gunnison Beach included — do not have lifeguards on duty. Top underrated beaches in the U.S. in 2025 Vereen Memorial Park, South Carolina Driftwood Beach, South Carolina Gunnison Beach, New Jersey Morris Island, South Carolina Torrey Pines City Beach, California Caswell Beach, North Carolina Dana Strands Beach, California Pirates Cove Beach, California Station 22 – Public Beach Access, South Carolina Edisto Beach State Park Campground, South Carolina Amid a wave of high-profile drownings as a result of coastal rip currents, experts advise beachgoers to monitor weather and wave conditions closely. Kaitlin Krause, the founder of the NYC-based rip current education non-profit Rising Tide Effect, previously told The Post that 'untrained rescuers often become victims themselves,' and advised onlookers to call 911 immediately, and said that 'if you must assist, throw something that floats, like a life ring, buoy or cooler.'
Time Out
29-07-2025
- Time Out
This beautiful South Carolina beach was just named the most underrated in the U.S.
Peak summer is here and if you're looking to hit the beach to cool off, you're not alone (by a lot). But if you look beyond the most popular beaches, you can avoid the crowds and bad beach etiquette that comes along with them. Hidden gems and underrated beaches offer an experience that's a bit closer to paradise, and a new report by BoatBooker reveals just that: lesser-known beaches around the country that you'll want to check out for your next beach getaway. The boat tour company analyzed data from Google Maps, searching for terms like "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches" and "quiet beaches" with fewer than 100 reviews. The result is a list of America's best under-the-radar coastal gems. South Carolina shines as a hidden beach capital, with five beaches in the top 10, and the number one underrated beach in the country. Topping the list is Vereen Memorial Park in Little River, SC. Just north of Myrtle Beach, this 115-acre spot isn't your typical sun-and-sand destination. With wooden boardwalks that wind through salt marshes, peaceful trails shaded by oaks and calm views of the Intracoastal Waterway, it's perfect for anyone craving peace and quiet. Second place goes to Driftwood Beach at Edisto Island, also in SC. It's a surreal stretch where fallen trees bleach in the sun, tide pools fill with seashells and the crowds remain small. In third place is Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, NJ, a (quietly) clothing-optional favorite for those looking to get some sun without the tan lines. South Carolina landed three more spots in BoatBooker's top 10, including Morris Island at number four, Station 22 at number nine and Edisto Beach State Park Campground at number 10. Many of these beaches are tucked inside protected parks, keeping them wild, quiet and refreshingly undeveloped. California also holds its own with nine hidden gems on the list. Top among them are Torrey Pines City Beach in San Diego at number five, Dana Strands Beach at number seven, and Pirates Cove Beach at number eight. These local favorites offer gorgeous views without the tourist crowds. This list proves that America's best beach days aren't always where the hotels and high-rises are. Sometimes they're tucked away off of the tourist radar. Check these out next time you're looking for a quiet day at the beach. Most underrated beaches in the U.S. Vereen Memorial Park: South Carolina Driftwood Beach: South Carolina Gunnison Beach: New Jersey Morris Island: South Carolina Torrey Pines City Beach: California Caswell Beach: North Carolina Dana Strands Beach: California Pirates Cove Beach: California Station 22 - Public Beach Access: South Carolina Edisto Beach State Park Campground: South Carolina Ocean Isle Beach: North Carolina Salt Creek Beach: California Gulf Shores Beach: Alabama Beach Access #4 - Beach Circle: Texas Cape Hatteras National Seashore: North Carolina Kirby Beach: California Funston Beach: California Carolina Beach: North Carolina Santa Ana River County Beach River Jetties: California Coquina Beach: North Carolina Little Corona Beach: California Crissy Field South Beach: California
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Travel + Leisure
29-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This New Jersey Beach Was Just Named One of the Most Underrated Beaches in the U.S.
It has been a record-breaking summer when it comes to heat for many cities across the United States. And the extreme temperatures have everyone thinking the same thing—it's time to head to the beach. But rather than going to the same stretches of sand as everyone else, consider seeking out a hidden gem. Luckily, the team at BoatBooker know exactly where to go. And after doing some digging, one very special beach made its way toward the top of the rankings: Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Now, you may be thinking how can any beach in New Jersey (one of the most populated states in the country) still be considered a hidden gem? Well, this one comes with a very distinct asterisk: there's a section on the beach that is clothing optional. Specifically, a portion of Area "G," or South Gunnison. "While this area is not designated as clothing optional, there is no prohibition against this activity," according to the National Park Service. "The Park acknowledges the popularity and history of the use and advises unfamiliar visitors of this activity through signs." However, be careful if you decide to visit the beach in your birthday suit because, as the NPS warns, "Nudity, outside the traditional use area, may be considered Disorderly Conduct." The beach first gained popularity with nudists in the 1970s and 1980s who fell in love with its privacy, according to And because the beach is managed by the National Park Service, it is exempt from the state's public nudity laws. It is, however, the only legal nudist beach in the state, which means it can get a little crowded during the summer months. Beyond New Jersey, two beaches in South Carolina came in at No. 1 and No. 2 on the list, respectively: Vereen Memorial Park near the border with North Carolina, and Driftwood Beach on Edisto Island. "America's coast offers unparalleled diversity beyond the tourist beach resorts," Vukan Simic, the founder of BoatBooker, shared. "America's off-the-beaten-path coastline offers the authentic American beach experience, the one that travelers are seeking—unspoiled waters, stunning scenery, and the freedom to truly get close to the natural wonders of our country." The findings, which the company released last month, analyzed Google Maps data to find the "best-kept coastal secret" destinations in the U.S. It searched key words, including "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches," and "quiet beaches" and focused in on locations with fewer than 100 reviews to help identify the nation's "most pristine, uncrowded beach destinations that locals have been keeping to themselves." Check out the full list of winners below. Vereen Memorial Park: South Carolina Driftwood Beach: South Carolina Gunnison Beach: New Jersey Morris Island: South Carolina Torrey Pines City Beach: California Caswell Beach: North Carolina Dana Strands Beach: California (tie for 6th) Pirates Cove Beach: California (tie for 6th) Station 22 - Public Beach Access: South Carolina Edisto Beach State Park Campground: South Carolina Ocean Isle Beach: North Carolina (tie for 10th) Salt Creek Beach: California Gulf Shores Beach: Alabama Beach Access #4 - Beach Circle: Texas Cape Hatteras National Seashore: North Carolina Kirby Beach: California Funston Beach: California Carolina Beach: North Carolina Santa Ana River County Beach River Jetties: California (tie for 18th) Coquina Beach: North Carolina Little Corona Beach: California (tie for 20th) Crissy Field South Beach: California (tie for 20th)
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Travel + Leisure
15-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Beach Was Named Most Underrated in the U.S.–and It's in America's 'Hidden Beach Capital'
The summer sun is in full effect and you may be thinking about hitting the beach, but honestly so is everyone else. Luckily there are still plenty of beaches that fly under the radar, and thanks to a new report from boat tour company BoatBooker, we know exactly where they are. South Carolina's Vereen Memorial Park was named the top hidden gem by the boating site, which analyzed Google Maps data for key terms like "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches," and "quiet beaches," zeroing in on locations with fewer than 100 reviews. Each beach was then ranked using a combined score based on its average rating and number of reviews. "America's coast offers unparalleled diversity beyond the tourist beach resorts," Vukan Simic, the founder of BoatBooker, shared. "America's off-the-beaten-path coastline offers the authentic American beach experience, the one that travelers are seeking—unspoiled waters, stunning scenery, and the freedom to truly get close to the natural wonders of our country." When it comes to Vereen Memorial Park, which sits just north of Myrtle Beach, the 115-acre park "offers a serene escape into nature and a journey through history" and is "ideal for families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, tranquility, or both," according to Visit Myrtle Beach. The park also comes with the bonus of no admission fee. Beyond Vereen Memorial Park, South Carolina emerged as "America's hidden beach capital," according to BoatBooker, with five locations in the top 10 located in the Palmetto State. That includes Driftwood Beach at No. 2, Morris Island at No. 4, Station 22 at No. 9, and Edisto Beach State Park Campground at No. 10. California also earned high praise with nine spots on the list, including its highest-ranking beach, Torrey Pines City Beach in San Diego, at No. 5. Other top spots in California included Dana Strands Beach at No. 7 and Pirates Cove Beach at No. 8 to round out the top 10. The site also noted state and national parks dominated the rankings, with protected areas offering the most "pristine and uncrowded beach experiences across America." Check out the complete top 20 list from BoatBooker below. Vereen Memorial Park: South Carolina Driftwood Beach: South Carolina Gunnison Beach: New Jersey Morris Island: South Carolina Torrey Pines City Beach: California Caswell Beach: North Carolina Dana Strands Beach: California Pirates Cove Beach: California Station 22 - Public Beach Access: South Carolina Edisto Beach State Park Campground: South Carolina Ocean Isle Beach: North Carolina Salt Creek Beach: California Gulf Shores Beach: Alabama Beach Access #4 - Beach Circle: Texas Cape Hatteras National Seashore: North Carolina Kirby Beach: California Funston Beach: California Carolina Beach: North Carolina Santa Ana River County Beach River Jetties: California Coquina Beach: North Carolina Little Corona Beach: California Crissy Field South Beach: California
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Forbes
South Carolina Ranks No. 1 In Top Hidden Beaches, A New Study Says
Two beaches on South Carolina's Edisto Island are cited as hidden, secluded beaches in a new study. (Photo by: Wolfgang Kaehler/Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images If you are looking for a hidden, secluded beach this summer, head to South Carolina, a new study says. Five South Carolina beaches rank in the top 10 of the top 20 hidden coastal spots throughout America, according to the study by BoatBooker, a website that books boating trips throughout the country. South Carolina's Vereen Memorial Park in Little River ranks No. 1, and the state's Driftwood Beach on Edisto Island is No. 2. Other South Carolina beaches in the top 10 are Morris Island near Charleston, Station 22—Public Beach Access on Sullivan's Island and Edisto Beach State Park Campground on Edisto Island. Morris Island is uninhabited, and the island and its lighthouse are accessible only by boat. BoatBooker found the best secluded beaches by using Google maps and the search terms "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches" and "quiet beaches." It focused on locations with fewer than 100 reviews, because they are more likely less visited and off the beaten path, BoatBooker says. Each beach was then ranked using a combined score based on its average rating and number of reviews. Vacationers, though, should be forewarned: U.S. beaches are often crowded in summertime, particularly on weekends. This journalist noticed online comments saying that some of the beaches in the BoatBooker study, particularly some near major cities, were crowded when the commenters visited. California's Dana Strands Beach is one of the nation's top hidden coastal spots, a new study says. (Photo by Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The study noted that 'there's nothing worse than planning the perfect beach getaway, only to find yourself elbow-to-elbow with crowds at America's most famous coastal destinations.' The most tranquil beach spots 'are not along the renowned resort communities but in state parks, nature reserves and little seashore towns.' Nine California beaches are in the top 20, which, because of ties in the ratings, included 22 beaches. The state's highest-ranking beach is No. 5 Torrey Pines City Beach in San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood. The beach. also known as Black's Beach, is famous among surfers for big winter swells, but it is better known as San Diego's nude beach, according to the San Diego Tourism Authority. The beach can be difficult to access because of its location beneath the Torrey Pines bluffs. 'Stately eight-figure mansions and state-of-the-art medical research labs now line the bluffs where pastures and the Black family horse farm once lay,' the tourism authority says. Another nude beach, Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, ranks No. 3 in the BoatBooker study. The beach is in the National Park Service's Gateway National Recreation Area. 'A portion of Area G (South Gunnison) on Sandy Hook is used by visitors as a clothing optional area,' the park service's website says. 'While this area is not designated as clothing optional, there is no prohibition against this activity. The park acknowledges the popularity and history of the use and advises unfamiliar visitors of this activity through signs. Nudity, outside the traditional use area, may be considered disorderly conduct.' The BoatBooker study ranks five North Carolina beaches in its top 20: Caswell, Ocean Isle, Carolina, Coquina and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Alabama (Gulf Shores Beach) and Texas (Beach Access #4—Beach Circle on Soth Padre Island) are the other states with beaches on the top 20 list. '2025 is all about escaping the noise and finding America's most peaceful, secret beaches,' says Vukan Simic, BoatBooker's founder. 'While everyone else is fighting for space at the famous beaches, savvy travelers can discover the authentic American coast that locals have cherished for generations."
