Sandy Secrets: Sunrise Beach, Lake Bluff (IL) Voted Among the Best ‘Hidden Gem’ Beaches in the U.S.

• Survey of 3,002 locals to uncover the best hidden beaches across the U.S.  
• Sunrise Beach, Lake Bluff emerged in #54 overall.
• Infographic showing the nation’s top off-the-radar beaches.

With international travel more expensive than ever, Americans are rediscovering the magic of their own backyard – and they’re skipping the packed coastlines for beaches that feel like well-kept secrets. According to recent trends, travelers are heading to under-the-radar coastal escapes where parking is easy, cell service is optional, and the views are postcard-perfect.

From driftwood-strewn shores in the Pacific Northwest to sugar-white sands hidden behind Gulf Coast dunes, Frugal Flyer carried out a survey of 3,002 locals to uncover the best hidden beaches across the U.S. – the kinds of places people almost don’t want to share.

The top 10 were as follows:

#1 Awahua Beach, Hawaii
At the base of Moloka‘i’s Kalaupapa Peninsula lies Awahua Beach, a place of deep solitude and historical significance. This small, black-sand shore, framed by cliffs rising nearly 2,000 feet, forms part of a National Historical Park once used as a leprosy settlement. Reachable only by mule ride, a challenging hike, or small plane, its remote setting and rich past make it one of Hawaii’s most quietly profound destinations.

#2 Pa’ako Cove, Hawaii
Hidden behind a lava rock wall in Makena, Maui, Paʻako Cove, known as “Secret Cove” among locals, is a tiny stretch of sand just big enough for a few towels or an elopement photoshoot. With striking black rock formations and crystal-clear waters, it offers a secluded escape for those who know where to look. No signs mark the way—only hushed directions guide you here. 

#3 Gray’s Beach, Hawaii
Located near Waikiki’s edge behind the Halekulani Hotel, Gray’s Beach feels like a local secret despite its urban proximity. This small shore delivers stunning Diamond Head views and a quieter alternative to Waikiki’s busy sands. Once part of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s estate, its reef-sheltered waters create a calm, shallow area perfect for tranquil swims.

#4 Secret Beach, Oregon
Found within Oregon’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor near Brookings, Secret Beach retains a magical charm despite its rising Instagram fame. A short, steep trail leads to this cove, surrounded by towering sea cliffs and mossy forest. At low tide, sea caves and natural arches appear, making it a photographer’s haven, especially in the early morning when it’s often empty.

#5 Shell Key Preserve, Florida
Accessible only by kayak or boat from Tierra Verde, Shell Key Preserve is a pristine barrier island free of roads or buildings. This protected sanctuary is perfect for birdwatching, snorkeling, and shell collecting. Its southern tip draws off-grid campers seeking a quiet, natural retreat away from civilization’s noise.

#6 Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach), Hawaii
On Maui’s eastern coast near Hāna, Kaihalulu Beach, or Red Sand Beach, is a dramatic cove with a vivid rust-red shoreline. The sand’s hue comes from eroding iron-rich cinder cone cliffs, creating a bold contrast with the turquoise sea. A narrow, cliffside trail keeps crowds at bay, while a lava rock barrier shelters the cove for calm swimming or snorkeling—though strong currents lurk beyond the rocks. This rugged, unforgettable beach is a true East Maui treasure.

#7 Wildcat Beach, California
Reaching Wildcat Beach demands a 5.5-mile hike from Point Reyes’ Bear Valley Trailhead, but the solitude is worth the journey. This long, pristine shoreline, backed by wildflower-covered bluffs, feels utterly remote. Nearby, Alamere Falls—a rare tidefall flowing directly into the Pacific—adds a second natural wonder to this secluded coastal haven.

#8 Carmel Meadows Beach, California
South of Carmel River State Beach, Carmel Meadows Beach is a serene stretch known primarily to locals and fortunate wanderers. Found at the end of a quiet residential area, it offers soft sand, scenic cliffside trails, and expansive views of Point Lobos and the Pacific. Low tide reveals tidepools with starfish and sea urchins, while blufftop paths provide some of the coast’s finest walks. Without signs or facilities, it’s pure coastal beauty.

#9 Gray Whale Cove Beach, California
Below the Devil’s Slide cliffs between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay, Gray Whale Cove Beach—sometimes called Devil’s Slide Beach—remains a quiet retreat. Its golden sands and sheltered cove offer peace, with gray whales often spotted during migration season. A steep staircase and minimal signage keep this beach blissfully uncrowded.

#10 Crystal Lake, Vermont
Near Barton in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Crystal Lake boasts glacial-fed waters so clear they reflect the surrounding mountains. Its small, grassy beach invites peaceful swims and trout fishing, with loons calling at dusk. Once an ice-harvesting site in the 1800s, this tranquil lake now offers a serene escape framed by natural splendor.

Illinois had one location with featured among the best hidden beaches in the country:

#54 Sunrise Beach, Lake Bluff    
Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan in the small, picturesque town of Lake Bluff, Sunrise Beach is a peaceful local escape that lives up to its name. With terraced paths leading down from grassy bluffs, the beach offers panoramic views of the lake and some of the region’s most stunning early morning light. It’s quiet, clean, and rarely crowded, even in summer – a favorite for morning walkers, kayakers, and families looking for calm water and space to stretch out. Native wildflowers line the trails, and the beach’s gentle slope into the lake makes it perfect for wading or skipping stones at sunset, too – despite the name.

Infographic showing the nation’s top secret hidden beaches

“As flight prices rise and popular beach spots get more crowded, travelers are turning to the kind of hidden gems that locals have cherished for years,” says Josh Bandura at Frugal Flyer. “These aren’t your typical sun-and-surf destinations – they’re quiet, awe-inspiring pockets of nature where the signal fades and the views take over. Our survey shows a growing appetite for places that feel discovered, not designed.”