Travel

10 most dangerous beaches in the US

Going to the beach we often just think of ‘fun in the sun’. But you should never let your guard down, especially at these beaches due to numerous dangers.

4allthingsweb | DiarioAS

Greg Heilman

Update: Jun 27th, 2025 18:06 EDT

While heading to the beach to soak up the sun and play in the surf the last thing on your mind is that danger may be awaiting you at your destination. However, you should keep in mind that there may be a number of hazards that await you where you are going besides getting a sunburn.

Perhaps the biggest danger at the beach are rip currents. These are “commonly found on all surf beaches, including Great Lakes beaches,” according to the US Lifesaving Association. They are responsible for more than 100 deaths each year in the United States.

But they aren’t the only hazard that you may encounter during a day at the beach. There are sea creatures like jellyfish, as well as other stingers, and sharks. Harmful algal blooms, known as red tides, typically form in warm, nutrient waters and produce toxins that are dangerous to humans and wildlife.

You must also keep the weather in mind at your destination. You should have fair warning that a hurricane is approaching. The Atlantic season runs from June 1 and runs until November 30 peaking in September, but they can occur anytime of the year.

But don’t let your guard down even if one of those monster storms is not in the forecast. Even small storms can produce lightning strikes, which you’d have little cover from out on the open sand or in the water.