If you thought the most dangerous thing at the beach was running out of ice in your cooler, think again.
Read on for a tour of America’s most ‘thrilling’ coastlines—sunbathing recommended, swimming… not so much.
1. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
With a danger score of 78.94, New Smyrna Beach tops our list. Known for its vibrant surf scene, it also holds a less enviable record for shark interactions, which are notably higher here than at many other US beaches.
Visitors should be cautious of the strong currents and occasionally steep drop-offs just a few feet from shore. Despite its beauty, the beach requires vigilance while swimming or surfing.
The beach’s proximity to Ponce de Leon Inlet also contributes to its strong currents, making it a challenging spot even for experienced swimmers.
Why It’s Unsafe: High shark activity and strong rip currents make New Smyrna Beach the most dangerous beach in our roundup.
2. Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach, with a danger score of 67.75, is a popular spring break destination known for its clear waters and white sand. However, it’s also known for high numbers of rip currents.
Alcohol-related incidents and heavy tourist traffic contribute to its risk factors, often leading to emergencies that require lifeguard intervention.
The beach hosts numerous high-energy events year-round which, while attractive, can pose safety risks due to large crowds and party-heavy atmospheres.
Why It’s Unsafe: Rip currents and a high-traffic party environment make Panama City Beach a riskier choice for visitors.
3. Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach is famous for its car-friendly beachfront, which poses unique safety concerns. With a danger score of 64.47, the mix of vehicles and sunbathers can be hazardous.
This beach is also a hub for motorized water sports, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries both on and off the water.
Daytona Beach’s busy boardwalk and entertainment areas add to the chaotic mix, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Why It’s Unsafe: The combination of beach driving and water sports significantly raises safety risks at Daytona Beach.
4. Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach, scoring 46.49 on the danger scale, is renowned for its nightlife and cultural scene. However, its fame and high tourist volume bring unique challenges.
Crowding on the beach and in the water can lead to accidents, while the vibrant nightlife close to the beach areas increases the risk of alcohol-related incidents.
Strong ocean currents frequently catch swimmers off guard, making it a hazardous place for a casual dip in the sea.
Why It’s Unsafe: Crowded conditions and strong currents make Miami Beach particularly dangerous.
5. Indialantic Boardwalk, Florida
Indialantic Boardwalk, with a danger score of 44.64, is less known but poses significant risks due to its unpredictable water conditions.
This beach is prone to sudden rip currents and has a relatively rocky seabed, which can cause injuries to unwary swimmers and surfers.
The boardwalk area, while scenic, often lacks sufficient lifeguard coverage, which increases the risk for visitors not familiar with the local sea conditions.
Why It’s Unsafe: Sudden rip currents and insufficient lifeguard coverage make Indialantic Boardwalk a hidden hazard.
6. Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach, with a danger score of 44.01, is a beloved spot for both tourists and local surfers. However, its popularity brings dense crowds, increasing water-related incidents.
The beach is also in close proximity to Cape Canaveral, which affects water quality and safety due to occasional debris from spacecraft launches.
Frequent thunderstorms in the area can quickly change weather conditions, catching beachgoers off guard.
Why It’s Unsafe: Crowded conditions and environmental factors from nearby Cape Canaveral add risks at Cocoa Beach.
7. Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach is known for its affluent visitors and pristine stretches of sand. Despite a danger score of 43.53, it faces issues like strong undercurrents and jellyfish stings, particularly during the warmer months.
While the area is well-maintained, the beach’s popularity with tourists can lead to unexpected accidents, especially for those unfamiliar with the ocean’s dynamics.
Luxury and leisure don’t always equate to safety, as high-profile events at the beach often distract from basic water safety precautions.
Why It’s Unsafe: Strong undercurrents and high tourist activity present significant risks at Palm Beach.
8. Miramar Beach, Florida
Miramar Beach scores a 42.17 on the danger scale. It is another popular destination that struggles with rip currents and a high volume of visitors during peak season.
The combination of soft sand and sudden drop-offs can be deceptive and dangerous, especially for children and the elderly.
The beach’s appeal as a serene getaway belies the potential dangers lurking beneath its waves.
Why It’s Unsafe: Miramar Beach’s soft sands and hidden drop-offs increase the hazard for its visitors.
9. Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cape Canaveral, with a danger score of 40.75, is not just known for its space launches but also for its challenging beach conditions.
Strong currents and the occasional presence of hazardous materials washing ashore from the space station make swimming risky.
The allure of watching rockets soar from nearby pads draws crowds that may not be aware of the beach’s inherent dangers.
Why It’s Unsafe: The combination of crowd-drawing space launches and strong ocean currents makes Cape Canaveral a risky beach.
10. Jupiter Beach Park, Florida
Jupiter Beach Park, with a danger score of 40.37, presents a picturesque landscape that belies its potential dangers.
The park’s natural beauty attracts many, but the unguarded areas and wildlife, including occasional shark sightings, pose risks to the unwary.
Its remote location also means that emergency services can be slower to respond, compounding the danger in critical situations.
Why It’s Unsafe: Unguarded and isolated areas at Jupiter Beach Park increase the danger for visitors.
11. Ormond Beach, Florida
Ormond Beach, with a danger score of 39.94, offers beautiful vistas but also challenging conditions. Frequent rip currents and strong waves are common threats here.
This beach is popular among families, but its water sports activities can be risky without proper supervision and awareness of the sea conditions.
Despite being well-loved for its scenic drives along the coast, visitors often overlook the need for caution in the water.
Why It’s Unsafe: Strong currents and active water sports make Ormond Beach a hazardous option for uninformed visitors.
12. Ponce Inlet, Florida
Ponce Inlet, scoring a danger score of 39.83, is notorious for its powerful currents that can quickly sweep swimmers out to sea.
The area’s jetty is a popular fishing spot but also poses a risk with slippery surfaces and sharp rocks.
Despite its beauty, Ponce Inlet requires a high level of alertness and respect for the ocean’s power, especially during high tide.
Why It’s Unsafe: Powerful currents and a treacherous jetty area contribute to the risks at Ponce Inlet.
13. Indialantic Beach, Florida
Indialantic Beach, with a danger score of 39.65, is a magnet for surfers but also a hotspot for strong rip currents.
The beach is relatively narrow, which can lead to overcrowding during peak tourist season, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Its proximity to more commercial areas means that pollution and debris are additional concerns for beachgoers.
Why It’s Unsafe: Crowding and pollution at Indialantic Beach add to its safety concerns.
14. Melbourne Beach, Florida
Melbourne Beach scores a 39.58 on the danger scale. It’s quieter than some of its Floridian counterparts, but its isolation can be a double-edged sword.
The lack of immediate rescue services and fewer lifeguards mean that swimmers must take extra precautions.
The beach’s remote stretches are peaceful but can quickly become dangerous without the proper safety measures in place.
Why It’s Unsafe: The isolation and limited lifeguard coverage at Melbourne Beach pose significant risks.
15. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, with a danger score of 38.20, is one of the most popular beaches on the East Coast but also one of the most hazardous due to its blend of nightlife and busy beachfront.
Shark sightings and jellyfish are frequent concerns, along with strong undertows that challenge even the most experienced swimmers.
The dense population of tourists and locals alike can lead to increased accidents and emergency situations.
Why It’s Unsafe: High tourist density and natural hazards contribute to the risks at Myrtle Beach.
16. Vero Beach, Florida
Vero Beach presents a danger score of 37.89. While it’s known for its cultural events and serene environment, the beach’s water conditions can be unpredictable.
Seasonal rip currents and a steep drop-off close to the shoreline create dangerous conditions for the unwary.
The local wildlife, including the occasional alligator sighting, adds an unexpected element of risk.
Why It’s Unsafe: Unpredictable water conditions and wildlife sightings make Vero Beach a risky visit.
17. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida
Fort Lauderdale Beach, with a danger score of 37.65, combines urban appeal with beachside risks. High foot and boat traffic increase the likelihood of accidents.
The beach’s popularity with spring breakers brings its share of alcohol-related incidents and disturbances.
Moreover, the close proximity to busy roads and maritime channels adds to the environmental and safety concerns.
Why It’s Unsafe: Fort Lauderdale Beach’s urban location and spring break crowds heighten its safety risks.
18. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach has a danger score of 37.42. It’s celebrated for its clear, shallow waters and family-friendly atmosphere but is not without hazards.
This beach sees some of the highest lightning strike rates in the US, adding a natural risk to its list of concerns.
During the busy season, the mix of tourists and local events can overwhelm the capacity of lifeguards, leading to slower response times in emergencies.
Why It’s Unsafe: High lightning activity and overwhelmed lifeguard services during peak times endanger visitors at Clearwater Beach.
19. Naples Beach, Florida
Naples Beach scores a 37.20. Its upscale locale attracts many visitors, but its waters are known for strong currents and sudden weather shifts.
The beach’s sandbars can create deceptive shallow areas that quickly become deep, posing risks for those unfamiliar with the terrain.
Elderly visitors in particular need to be cautious of the physical demands of navigating this beach’s landscape.
Why It’s Unsafe: Strong currents and deceptive terrain make Naples Beach hazardous.
20. Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach, with a danger score of 36.98, offers extensive stretches of white sand and is a draw for those seeking the quintessential Florida beach experience. However, its beauty comes with risks.
The beach is prone to red tide events, which can cause respiratory issues and irritate the skin.
Additionally, it’s located in a hurricane-prone region, which can lead to sudden evacuation orders and dangerous weather conditions.
Why It’s Unsafe: Red tide occurrences and hurricane threats make Pensacola Beach a risky choice.