America has 30 states with beautiful coastlines and stunning vistas. The different types of beaches in the United States reflect the diversity of landscapes you’ll find across the country. These facts help illustrate why we love American beaches and the awesome power of the ocean.
Eight American Beach Facts
1. The color of sand is based on its location, composition, and environment. (Source)
Most sand is made of quartz and silica. Our typical tan sand is colored by iron oxide and feldspar. Rare black sand acquires its dark hue from volcanic materials like basalt and lava. How about beloved white sand beaches? Well, the lighter color comes from parrotfish poop.
2. Most of the Earth is covered by oceans. (Source)
Oceans are so huge! So big that 97% of the planet’s water is found in the oceans, which cover 70% of Earth’s surface. The vastness of the sea makes it somewhat challenging to study. We aren’t sure how many species live in the species.
3. Beaches became popular tourist attractions in the 18th century. (Source)
Beaches remain a favorite destination around the world, attracting sunbathers, swimmers, surfers, and sandcastle architects.
4. Laguna Beach may be the best beach in the nation. (Source)
A scoring system that considers weather conditions, crowds, miles of beach, local boardwalks and attractions, and other benefits has determined that Laguna Beach in California has the best of all worlds.
5. Driftwood was an essential resource throughout history. (Source)
Driftwood are smooth, rounded pieces of wood found on the beach, usually made from the remains of trees. They’re naturally sanded down as they’re tossed in the waves. Vikings used driftwood to build ships and homes. The Inuit also made prominent use of driftwood to construct shelters and create tools for gathering food.
6. The first boardwalk was built in Atlantic City. (Source)
Boardwalks are now considered a staple of the beach. These raised platforms extend over the water and feature shops, amusement parks, restaurants, and plenty of fun. The first boardwalk was built in New Jersey in 1870. Today’s Atlantic City boardwalk is four miles long.
7. You can find a rainbow of colors among American beaches. (Source)
You can encounter sand of many colors in the United States. Pfeiffer Beach in California has purple sand. The Ocean Cape area in the Gulf of Alaska and Shelter Cove in California feature gray sands. Rockaway Beach in California is known for its rich, dark brown sand, while the sands of Hawaii feature vibrant green and red hues. Rare black sands are found on Punalu’u Beach in Hawaii and Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove, California.
8. Some beaches are home to wild horses. (Source)
Beach’s wild horses are a staple of American natural beauty. Cumberland Island is home to beautiful wild horses, while Assateague Island National Seashore features feral horses running free. The famous “Misty of Chincoteague” was one of these horses.
Featured image by Bella White.
