If the beach is your happy place, you’re in luck—a recent study just named the happiest beach in the U.S. Keep reading to find out where it is!
New Study: This Is the Happiest Beach in the U.S.—And It’s Not What You Think
Published on Mar. 13, 2025
There’s something undeniably refreshing about feeling the warm sun on your skin, breathing in the salty air and letting the waves wash your worries away. If you’ve ever said, “The beach is my happy place,” you’re in good company! Science backs it up too—according to a study from the National Library of Medicine, coastal environments have been shown to boost emotional well-being, inspiring feelings of awe, nostalgia and deep relaxation.
But here’s the real question: Which beach in the U.S. is the happiest of them all? A recent study didn’t just rank the happiest beaches in the world—it also revealed the #1 happiest beach in the United States. So if you’re looking for your next beach getaway, keep reading to discover this breathtaking destination.
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How was the happiest beach determined?
A London-based travel agency, CV Villas, determined the world’s happiest beaches by analyzing over 1,000 Instagram photos from 103 popular beach destinations around the globe. They used facial recognition software to measure positive facial expressions in each photo, before calculating an average “smile score” to rank the beaches from happiest to least happy. The results? A list of the most joy-filled coastlines on the planet.
What’s the happiest beach in the U.S.?
According to the study, Oregon’s Cannon Beach takes the crown as the happiest beach in the U.S. With an impressive smile score of 89.11, it ranks 16th in the world—proving that breathtaking views and ocean air are in fact a recipe for happiness.
And just in case you’re curious, Sitges Beach in Spain, about an hour’s drive from Barcelona, was ranked as the happiest beach in the world, with a Beach Happiness Score of 98.42.
What makes this beach the happiest in the U.S.?
What makes Cannon Beach such a joy-inducing destination? Well, CV Villas credits its vibrant blue waters and its iconic Haystack Rock, a natural wonder that adds to the beach’s charm. The rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and here, you’ll find tidepools brimming with sea life, along with a nesting colony of tufted puffins from spring through summer.
The study notes, “Cannon Beach promises sunshine, relaxation and plenty of smiles.” No matter when you go, make time to walk along the soft sands to Ecola Creek, where you can spot Tillamook Lighthouse in the distance.
Even visitors rave about the magic of Cannon Beach. One TripAdvisor reviewer sums it up perfectly: “Can’t come here and not think of the movies.” (Twilight and The Goonies are the two most famous movies filmed along the shore.) Another describes it as “a stunning vista where rocky outcrops meet a pretty seaside town.”
But the beauty doesn’t stop there—visitors of Cannon Beach, Oregon, can explore Ecola State Park’s hiking trails, admire art at the Bronze Coast Gallery or stroll through the Cannon Beach Farmers Market.
And if you’re planning a trip, according to TripAdvisor, the most budget-friendly time to visit is between December and February, when hotel prices are lower. If you prefer peak-season sunshine, expect higher rates between June and August.
What other U.S. beach made the list?
Florida’s Siesta Key Beach is the only other U.S. beach to make the list, earning an impressive smile score of 85. Just missing the top 20, it lands at #21 in the world—and honestly, we’re not surprised.
Siesta Key Beach is famous for its powder-soft quartz sand that stays cool underfoot, even on the hottest days, and its crystal-clear waters. Plus, getting around is a breeze—literally! The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley offers free transportation around the island, making it easy to explore Siesta Key Village, local restaurants and more.
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Source:
- CV Villas
- National Library of Medicine: “A Qualitative Study on Emotions Experienced at the Coast and Their Influence on Well-Being”
- TripAdvisor: “Cannon Beach
- TripAdvisor: “Cannon Beach, Oregon”
- Cannon Beach: “Beaches & Parks of Cannon Beach”
- Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce: “Public Transit on Siesta Key”
