Blog Post – 🌊✊🏾 Top 5 Most Popular Beaches Visited by Black Travelers in America
There’s something truly magical about the sun-kissed shores that have become cherished havens for Black travelers across America. These beaches are more than just expanses of sand and surf; they’re lively communities where history, joy, and resilience converge to create unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re immersing yourself in the dynamic rhythms of Urban Beach Week in the vibrant city of Miami or reconnecting with family and friends at the historic and iconic Inkwell Beach on Martha’s Vineyard, each destination serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit and unity within our community.
From history to vibes, these beaches have long been go-to destinations for our community — mixing joy, resilience, and celebration. Here’s where we’ve been soaking up the sun:
1. Virginia Beach, VA
📍 Popular During: Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day
📜 Why It’s Popular: Known for the legendary Greekfest (dating back to the late ’80s), Virginia Beach has been a hotspot for HBCU students and young professionals for decades. Despite clashes with city officials in the past, the legacy remains, and it continues to draw Black travelers for reunions, cookouts, and beach parties.
2. South Beach – Miami, FL
📍 Popular During: Memorial Day Weekend (Urban Beach Week)
📜 Why It’s Popular: Urban Beach Week began in the early 2000s as a cultural takeover of South Beach by Black hip-hop lovers, creatives, and influencers. With music, fashion, and beach vibes colliding, it’s been a Black beach staple for over 20 years.
3. Oak Bluffs – Martha’s Vineyard, MA
📍 Popular During: August (Black Family Reunion Week, AKA “The Inkwell”)
📜 Why It’s Popular: Oak Bluffs has been a haven for affluent Black families since the early 20th century, during segregation. “The Inkwell” beach was one of the only welcoming places for Black vacationers and remains a symbol of Black excellence, pride, and summer tradition.
4. Jones Beach – Long Island, NY
📍 Popular During: Summer Weekends, HBCU Reunions
📜 Why It’s Popular: Jones Beach has been a Northern escape for Black families from NYC and beyond since the 1960s. With close proximity and epic family cookouts, it’s long been a backdrop for our summertime joy and generational memories.
5. Atlantic Beach – South Carolina
📍 Popular During: Memorial Day Weekend (Black Bike Week)
📜 Why It’s Popular: Known as “The Black Pearl,” Atlantic Beach was one of the few beaches Black Americans could visit during Jim Crow. Black Bike Week now turns this historic stretch into a high-energy celebration of culture, freedom, and fast rides.
🧳 Which of these legendary beaches have you been to? Tag your beach crew & drop your fave memories below ⬇️
#BlackTravelNow #BlackBeachMagic #UrbanBeachWeek #GreekfestVA #InkwellBeach #BlackExcellence #HBCUVibes #PassportReady
