Grayson West
The shoreline offers beauty and escape, but not without risks. Some beaches face ongoing challenges with water quality, tied to pollution carried by runoff or crowded coastal surroundings. These conditions can leave swimmers exposed to bacteria that aren’t visible. Communities continue to use these beaches daily, yet health notices appear frequently. Here’s a closer look at 10 such U.S. beaches where contamination has become a persistent concern.
Imperial Beach, California
Sunsets here are among California’s most stunning, painting the Pacific in glowing hues. Yet behind that beauty lies a troubling truth: Imperial Beach is frequently unsafe for swimming. Contamination forces regular closures, as it consistently ranks high in bacterial counts. Even so, surfers continue to chase its open waves.
Coney Island Beach, New York
How can a beach be both iconic and unsafe at times? At Coney Island, the answer comes after storms, when sewage overflows increase bacteria levels beyond recommended thresholds. These concerns, however, don’t erase its charm, as the boardwalk and sweeping Atlantic views keep this landmark beach alive with energy.
Montrose Beach, Chicago, Illinois
Montrose Beach is one of the rare city spots where dogs have their own section to splash and run. But here, fun meets concern. Water samples reveal high fecal bacteria, which prompts repeated warnings from Chicago health officials. Beneath the joy, Lake Michigan carries a quieter risk.
Seabright State Beach, California
Mornings begin with yoga circles on the sand, set against Santa Cruz’s cool breeze. However, after heavy rains, bacteria spikes are almost guaranteed here. That earned Seabright its reputation as a hotspot. Its proximity to Capitola’s vibrant shops also makes it a favorite, yet advisories always remind visitors of what lies unseen.
Huntington Beach Main, California
“Surf City USA” is loud with cheers during the U.S. Open of Surfing, its boardwalk buzzing with cameras. Behind the spectacle, wet-weather runoff pushes bacteria into the surf. The county’s system updates swimmers often, a routine reminder that this iconic filming backdrop also carries an environmental burden.
Oak Street Beach, Illinois
Regulars swear by the small hot dog stand perched at Oak Street Beach, a local secret with a million-dollar view. But the charm contrasts sharply with the water, where E. coli levels repeatedly breach safety thresholds. Public health warnings surface frequently, though Chicagoans keep flocking to its sandy volleyball courts.
Hilo Bay Beaches, Hawaii
The bay curves under volcanic ridges and misty waterfalls, but the calm waters conceal contamination issues tied to stormwater and sewer lines. Several sites here have been marked as hotspots, though their tranquility remains unmatched. Rainbow Falls nearby adds to the draw, as beachgoers adjust to repeated advisories.
Bayfront Park Beach, Florida
Set against Miami’s skyline, this urban beach doubles as a fitness hub. Yet, tropical rains leave bacterial readings above safe thresholds and force frequent closures by county health officials. Its appeal remains strong, boosted by nearby food trucks and the rhythm of downtown life.
Galveston East Beach, Texas
Wide and flat, perfect for kites and bonfires, this Texas favorite faces recurring contamination linked to coastal runoff. High bacteria levels have triggered public advisories more than once. Still, festivals fill the sand with music and seafood each year. It’s a reminder of how community persists despite environmental challenges.
Revere Beach, Massachusetts
Revere Beach holds a unique place in U.S. history, becoming the nation’s first public beach back in the 1890s. That legacy draws generations of visitors, even as water quality presents challenges. Rain and urban runoff increase bacteria levels, which lead to warnings that now accompany its seafood stalls and carousel.