Despite the obvious name, Secret Beach, Oregon, is surprisingly hard to find. Nestled at the northern tip of Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, this oceanside escape is pure Pacific Northwest fantasy: towering spruces line black volcanic rocks that have carved into natural bridges and jagged bluffs by hungry waves. The beach can only be enjoyed at low tide, but even if you can’t sink your feet into its dark sand, the short (and steep!) hike to the spot is a tranquil event all on its own.

This hidden gem in upstate New York is always changing. Hills along the shore of Lake Ontario have been shaped into bluffs with sharp pinnacles (shaped like chimneys) by wind, snow, rain, and waves. Chimney Bluffs State Park has dramatic views over the lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, and it’s also a popular beach destination for locals. You can stroll along the rocky beach and enjoy a swim in the lake, but the fragile bluffs can collapse if climbed (look, don’t touch!).

Like something from a fairy tale, wild horses on Cumberland Island roam freely. What makes this remote, secret island even more enticing—as if you need a reason beyond wild horses—is the sprawling beaches that face both the Atlantic Ocean and St. Mary’s, Georgia. Better yet, the island can only be accessed by ferry, adding an adventurous trek to the whole experience. Depending on when you visit, you may have the whole shore to yourself.

Where does this beautiful beach get its name? Why, from the smooth, domed rocks that resemble bowling balls on the shore. At low tide, this location is a photographer’s playground. Snap a few pics and then stroll the sandy shore as cliffs tower above. Be sure to tread lightly on this hallowed ground—Bowling Ball Beach is part of Schooner Gulch State Beach, so the wildlife and geological phenomena are protected by California.

While Dry Tortugas certainly isn’t a well-kept secret—it’s a national park, after all—it’s not exactly easy to get to. Beachgoers must charter a seaplane or ferry to one of the park’s seven tiny islands. Below the surface lies the Florida reef system—the third largest in the world. Those arriving on their own boat can bring snorkeling equipment and dive to see some truly spectacular underwater views, including reef squid, cement barrels and nurse sharks.

The Hawaiian island of Kauai already feels like a secret—it’s visited by fewer tourists each year than Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Kauapea Beach, on the north shore, is worth going the distance. The 3,000-foot-long beach is dotted by tidal lagoons (perfect for shell hunting at low tide) and a small waterfall of freshwater that can be used as your post-swim shower. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also an unofficial “clothing optional” section on the far east side.

North Carolina is full of developed, crowded beaches, but Carova Beach is considered the last frontier. No joke—it can only be accessed by an all-terrain vehicle. There are no paved roads on the way to Carova (no hotels or motels, either) but if you have a four-wheeler, it’s all up for grabs. Once you’re there, enjoy the seclusion this beach has to offer. Soak in the rays, relax under an umbrella, and snap a few pics of the wild mustangs roaming the shore. This place truly is a romantic paradise