Planning a Summer Vacation? Avoid These Shark-Heavy Beaches

As the weather continues to warm up, many people around the country are beginning to plan their summer vacations. While theme parks and national forests are often popular destinations, nothing quite beats the sun, sand, and saltwater of a good beach vacation. In fact, according to The Center for Conservation Biology, Americans make nearly 2 billion visits to beaches each year. With so much excitement around visiting the beach, it can be easy to forget we share the water with some incredible and dangerous creatures, namely sharks. 

Thanks to movies and close encounters, one shark in particular has captivated people throughout the United States for decades — the great white shark. These apex predators are frequent visitors to some of the most popular beaches in the country, making it all the more important to plan accordingly. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at great white shark behavior, explore the beaches they frequent the most, and discuss how to stay safe when vacationing near shark hot spots.

Understanding Great White Shark Behavior

Great white sharks symbolize power and aggression, but many people would be surprised to learn that their movements are far from random. In reality, these sharks follow consistent behavioral patterns shaped by temperature, prey availability, and breeding cycles.

Seasonal Migration Patterns of Sharks

One of the best ways to predict where a great white shark could appear is based on seasonal migration patterns. These sharks are highly migratory and often follow the same journey along the U.S. coastline each year. Sometimes, they travel thousands of miles per trip. During the summer, they tend to move closer to shore in search of prey like seals and fish. They also favor temperate waters between 50°F and 80°F, so they often change locations as they search for their ideal habitat.

Preferred Habitats of Sharks

The preferred habitat for a great white shark will vary depending on the animal’s age. For instance, juvenile great whites prefer shallow, warmer coastal waters with abundant food. On the other hand, adult great whites are more adaptable and can be found in both nearshore and offshore environments. Great white sharks of all sizes are often attracted to regions with rocky coastlines, offshore sandbars, and dense seal populations. This is why parts of New England and California are hot spots for shark sightings during the summer and early fall months.

U.S. Beaches with Frequent Great White Shark Sightings

Coastal regions, in particular, are well-known for great white activity throughout late spring and into early fall. However, not all beaches are brimming with sharks. Below is a closer look at four popular beaches that have become synonymous with great white shark sightings over the last couple of years. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod has become one of the country’s most closely monitored shark regions thanks to a booming grey seal population. With ample food, great whites are frequent visitors to popular beaches near Chatham, Orleans, and Provincetown.

Even though sharks typically arrive by June, they are starting to show up sooner and sooner. A recent report by NBC Boston disclosed that the first great white of the 2025 season was discovered in mid-May. With so much shark activity, it can be dangerous for vacationers to wade into the ocean. In an effort to keep negative encounters at a minimum, local organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy track shark movements in real-time. 

Montauk, New York

Another location along the eastern coastline of the United States with frequent great white shark activity is Montauk, New York. This city is situated off the eastern tip of Long Island and has seen spikes in great white shark activity in recent years. Many experts believe the region’s deep drop-offs and plentiful fish populations make the area a natural corridor for sharks migrating along the Atlantic coast. 

Monterey Bay, California

East Coast cities aren’t the only places with great white shark sightings. In fact, during late summer and through October, Monterey Bay, California, has significant shark activity throughout the region known as the “Red Triangle.” The area’s large sea lion colonies and abundant marine life provide excellent hunting grounds for both juvenile and adult great white sharks. While great whites can be found throughout Monterey Bay, they are particularly prevalent around Seacliff State Beach and Marina State Beach. 

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Although great white shark sightings in New Smyrna Beach are less frequent than the other three locations on our list, it does get an honorable mention for being the “shark bite capital of the world.” Most shark encounters in the area involve smaller species, but great whites have been documented in deeper waters just offshore during seasonal migrations.

What Should You Do When Visiting a Beach with Great White Shark Sightings?

Contrary to what media outlets and movies might suggest, shark attacks are not very common. While you should take the appropriate precautions when traveling to a destination with shark activity, don’t let it deter you from enjoying the ocean. 

Stay Informed

Many coastal states now offer real-time shark tracking and beach safety updates. With apps like Sharktivity and local park service websites, communities can alert visitors to recent sightings, beach closures, and advisories. Whether or not you’re traveling to a beach with known shark activity, it’s a good idea to check these tools before heading into the water.

Avoid Peak Feeding Times

It may seem fun to have the beach to yourself early in the morning or late at night, but sharks are usually most active in these low-light hours. Great white sharks prefer to hunt at dawn and dusk, making it more likely to encounter one of these creatures if you go swimming. The reduced lighting also makes it harder for predators to distinguish between prey and humans. If you want to enjoy the water, try to swim at midday when the sun is high and the water is clearer. 

Steer Clear of Seal Populations

Avoiding seal populations is probably the most important of all the tips on the list. Since seals and sea lions are a favorite food of great white sharks, it’s safe to assume that a predator is never too far behind. If you notice a group of seals gathering near shore or spot birds diving for fish, it’s best to give the animals plenty of space.

Swim in Groups

Swimming alone is fine in pools, but can be dangerous in the ocean. Not only does swimming alone pose risks like riptides, but it can also make you a target for a shark. If you plan to enter the water, try sticking with others and avoiding straying too far from shore. Most species, including great whites, are opportunistic feeders and are less likely to strike if their target is among a group.

Avoid Wearing Shiny Jewelry

Wearing jewelry is second nature for most people, especially when it’s something like a wedding ring or a waterproof athletic watch. While it may seem innocent enough to wear these items at the beach, they can pose a significant risk when swimming in the ocean.  Most jewelry will reflect sunlight when in the water, creating small flashes that resemble the glint of fish scales. These hints of light are visual triggers for many predatory fish, including sharks. Even if you don’t think your watch or ring will cause a flash, it’s still best to err on the side of caution and leave it with your chair on the sand or in your hotel room.