The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has released a new series of Forever stamps designed to capture the familiar sights and slower pace of a seaside beach holiday and “add a touch of sunshine to correspondence.”
The “A Day at the Beach” stamps officially debuted on April 24, 2026, during a first‑day‑of‑issue ceremony at the WESTPEX Stamp Show in Burlingame, California, according to the USPS press release, and are now available to buy.
Stamp Design and Inspiration
The four‑stamp set features illustrated scenes commonly associated with a day at the beach:
- A sandcastle taking shape on the shore
- A seagull perched on a beach-weathered wooden post
- A traditional bicycle, parked on the sand
- A person sitting on the sand underneath a brightly colored beach umbrella
USPS art director Derry Noyes worked on the stamp designs, using original oil paintings by artist Gregory Manchess. USPS said the designs were inspired by Noyes’ annual summer trips to beaches in New England.
Why USPS Introduced the Beach‑Themed Stamp Set
USPS regularly releases stamps that reflect shared American experiences, seasons, and historic cultural moments. When announcing the new beach‑themed stamps, the agency described the designs as a celebration of “one of summer’s greatest pleasures” and the simple joys associated with coastal escapes.
The release of the “Day at the Beach” stamp series ties into the USPS’s broader 2026 Forever stamp program, which mixes lighthearted, everyday themes with commemorations of major cultural figures, anniversaries, and historical milestones.
Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS stamp services director, said that “each stamp is a small work of art — an entryway into a larger story that connects people, places, and moments in history. This year, we continue to honor that legacy with a diverse range of subjects and designs, from beloved series and commemorative anniversaries to bold new releases that will inspire and excite collectors and admirers alike.”
How and Where Consumers Can Buy the ‘Day at the Beach’ Stamps
The “A Day at the Beach” stamps are available in booklets of 20 and can be purchased:
- At Post Office locations nationwide
- Online through The Postal Store at USPS.com
- By calling the USPS stamp ordering service at 844-737-7826
- Via mail order
- Through selected, officially licensed USPS retailers on Amazon
How Much Do the Stamps Cost?
At the time of publishing, the beach‑themed stamps are priced at 78 cents per stamp, which is the current First‑Class Mail one‑ounce rate, according to USPS pricing. A booklet of 20, therefore, will cost $15.60 before applicable taxes or fees.
It’s worth noting that, at the beginning of April, the USPS filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission to propose stamp price changes, which are set to take effect on July 12, 2026. If approved, the changes would raise the price of a First‑Class Mail Forever stamp by 4 cents, from 78 cents to 82 cents.
The increase will not affect the validity of any Forever stamps that have already been purchased. They will remain valid for mailing a one‑ounce First‑Class letter, regardless of future postage price increases, according to the USPS.
Other Forever Stamps Launched in 2026
Earlier this year, USPS rolled out several additional stamps as part of its 2026 program, including:
- Love (2026) stamps, released ahead of Valentine’s Day
- A Muhammad Ali commemorative stamp honoring the late boxer and humanitarian
- A Colorado Statehood stamp marking the state’s 150th anniversary
- The Black Heritage Series, featuring Phillis Wheatley, to honor her poetry and writing
- Figures of the American Revolution, recognizing key historical leaders
- Lowriders, celebrating automotive and cultural history
- Year of the Horse, as part of the Lunar New Year series
These stamps are sold as Forever stamps and are available through Post Offices and the USPS retail channels, listed above.
USPS officials have said these releases are intended to honor American culture, history, and creativity while maintaining public interest in traditional mail.
Other Forever Stamps Coming Later in 2026
Looking ahead, the USPS has previewed several additional stamp releases expected later in 2026, though exact dates may vary. Announced or previewed designs include:
- Route 66, which is being released to mark the highway’s 100th anniversary, is expected to launch on May 5
- Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult is designed to honor a national symbol, associated with American ideals such as freedom, strength, and independence, and is due for release on May 14
- Summer Sunset is meant to evoke the universal appeal of sunsets, which are widely associated with reflection and calm, and should launch on June 25
- Declaration of Independence, featuring a modern “1776” design shaped like quill pens, timed to Independence Day ceremonies, is intended to launch on July 4
The USPS has confirmed that more stamp updates and releases will come as the year progresses, but designs or dates remain subject to change.
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