Travel guidance platform TripAdvisor unveiled its Traveler’s Choice Awards: Best Beaches of 2026.
The list includes Top Beaches in the World, Top Beaches in
the United States, the
Caribbean, Europe, Asia and more, along with a new One-of-a-Kind category.
Selections were chosen from beaches scoring the highest ratings and most
authentic reviews from travelers over the past year.
Isla Pasion in
Mexico claims the world’s top spot, while California’s La Jolla Cove rises
to number one in the United States, while Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, South
Africa came first in the One-of-a-Kind category.
"For many travelers, the beach is the main event,"
said Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at Tripadvisor in a
statement. "Based on millions of trips, reviews, and opinions, these
awards highlight the very best beaches in the world — making it easier to
decide where to go and how to spend your time once you're there."
Top 10 Beaches in the World
- Isla Pasion– Cozumel, Mexico- a private island
oasis, crystal-clear waters, marine life encounters, protected coral reefs, sea
turtle nesting sites and snorkeling.
- Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece- rare pink sand
phenomenon, shallow lagoons, protected nature reserve.
- Balos Lagoon – Kissamos, Greece- turquoise
lagoon waters, dramatic landscapes, Instagram-worthy vistas, former pirate
hideout, protected Natura 2000 site.
- Eagle Beach – Eagle Beach, Aruba- pristine white
sand, watersports paradise, sea turtle nesting ground, iconic Fofoti trees.
- Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal- dramatic
red cliff formations with spectacular views
- Banana Beach – Ko He, Thailand- crystal-clear
waters and vibrant coral reefs with amazing snorkeling, premier diving.
- La Jolla Cove – California, USA-protected marine
reserve, sea lion colonies, underwater park, kayaking adventures to sea caves.
- La Pelosa Beach – Sardinia, Italy- Caribbean-like
waters, ancient watchtower views, 16th century Torre della Pelosa.
- Manly Beach – Sydney, Australia- historic surf
culture, beachside promenade, and a scenic Sydney Harbour Ferry Ride.
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – Simon's Town,
South Africa- African penguin sanctuary, granite boulders.
Top 10 Beaches in the U.S.
- La Jolla Cove, California–marine sanctuary
excellence
- Clearwater Beach, Florida –Gulf Coast perfection
- Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii– family-friendly
paradise
- Waikiki Beach, Hawaii –iconic surf culture
- Lanikai Beach, Hawaii – powdery sand, offshore
islands
- Siesta Beach, Florida– quartz sand phenomenon
- Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii– volcanic
wonder
- St. Andrews State Park, Florida– pristine dune)
- Santa Monica State Beach, California – urban
beach icon
- Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida– natural
Florida beauty
Top 10 “One-of-a-Kind" Beaches
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, South Africa –wild
penguins
- Isola Bella – Sicily, Italy – ancient Greek
theater views
- Bamburgh Beach, United Kingdom (medieval castle
backdrop)
- Sleeping Bear Dunes – Michigan, USA – 450-foot
sand dunes
- Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses –
Barreirinhas, Brazil – lagoons
- Anakena Beach – Easter Island, Chile– Moai
statues
- Wai'anapanapa State Park – Hawaii, USA –black
sand, lava tubes
- Hopewell Rocks, Canada – world's highest tides
- Bahía Bioluminiscente, Puerto Rico– glowing
waters
- Hot Water Beach – New Zealand – volcanic hot
springs
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