Amid winter’s icy
chill, most of us are probably ready to start planning a warm-weather vacation.
And, of course, where better to celebrate sunshine than the beach, where you
can alternate between toasty sand and cool, crisp waters. If you’re wondering
where to head for your next sun-drenched vacay, you’re in luck.
TripAdvisor has
just released its Travelers'
Choice Awards for 2024: Best of the Best Beaches, spotlighting the crème de
la crème of sand- and surf-soaked destinations. From the rugged coastlines of
Oregon to the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii, these top-ranked spots promise
unforgettable seaside experiences.
The top 10 list of
U.S. beaches spans eight states, but some—the ones famous for their sunny
shores—boast more than one contender. That’s right, the perennially popular
beaches of beautiful Hawaii, Florida
and California made the strongest showing.
Taking top spot
for the second year running is Ka'anapali Beach in Lahaina on Maui, boasting
gently lapping waves, powdery soft sand, bright azure waters and emerald
mountains in the distance. Ka'anapali also claimed fourth place in TripAdvisor’s
ranking of the best beaches in the entire world.
Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, Florida. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/aiisha)
Second in the U.S.
is Siesta Beach, situated on Florida’s secluded Siesta Key. The family-friendly
spot is ideal for a day filled with either relaxation or activities. You can sunbathe
on the white sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters or play some outdoor sports.
Whatever your pleasure, it’s easily reached via public transportation, is wheelchair-friendly
and has plenty of parking, restrooms and a small concession stand. Siesta Beach
also ranked ninth among the world’s best beaches.
Third on the
winner’s podium is Poipu Beach Park on the island of Kauai, a serenely enclosed
cove that makes it safe to come with kids. The popularity of this gorgeous spot
can be largely attributed to its warm, shallow waters and gentle waves, which provide
the perfect conditions for snorkeling. Besides the colorful tropical fish you’ll
see underwater, you can also spot Hawaiian monk seals lounging on the shore and
you may even spot sea turtles making their way up the sand as the sun sets.
Poipu, Kaua'i (Photo via Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson)
Here is the full
list of the top 10 best beaches in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor:
- Ka'anapali Beach –
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
- Siesta Beach –
Siesta Key, Florida
- Poipu Beach Park –
Kauai, Hawaii
- Hollywood Beach – Hollywood,
Florida
- La Jolla Cove – La
Jolla, California
- Cannon Beach –
Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Santa Monica State
Beach – Santa Monica, California
- Driftwood Beach –
Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Coligny Beach –
Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Ocean City Beach –
Ocean City, Maryland
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
