America’s vast coastline is not short of beautiful beaches, and Tripadvisor has named the country’s top 25 locations based on the public’s reviews. Whether you fancy trekking along miles of unadulterated coastal nature reserves or prefer lazing on pristine, white sand with nearby entertainment – there’s a beach to suit everyone. So, pack your swimwear and pick your favourite...
Waikiki Beach is Oahu’s most famous, perhaps on account of its unhindered view of Diamond Head which lies in the distance. The shoreline is a popular place for surfing, swimming and paddleboarding, but try the glass bottom boat cruises if you’re eager to go further out to sea. When you’re not relaxing on the sand, stroll around Kalakaua Avenue and pay a visit to local eateries such as Kai Coffee or Maguro Spot.
Warm water is to be expected when paddling at Florida's beautiful Clearwater Beach, looking out to the Gulf of Mexico. Its white sand has become a popular destination for those on Spring Break (and beyond), which accounts for the many bars and restaurants situated within walking distance. Head to Pier 60 just before sunset for mind-blowing views of the sky.
Hop on the trolley service in Ogunquit and it'll take you straight to the beach. Ogunquit Beach is much quieter than others on this list and as a result, it retains its rugged terrain – making it an ideal choice for those wanting a long coastal walk. The tides change quickly here so you need your wits about you if you take to the water, but lifeguards are on site. Visitors can also rest in the Adirondack chairs to soak up the view – a highlight within the reviews.
A lot of history surrounds the idyllic St. Pete Beach. It’s right next to Pass-a-Grille, an old charming town full of quaint boutiques, art markets and restaurants, as well as the famous 'pink palace', the Don Cesar hotel. Reviews claim the white sandy beach has a more laid-back vibe than some of the other sand strands on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and is less built up. However, there are activities on offer including water sports, dolphin tours and glass bottom night kayaking.
Panama City Beach is a whopping 27 miles (43km) long, which has made it ideal for activities that need plenty of room, such as parasailing, jet skiing and even an inflatable assault course. It’s the entertainment that’s made these sandy white banks popular for family vacations. But we shouldn’t look over the gorgeous emerald water that supplies local restaurants with some of the freshest seafood around.
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Pack your tent and head down to Port Aransas Beach for a spot of coastal camping. There are port-a-potties on site, plus chairs and canopies can be rented. During the day there are plenty of boating activities to keep visitors busy including dolphin watching, party cruising and glow-in-the-dark kayaking. Some people also drive their golf karts right down the shoreline, so there's decent accessibility.
If you head towards St. John’s Pass, you’ll find the white sandy bands of Treasure Island Beach – which is absolutely stunning when the sun starts to set. The water is pretty clear, which is handy since visitors will need to watch out for the sting ray population that lives around here. Helicopter tours of the Gulf of Mexico are popular, but if you’re not ready to take to the skies, grab some food from The Pearl Restaurant, BRGR Kitchen and Bar or Shrimpys Blue Bistro, and soak up the views.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is easy to spot from a distance with its towering collection of palm trees. It’s also accessible with plenty of shops, nightlife and restaurants nearby. Visitors say you should try Elbo Room if you’re looking for a drink. When not laying in the golden sands, take a stroll along Seabreeze Boulevard and Las Olas Boulevard to discover everything that Fort Lauderdale has to offer.
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Ka’anapali is considered one of the best beaches in Maui, most likely because it offers everything a visitor could want – three miles (5km) of golden sand, plenty of water sports and activities to do, easy parking and walkable paths, all set against a tropical backdrop that overlooks the other two islands: Lanai and Molokai. If you’re brave enough, jump off the famous Black Rock, otherwise take a more graceful entrance into the water and go snorkelling to see the huge population of sea turtles and tropical fish that live here.
Coligny Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Hilton Head Island – and for good reason. Aside from glorious coastal views, it has all practical points covered. Parking is free, with a dedicated area for disabled parking. There are also dressing rooms with showers available and a kids splash pad. Reviews particularly rave about cycling along the miles of soft sand, which attracts visitors all year round.
The pale sands of Coronado are said to have flecks of gold in them, so be sure to take a closer look if you visit. It’s become a popular destination for surfers looking to catch some waves in the Pacific Ocean too. While you're there, take a look around the nearby Del Coronado hotel to experience a bit of local history or take one of the many tours around the coastal area, whether that be by Segway, GoCar or walking.
If you’re looking to explore less commercialised coastal terrain, then head towards St. Augustine Beach. It has free public parking, restrooms, a playground and a splash pad for children. Take a stroll along the pier to really capture a view of the beach in all its glory and maybe stop off for some fishing. The nearby Les Petits Pleasures, Amici Italian and Sporks are all worth checking out according to hungry visitors.
Ocean City is only a thin strip of land, but it’s packed with entertainment, viewpoints and great places to eat. If you decide to visit this soft sand beach keep an eye out for humpback whales, as visitors say they’ve spotted these amazing creatures while strolling along the boardwalk. Take a trip to the amusement park, before grabbing a bite at Shenanigan’s, Fisher’s Popcorn or The Dough Roller.
The white sands and emerald waters of Henderson Beach State Park have become a particular favourite with visitors because of the on-site facilities. You’ll have to pay a small fee to enter the beach, but this contributes to maintaining its clean restrooms, campgrounds and picnic areas. Take the nature trail to discover some hidden beauty spots, before cooking fresh seafood from the local market over the campfire.
Head to Santa Rose Island to find Pensacola Beach, which is a popular destination for family vacations. It’s much less crowded than other beaches on the panhandle but arguably just as good – if not better. The area may be slightly colder than elsewhere on account of the cool breeze coming in from the Gulf, but these conditions make it perfect for wind-powered water sports. Also, visit nearby Fort Pickens for a dose of local history.
You only need to turn off the Hana Highway to find yourself in a Hawaiian paradise. Ho’okipa Beach Park is highly popular with both humans and wildlife. Visitors can expect sea turtles (the main attraction here) and monk seals clambering around the beach, while surfers take to the waves. Wait for the tide to go out and head to the tide pools to discover crabs, starfish and smaller marine creatures.
The great thing about La Jolla Cove is that it’s ecologically protected, with a world-famous dive centre located offshore. It means that La Jolla is the place to come for visitors wanting to see marine life, particularly sea lions, in their natural habitat. If you tire of the beautiful coastal scenery, stroll along the beach to find the Ellen Browning Scripps Park, Africa and Beyond art gallery and Bobboi Natural Gelato.
Cannon Beach, which sits off the Oregon Coast and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, is a destination to visit all year round and a popular spot for dog walking. Its terrain is largely unspoiled as it sits right next to the Ecola State Park. The main highlight is the impressive Haystack Rock formation where puffins flock (April-July). The winds can also be pretty strong here making it an ideal location for kite flying, according to visitor reviews.
The rugged shoreline at Ruby Beach is a result of the thrashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can expect to see the impressive sea stacks which have formed along the shoreline, and once the tide goes out, you’ll be able to peer into tide pools full of starfish. As Ruby Beach sits within the Olympic National Park, there are plenty of opportunities for guided tours. It’s also worth stopping at Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rain Forest.
There are some unusual sights to be seen at Driftwood Beach. The tree skeletons scattered along the shoreline have been described by visitors as haunting, especially at sunset, as well as an example of Mother Nature’s art. So, remember to bring your camera and head towards the north end of Jekyll Island to snap this unique scene. Visitors can't get enough of the nearby Georgia Sea Turtle Center, while a trek through the Jekyll Island Trail System to soak up the beauty of this coastal area is another highlight.
Head down to the grassy beach land of Kailua Beach Park for some boogie boarding – a popular pastime here. The area has bathroom facilities and picnic areas as well as nearby restaurants and shops. While lazing in Kailua’s white sands you may come across some sea turtles also soaking up the sun, but visitors can also view wildlife from the ocean. Activity groups kayak from Kailua right out to neighbouring Flat Island.
Moonstone Beach is less commercialised than some of the built-up resort areas, leading to visitors commonly describing it as "quaint" and "peaceful". The beach has a boardwalk installed and it’s not unusual to come across local seals sunbathing. After a long seaside stroll, head to one of the local restaurants for some fresh seafood and enjoy an afternoon of surf lessons.
Poipu Beach Park is a protected bay, so monk seals and sea turtles appear aplenty on these shores. It does, however, mean large surfing sessions are a no-go in this area to prevent disturbing the wildlife. There are lots of parking nearby, restrooms and lifeguards on site, and restaurants are just across the street. Try Lappert’s Hawaii or Uncle’s Shave Ice. If you’re looking for cool activities, try the secret Kauai tour or snorkelling.
The unmistakable sands of Siesta Key continue to attract visitors to Siesta Beach. There’s a lot to do here, whether that’s spending the evening at the lively drum circle or relaxing on the beach with your freshly prepared picnic and rented sun lounger. Bathrooms are on site and there’s a dedicated playground for children. If you’re up for some activities, visitors recommend electric biking, kayak touring and dolphin sightseeing.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area has been described time and time again as the best on the Big Island by visitors – and it’s now the best beach in the USA too. The sandy stretch, which sits on the Kohala Coast, is a popular spot for boogie boarding and body surfing as the currents here are quite strong. The bay sits against a mountainous backdrop of volcanoes and waterfalls, which you can pay to tour.