The Verdict Is In: These Are America’s 25 Best Beaches
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Yes, we’re pretty much always ready for a sun-filled day (or five) at the beach. That’s why Tripadvisor’s list of America’s best beaches doesn’t disappoint. Whether or not these beaches are within driving distance of you, they should certainly be on your travel bucket list.
In the meantime, we’ll let you enjoy these stunning photos of the top 25 beaches in the U.S. — a majority of which, not surprisingly, come out of California, Florida and Hawaii. Surf’s up!
25. Santa Monica State Beach
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Location: Santa Monica, California
Best Time to Visit: Between September and November (some of the warmest months of the year)
Where to stay: Palihouse Santa Monica
*Note: The ranking comes from the 2021 Travelers' Choice best beaches report on Tripadvisor.
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Fantastic huge beach on the Pacific Ocean with the famous Santa Monica Pier, endless volleyball nets, bike path, Muscle Beach, eateries and sunshine with epic sunsets." — morrisjkm
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Waikiki Beach is beautiful. It is so relaxing to lay on the sand and listen to the gentle roar of the ocean and its waves. A truly wonderful experience." — HNBISOFF
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23. Myrtle Beach
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Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Where to stay: Ocean Reef Resort
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"We absolutely love Myrtle Beach. We've come here since we were children. It has changed a lot but always always always so hospitable and friendly." — Terry Adams
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Wonderful sandy beach with shady trees if desired. We snorkeled here and saw lots of fish. There was a Hawaiian monk seal that came to shore. There's also an area with less wake for little kids to enjoy." — Bonnie P.
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Our family of seven returns to Virginia Beach several times a year. It’s a beautiful, wide beach with plenty of room to play. There are a nice boardwalk, good restaurants and beautiful balcony views from the hotels. The beaches have several playgrounds on the beach, too." — Ereina
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20. Coronado Beach
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Location: Coronado, California
Best Time to Visit: Between July and September
Where to stay: 1906 Lodge
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"We had a blast at Coronado Beach with our young kids. The water was shallow and warm. The sand was perfect for playing. We ended the day at the beach shake nearby for live music and fish tacos with beer!" — April L.
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19. Coligny Beach
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Location: Hilton Head, South Carolina
Best Time to Visit: April and May or September and October (to avoid crowds)
Where to stay: Sonesta Resort - Hilton Head Island
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Coligny Beach and the surrounding area is very family-friendly. Splash pad for the kids, restrooms at beach entrance, changing areas, rinse stations, large patios that are covered with rocking chairs and porch swings. Coligny Plaza is within walking distance with tons of stores, restaurants and ice cream." — acm09b
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18. Clearwater Beach
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Location: Clearwater, Florida
Best Time to Visit: Between October and December
Where to stay: Sandpearl Resort
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"White sand, ocean breezes, nearby restaurants and bars, umbrella and chair rentals available on the beach. This place has it all!" — Baby-whisperer211
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17. Siesta Beach
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Location: Siesta Key, Florida
Best Time to Visit: Fall if you want to avoid summer and Spring Break tourists
Where to stay: Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Love it. Free parking. Nice people. Beautiful sand. BBQ grills. Gulf looks great. So much space even with condo flags. Not many places like this that either allows alcohol or has free parking. Truly paradise. Sunsets are perfect." — Jason
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16. Treasure Island Beach
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Location: Treasure Island, Florida
Best Time to Visit: All year, but November is the driest month
Where to stay: Treasure Island Beach Resort
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"We are popping down to the Everglades for an airboat ride and booked an overnight at Treasure Island to break up the journey. This is a beautiful place, white-sand beaches, lots to do and see, great restaurants close by, wish we had more time here." — Steve1530
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Pensacola Beach is beautiful! The sand is so white you need sunglasses to look at it." — Sunseekergirl77
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14. La Jolla Cove
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Location: San Diego, California
Best Time to Visit: July to October, especially in September when there are less summer tourists
Where to stay: Grande Colonial Hotel
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Vistas are beyond the touches of imagination, and coastal breezes dance across one's, covered smile. If Dorothy was careless, she'd klick her heels together and say, 'There is no place I'd rather be.'" — Eugene Williams
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13. Henderson Beach State Park
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Location: Destin, Florida
Best Time to Visit: April and May (before summer tourism starts to pick up)
Where to stay: Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"My wife and I got married here. So private and beautiful. It was away from the hustle-bustle beach crowd and quiet. I would recommend anyone doing a destination wedding to go to Henderson Beach State Park." — Ernie D.
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Just to the north of Daytona is Ormond Beach. I have been coming here since the late 1960s. Still a bit quieter and more relaxed. Family-friendly and the same beach as its brother." — RxDive
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11. Driftwood Beach
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Location: Jekyll Island, Georgia
Best Time to Visit: Really any time of year, but spring or fall tend to have the least tourists (and make sure to go at low tide)
Where to stay: Jekyll Island Club Resort
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Interesting beach with numerous gnarled petrified trees. You won't see anything like this on most beaches. Good place for shells." — Gail H.
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“We decided to stay in Kailua to escape the city of hotels in Waikiki. We loved Kailua and absolutely loved Kailua Beach Park. Super chill, fun to watch the kite surfers, great atmosphere, and there’s a Kalapawai market right there as well as a few other shops in walking distance.” — Laura Lee P.
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“This is an excellent little stop off on a road trip ... we stopped here for an evening walk along beautiful white sands with clear water and fish! We could actually see the fish! Beautiful beach to stop and watch the sunset.” — WorldTraveller1983
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“The Wai'anapanapa waterfront and black sand beach is one of the best sites along the Road to Hana. The black-sand beaches (produced by volcanic activity on the island) are otherworldly along the beautiful coastline.” — adriennesuhm
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7. Ogunquit Beach
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Location: Ogunquit, Maine
Best Time to Visit: July and August are the warmest months for swimming
Where to stay: Abalonia Inn
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“Our favorite New England beach. Great for walking, soaking up the sun, people watching and swimming if you dare brave the cold water. Get here early (before 10) for a space in the large lot.” — Krbnsol
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6. Napili Beach
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Location: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall, if you want to avoid tourists
Where to stay: Napili Kai Beach Resort
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“Snorkeling here is absolutely amazing; it is one of the best places to see lots of fish, clean, safe, great beach.” — lorrena r
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5. Cannon Beach
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Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Best Time to Visit: Late July to early September for warm-weather activities
Where to stay: Hallmark Resort in Cannon Beach
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“Nature at its most inspiring with views of Haystack Rock, a deep strand of soft, pristine sand on which to enjoy spectacular sunsets over beach campfires, lovely art galleries and shops, and very nice eateries.” — MsCanuck24
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4. Wailea Beach
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Location: Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall, if you want to avoid tourists
Where to stay: Maui Coast Hotel
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“Really nice sandy beach with a walking path and facilities. This area had a calm surf, and the whales were playing right out from the beach a hundred yards.” — Mike H.
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3. Moonstone Beach
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Location: Cambria, California
Best Time to Visit: October, the warmest month
Where to stay: The Pavilion Hotel
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“Taking a walk on Moonstone Beach is definitely a breathtaking experience. Watching the waves break against the rocks, the tranquility of the ocean and the feeling of peacefulness is well worth the walk.” — travelbyjb
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2. Ka'anapali Beach
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Location: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall, if you want to avoid tourists
Where to stay: Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“Lots of kids and families, yet enough room that you aren't on top of each other. When we were there (February 2021), we saw whales breaching in the distance.” — Kerry A.
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What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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“Dry white sand with lots of shells, sponges, birds, jellyfish and birds to keep you company. Aqua oceans looked tranquil. Overall experience was very relaxing.” — Sunshine
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Honorable Mention: Baker Beach
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While the Tripadvisor list certainly lists some of the best of the best beaches in the U.S., Far & Wide staff members have a few favorite beaches that we couldn't help but include in an honorable mention category, starting with none other than Baker Beach and its breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge...
Location: San Francisco, California
BestTime to Visit: September to October
Where to stay: Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"This is one of my favorite beaches in the Bay Area. It is easy to get to and has fabulous views. I would recommend this beach to anyone, including families, for its safety and fun aspects (rocks to climb, etc)." — ireophile
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Honorable Mention: South Beach
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Location: Miami, Florida
BestTime to Visit: March to May
Where to stay: Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"South Beach was fun, lively and colorful. Loved the restaurants along Collins and Ocean Drive and the close proximity to the beaches. Beautiful views and skylines." — Pia H.
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Honorable Mention: Cape May City Beaches
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Location: Cape May, New Jersey
BestTime to Visit: May to September
Where to stay: Icona Cape May
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"Great beach any time of year ... yes, we have walked on the beach and boardwalk when it’s snowing, too. Just bundle up if your there during the winter months, those winds off the Atlantic can be cold. In the summer, don’t miss the opportunity to take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, too. You’ll love it." — GinnyNY
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Honorable Mention: Cape Cod National Seashore
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Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
BestTime to Visit: May to October
Where to stay: The Whalewalk Inn & Spa
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"This well-maintained seashore park is such a delight to walk on and see the beaches and the pounding surf. There are many walking trails with scenic views. Do a lot in one day or do short hikes over multiple days. It is a treasure." — EilSat
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Honorable Mention: Asilomar State Beach
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Location: Monterey, California
BestTime to Visit: September to October
Where to stay: The Old St. Angela Inn
What Tripadvisor Reviewers Have to Say
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"An absolutely beautiful stretch of beach. You can wade in the water, watch surfers or sit back and relax. There are tide pools nearby and the views from every angle are spectacular." — cscac
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