Discover the Top 10 Best Beaches in USA
The results are in, travelers have made their voices heard and TripAdvisor’s best beaches in the United States have been named for 2023.
Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best Beaches awards signify more than just positive reviews. They signify a commitment to excellence at the highest level of travel, a commitment to upholding safety standards, and, perhaps most importantly, a high standard of trust.
Travelers dreaming of crystal clear blue waters, picturesque coastlines, and sandy beaches should consider trips to these beaches. The list includes 25 beaches in all, but here’s a look at the top 10.
Not only are they beautiful, but they offer opportunities for fun and relaxation, ranging from lazy beach days to memorable underwater adventures.
10. La Jolla Cove | California
Nestled along the San Diego Coast, La Jolla Cove is well known for its picturesque beauty and abundance of sea life.
Beach-goers are awed by the cove’s crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for water activities like swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Those who come back at low tide can be treated to a swim in stunning, crystal-clear tidal pools.
The surrounding sandstone cliffs make the perfect backdrop for water-based fun are they’re also a good spot to see a gorgeous sunrise or sunset.
Nature and animal enthusiasts love visits to the cove because of its variety of sea life. A glimpse of the shoreline will almost certainly net a look at large colonies of sea lions in their natural habitat. The cove is also home to colorful fish, and tourists may even catch an occasional glimpse of a leopard shark.
9. Ogunquit Beach | Maine
Ogunquit is the perfect Maine destination for travelers who love exploring and the beautiful sandy beaches are perfect for taking seaside strolls for truly unforgettable views.
Take a (careful) walk along Marginal Way for stunning views of the coast, including the beaches and harbor. At one end of Marginal Way are three miles of dunes that make up Ogunquit Beach.
Ogunquit Beach is situated along the Ogunquit Rover and is known for its soft sand and gentle surf. This makes the beach perfect for families and youngsters can enjoy collecting shells, kite flying, swimming, and building sand castles.
Ogunquit Beach has been honored as one of the nation’s top beaches by TripAdvisor before and is perfect for walking as well as water-based activities.
8. Coronado Beach | California
Situated on the island of Coronado, just across the bay from San Diego, Coronado Beach offers everything travelers want in a beach experience: Stunning views, gentle waves, and sandy shores.
Coronado Beach is the perfect place for a beach getaway, offering travelers the chance to take a romantic stroll along the shore, enjoy a dip in the water, or even take their dog for a walk (the beach is very dog-friendly).
Beach-goers also love Coronado Beach because it’s a popular destination for surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, beachcombing, and sunbathing in the picturesque Pacific Ocean. Make sure to stick around to watch an amazing sunset too!
Once travelers have had their fill of beach fun, they can explore the wonders of Coronado Island and the beach. Travelers who want a fun way to the island can go on a bike or segway tour or even tour San Diego on an Old Town Trolley Tour.
7. Cannon Beach | Oregon
Located along the rugged Pacific coastline, Cannon Beach, Cannon Beach is well known for Haystack Rock, a towering sea stack rising from the shoreline. Travelers can get a better glimpse of the sea stacks at low tide along the sandbar.
The beach is a popular destination for beachcombing, beach strolling, and even the occasional trip to fly a kite. Strollers can walk on comfortable, soft sand to the mouth of Ecola Creek to get a glimpse of Tillamook Lighthouse
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike to nearby Ecola State Park for rustic camping, panoramic views, and even a leisurely bonfire by the beach. No matter what they choose, travelers will see the very best natural beauty that Oregon can offer.
6. Henderson Beach State Park | Florida
Known for its beautiful white sand beaches, diverse coastal ecosystems, and clear emerald waters, Henderson Beach State Park provides everything travelers need for a memorable experience in the Florida panhandle.
Campers can stay in the park’s campground, which features modern facilities and is perfect for nature walks, picnicking, swimming, and sunbathing at the beach.
With its tranquil setting and photo-worthy natural beauty, Henderson Beach State Park is the perfect spot to soak up the sun’s rays, take a leisurely walk on a beautiful nature trail, or relax around a campfire.
5. Ho’okipa Beach Park | Hawaii
This renowned beach on the north shore of Maui is a popular destination for windsurfers and surfers because of its powerful waves, making it one of the best spots in the nation to hang 10.
Nature enthusiasts can walk along the white sand beach and keep their eyes peeled for Hawaii’s famous green sea turtles basking along the shore.
Beach-goers can enjoy the beach’s golden sands, awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, and crystal-clear waters. The park’s blend of water recreation opportunities and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination.
4. Hanalei Beach | Hawaii
Situated at the mouth of the Hanalei River on the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei Beach is known for its crescent-shaped bay, golden sands, and lush, green mountains.
The beach is a popular spot for swimming and water sports. It’s an ideal surfing spot, perfect for beginners as well as experienced surfers. It’s also a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the water and catch glimpses of sea life.
Once travelers have had their fill of water fun, the town of Hanalei is a charming town full of aloha spirit that offers a vibrant arts scene to explore as well as local shops and restaurants.
3. Driftwood Beach | Georgia
This stunning and unique coastal destination, located on Jekyll Island in southern Georgia, is known for its haunting beautiful scenery.
Visitors enjoy visiting Driftwood Beach to see the weathered trees and fallen branches dotting its beaches as they enjoy nature walks and photography. It’s beautiful and the diverse, natural environment adds a certain peace and serenity.
Driftwood Beach’s distinctive beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-see attraction for those seeking a memorable and serene coastal experience in Georgia.
2. Siesta Beach | Florida
As its peaceful name might suggest, Siesta Beach is the perfect spot for travelers who love beach relaxation. It’s hard not to relax when you’re surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white, powdery sand, and beautiful scenery.
This is the perfect spot for a family vacation; kids will love collecting shells on the shoreline, lifeguards are on duty to keep an eye on youngsters, and families can rent beachfront condos to make the most of a memorable vacation.
Nearby food options allow visitors to enjoy fresh seafood and comfort food at cozy cafes. Visitors can soak in the atmosphere around them, enjoying a Siesta Beach drum circle or an e-bike tour of Siesta Key to enjoy scenic views of the beach and surrounding area.
1. Ka’anapali Beach | Hawaii
TripAdvisor selected Ka’anapali Beach in Hawaii for good reason: This three-mile stretch has lush mountains, clear waters, scenic views, and even a bit of Hawaiian culture.
As one of the nation’s most popular beaches, TripAdvisor recommends getting to the beach early so travelers can snag an open patch of beach and spend more time snorkeling, surfing, and swimming while being surrounded by an utterly beautiful landscape.
Visitors should make sure to stick around the beach at sunset. Not only is the view incredible but there’s a daily cliff-diving ceremony at Pu’u Keka’a at the north end of the beach at sunset.
Visit One of the Best Beaches in the US
From Hawaii to Oregon to Maine to Georgia, there is no shortage of scenic beaches to visit in the United States. Whether you’re looking to swim in crystal-clear waters, take a shoreline stroll, ride the waves, or scuba dive, the best beaches in the nation offer a chance to do all that and more.
Beaches offer the best in relaxation and fun and the nation’s best beaches give individual travelers, couples, and even families the chance to soak up the sun, splash away in the water, and enjoy some of the best views the nation can offer.