The 10 Best Beaches in America According to Millions of Reviews
Tripadvisor reveals the second Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024: the Best of the Best Beaches. Based on travelers’ Trip Advisor reviews over one year, the list represents the beaches with the highest ratings by real people who recently visited. From breathtaking views to cleanliness to watersport-friendly seas, these ten beaches across America are the best.
Say Aloha to the Best Beach in America
Kaanapali Beach on the island of Maui is voted best in the U.S. title for the second year in a row. Nearing 10,000 reviews, Ka’anapali also ranks as the No. 4 best beach in the world.
This Hawaiian getaway has crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and surfing against a backdrop of lush mountains. Visitors recommend the daily cliff diving ceremony at Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock), held on the beach’s northern end at sunset.
Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
Voted into the number two spot for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful sunshine, this 8-mile-long island is just over the bridge from Sarasota on the west coast of Florida.
Travelers recommend visiting in the Fall for great weather and lower hotel prices.
Poipu Beach Park – Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii
This south shore, crescent-shaped beach is beloved by locals and visitors. There are lifeguards, a shallow area for little ones, and bodyboarding and surfing spots perfect for a family day out. This area is known for sea turtle sightings. Stay at least one hundred feet away if you’re lucky enough to see one.
The best time to visit Hawaii for smaller crowds and lower room rates is mid-April to early June or between September and November.
Hollywood Beach – Hollywood, Florida
Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, when you picture the quintessential Florida beach, it’s a picture of Hollywood’s shores. It is beloved by families for its beachfront resorts and the 2.5-mile boardwalk right on the sand.
Best time to visit: The weather in Hollywood is the most pleasant between December and April, but crowds increase during school breaks in December and March.
La Jolla Cove – La Jolla, California
This super small beach in San Diego can get crowded quickly but is rated high for its picturesque beauty, sea lion spotting, and cliff walks.
Best time to visit: Temperatures in San Diego are best between March through May and September through November.
Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Oregon
National Geographic magazine named this stunning spot one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world. This charming town with a long sandy shore is often featured in movie and television shows, with Haystack Rock as its iconic symbol.
Best time to visit: Hotel prices are generally lowest in winter, but visit in June to catch the annual sandcastle contest.
Santa Monica State Beach – Santa Monica, California
Located west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica is one of the most iconic places in California. Featuring 3.5 miles of soft sandy shores, a landmark pier, and a mini amusement center. You can take your pick from south of the pier or north of the pier for your next adventure.
Best time to visit: Hotel prices are generally lowest in winter, but cooler temperatures prevail. Think twice about staying in June, known for its gloomy weather.
Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, Georgia
It was named for the old, mangled, beautiful driftwood that has graced these shores for years. This otherworldly spot is a favorite of photographers.
Best time to visit: Hotel prices are generally lowest in winter, but it won’t be as warm. Shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall allow you to avoid the sweltering summer temperatures.
Coligny Beach – Hilton Head, South Carolina
It is one of the most popular places on Hilton Head; locals and travelers enjoy this beach park. It’s a convenient day trip with shops and restaurants just across from the shore.
Best time to visit: Mid-September is far less crowded than the summer and still has excellent weather.
Ocean City Beach – Ocean City, Maryland
This 10-mile stretch of sand has been a beloved family getaway for generations. Play all day in the Atlantic Ocean and spend nights along one of America’s classic wooden boardwalks brimming with thrills and eats.
Best time to visit: Spring’s shoulder season is a great time to visit, both for more affordable prices and less crowds, as many families flock to Ocean City in the summer months, its prime season.
Will you plan a trip to one of these beaches?
The 10 Best Beaches in the World According to Millions of Reviews
Based on an analysis of the millions of reviews left on Tripadvisor for beaches globally over one year, this list reveals the beaches that were the highest-rated by real people who recently visited.
“As our Travelers’ Choice lists reveal, there’s no one-size-fits-all beach day. The top three beaches are all in Europe, ousting the perennially popular Caribbean from those spots—a sign that some travelers are eager to swap typical resort vacations for the coastlines of Portugal, Italy, and beyond,” shares Sarah Firshein, Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor.
The 10 Best Beaches in the World According to Millions of Reviews
Maui Communities Reopening After Devastating Wildfire: Here’s What Locals Want Visitors to Know
On August 8th, wind-fueled wildfires consumed 2,200 Maui acres, killing 96 people and destroying more than 2,200 structures in the historic and culturally significant town. While West Maui is re-opening, Lahaina’s 9 square miles will remain fully closed to the public until further notice.
For people with Maui vacation plans and those considering booking a trip, here’s what local businesses and residents want travelers to know.
Maui Communities Reopening After Devastating Wildfire: Here’s What Locals Want Visitors to Know
