Planning a trip? It’s hard to resist the pull of a beach paradise, where you trade the hubbub and crowds of major tourist attractions for relaxing waves and soft sand.
Travel site Tripadvisor recently released its Travelers’ Choice Awards for beaches. The results are based on an analysis of all the reviews left on Tripadvisor globally for beaches over one year. Its goal is to reveal the highest-rated beaches by real people who recently visited.
To no one’s surprise, Hawaii snagged five spots in the top 10 U.S. beaches, and Florida grabbed three.
Here are the top beaches in the U.S., beginning with No. 10.
10. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Location: Island of Maui, Hawaii
Ho’okipa Beach Park is an ideal spot for seasoned surfers and windsurfers. Visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of Hawaii’s green sea turtles on the white sand beach, tidal pools and exposed reefs. However, the lounging and swimming space is somewhat small, according to Maui Guidebook, so the area is better for activities.
Tripadvisor says the best time to visit is mid-March to mid-May since the weather is nice and there are fewer crowds than in the winter, which is peak visiting time.
9. Bahia Honda State Park
Location: Big Pine Key, Florida
Bahia Honda State Park is actually made up of three different beaches. Visitors can enjoy the beach for the day, hike or camp overnight. It also has a lot to promise for bird watchers and flora enthusiasts with plenty of unique and abundant species.
Tripadvisor says the best time to visit is late spring and early fall.
8. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Location: Pahala, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
One thing that makes this beach so unique is — you guessed it — its black volcanic sand. It’s a popular spot for those visiting the Volcanoes National Park, and the gorgeous black sand is a result of nearby underwater volcanic activity.
Visitors may be lucky enough to see sea turtles lounging on the beach (although they shouldn’t be touched or bothered).
Tripadvisor recommends visiting during spring or fall to make the most of the mild weather and fewer crowds.
7. Driftwood Beach
Location: Jekyll Island, Georgia
The weathered driftwood that gives Driftwood Beach its name lends an otherworldly feel to this family- and pet-friendly beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Visit at low tide for your best selfie opportunities, as that’s when you’ve got the most space to explore the gnarled limbs and branches.
Visitors can collect shells and sand dollars but are prohibited from removing the famed driftwood itself.
6. Clearwater Beach
Location: Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater Beach on Florida’s western coast has the ideal conditions for parasailing, jet skiing and snorkeling. The surrounding area has a small-town feel and is full of street performers to enjoy as you explore. Not only is there also an aquarium, but there are wild dolphins as well — so you can take in aquatic life inside and out.
According to Tripadvisor, Clearwater Beach will have mild temperatures, lower humidity and smaller crowds from October to December.
5. Waikiki Beach
Location: Honolulu, Island of Oahu, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach is one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches and recognized as the birthplace of surfing culture. According to the Hawaii tourism site, every hotel in the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu is only a couple of blocks away from the beach — if not directly on it. Waikiki used to be a popular spot for Hawaiian royals and is home to some of Hawaii’s most historical hotels.
Tripadvisor says the best time to visit is from April to June and from September to November because the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
4. La Jolla Cove
Location: La Jolla, California
Striking La Jolla Cove, surrounded by sandstone cliffs, is a small beach, but it remains a San Diego area treasure, with calm waters that encourage diving and snorkeling.
It’s known for the large colonies of sea lions that lounge and play there. Admire them, snap a photo, but please, leave the animals alone. Watch them from a distance, and keep this highly rated beach open as a result.
3. Ka’anapali Beach
Location: Lahaina, Island of Maui, Hawaii
Ka’anapali Beach on the west coast of the island of Maui was once another getaway choice of Hawaiian royalty. Three miles of sparkling white sand and crystal clear water offer a travel magazine-quality escape.
If you can stir from your lounger, there’s surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching and zip-lining. You can watch the daily cliff-diving ceremony off Puu Kekaa, also known as Black Rock, which reenacts a famed feat by Maui’s revered King Kahekili.
2. Poipu Beach Park
Location: Poipu, Island of Kauai, Hawaii
It makes sense that breathtaking Hawaii would land two of the list’s top three beaches. Poipu Beach Park is located on Kauai’s southern coast and, in addition to sunbathing and swimming, offers plenty of sporty activities, including snorkeling, surfing and bodyboarding.
But you can also soak up nature sightings. Hawaiian monk seals — one of the most endangered seal species in the world — occasionally make appearances, and you might spot humpback whales in the distance.
1. Siesta Beach
Location: Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Beach is special, and travelers agree, ranking this the No. 1 beach in America.
The beach on a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, is notable for its white, powdery sand, which is 99% quartz crystal and prized by sand collectors (they exist!). This special sand makes for a soft walking or lounging surface for visitors, who also enjoy swimming in the clear turquoise water and searching for shells and even shark teeth.
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