Top Ten Best Beaches

Best Of > Top Ten Best Beaches

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America's best beaches showcase an extraordinary diversity of coastal beauty, from Hawaii's tropical shores and California's dramatic Pacific coastline to Florida's white-sand Gulf beaches, the Southeast's barrier islands, and the rugged scenery of New England, offering world-class opportunities for relaxation, recreation, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable ocean vistas.

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#1 Kaanapali Beach

Maui, Hawaii

Three-mile stretch of golden sand lined with luxury resorts, shopping, and dining, offering snorkeling, cliff diving, and sunset views along Maui's west coast.

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#2 Poipu Beach

Kauai, Hawaii

Family-friendly beach with golden sand, calm swimming areas, and frequent sightings of sea turtles and monk seals.

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#3 Coronado Beach

San Diego, California

Resort city located in San Diego County including Coronado Beach and the famous Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888 and long considered one of the world's top resorts.

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#4 Clearwater Beach, Florida

Resort area and a residential area on the Gulf of Mexico on the west-central coast of Florida characterized by white sand beaches stretching for 2.5 miles and sits on a barrier island.

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#5 Canon Beach, Oregon

Popular coastal tourist destination famous for Haystack Rock, a 235 ft sea stack that juts out along the Pacific Coast.

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#6 La Jolla Cove

San Diego, California

Small, picturesque cove and beach that is surrounded by cliffs. The Cove is protected as part of a marine reserve; underwater it is very rich in marine life, and is popular with snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers.

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#7 Henderson Beach State Park

Destin, Florida

State Park located near Destin, with beaches, bicycling, birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife viewing and full camping facilities.

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#8 Coligny Beach

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Resort-oriented barrier island featuring Atlantic beaches, golf courses, maritime forests, nature preserves, and an extensive network of recreational trails.

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#9 Driftwood Beach

Jekyll Island, Georgia

One of the Sea Islands, one of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands and a popular tourist destination with beaches frequented by vacationers.

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#10 Waikiki Beach

Oahu, Hawaii

Iconic beachfront district known for its high-rise resorts, historic surf culture, vibrant nightlife, and deep-rooted Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions.