Ranked by Travelers: 15 Best Beaches in the United States 2023

TripAdvisor has announced its list of the best beaches in the United States for the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2023. The list includes twenty-five gorgeous beaches across the country, ranging from the clear waters of Siesta Beach in Florida to the rugged coastline of Cannon Beach in Oregon. 

The Travelers’ Choice Awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings by TripAdvisor users over the last 12 months, making them a reliable source for travelers looking for the best beaches in the U.S. Check out the top 15 best beaches in the United States chosen by your fellow travelers!

#15 – Lanikai Beach – Kailua, HI

Lanikai Beach is a breathtakingly beautiful beach located in Kailua, Hawaii. The beach is surrounded by stunning tropical foliage, including coconut palms and ironwood trees. You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and exploring the coral reefs. The nearby town of Kailua is known for its quaint boutiques and restaurants.

#14 – St. Pete Beach – St. Pete, FL

St. Pete Beach is located about 20 minutes from St. Petersburg, Florida, and is an excellent spot for fishing, kayaking, and parasailing. St. Pete Beach is home to many beachfront resorts and hotels, making it an ideal destination for those looking to stay close to the beach. You can also stroll along historic Corey Avenue, which has unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

#13 – St. Augustine Beach – St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine Beach is a popular spot for water activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing. St. Augustine is known for its history, and you can explore the nearby historic district, which has charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. The beach is also home to many restaurants and bars, making it a great place to grab a bite or a refreshing drink.

#12 – Coligny Beach – Hilton Head, SC

Coligny Beach is located in Hilton Head, South Carolina. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas and enjoy the sun or even take part in a game of beach volleyball. The beach is a popular spot for water sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. It is well-equipped, offering restrooms, showers, and changing rooms.

#11 – Cape May Beach – Cape May, NJ

Cape May Beach is a charming seaside town on the southern tip of New Jersey. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the many water activities available, such as kayaking, parasailing, and fishing. The town is known for its historic Victorian architecture, which adds a unique charm to the area. You can stroll along the promenade or browse the many shops and restaurants that line the streets.

#10 – La Jolla Cove – La Jolla, CA

La Jolla Cove is a small cove about 20 minutes from San Diego, California. Cliffs surround the cove and are home to various marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The cove’s beaches are also perfect for a day in the sun or swimming, as the temperatures stay warm year-round. The area is known for its sea lion population, which calls the cove home. The cove is near La Jolla Village, where you’ll find dining, shopping, and galleries to enjoy. 

#9 – Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, ME

Ogunquit Beach is a beautiful, wide, sandy beach in the charming seaside town of Ogunquit, Maine. The beach stretches for three and a half miles along the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its clear blue water and gorgeous views. It is a popular spot for families, sun-seekers, surfers, kayakers, and paddleboarders who come to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Ogunquit Beach also has several restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops.

#8 – Coronado Beach – Coronado, CA

Coronado Beach is a beautiful beach, just a short ferry ride from San Diego, California. The beach is surrounded by the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, a historic hotel built in 1888 that offers a glimpse into the area’s rich past. The beach provides ample space for sunbathing, picnicking, and playing beach games. The area is also famous for surfing, boogie boarding, and paddleboarding. The beach has several cafes, restaurants, and bars.

#7 – Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, OR

Cannon Beach is a charming coastal town in the northwestern part of Oregon coast. The town is famous for its beautiful coastline, stretching over four miles along the Pacific Ocean. The beach is known for its towering rock formations, including the iconic Haystack Rock, which stands 235 feet tall. The area is also popular for hiking, with several nearby scenic trails. Cannon Beach has several art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

#6 – Henderson Beach State Park – Destin, FL

Henderson Beach State Park is a beautiful natural area in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The park is known for its soft white sand beaches, emerald green waters, and scenic hiking trails. The park is home to native wildlife, including sea turtles and shorebirds, and offers a glimpse into the panhandle’s unique ecosystem. Henderson Beach State Park is a popular destination for hiking and camping, with 60 campsites near the beach. 

#5 – Ho’okipa Beach Park – Maui, HI

Ho’okipa Beach Park is a gorgeous Hawaiian beach known for its blue waters, powerful waves, and strong winds, making it a popular destination for surfers, windsurfers, and kiteboarders. The beach is also known for its diverse marine life, including green sea turtles and humpback whales, which can often be seen breaching offshore during winter. The park has several food trucks and vendors.

#4 – Hanalei Beach – Kauai, HI

Hanalei Beach is a beautiful stretch of shoreline on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii. The beach is known for its beautiful views, turquoise waters, and crescent-shaped bay. The beach is surrounded by towering mountains, creating a gorgeous backdrop. Hanalei Beach is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, with consistent surf breaks attracting surfers from around the world. The nearby town of Hanalei offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore.

#3 – Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, GA

Driftwood Beach is a unique natural wonder on Jekyll Island and an hour and a half from Savannah, Georgia. The beach is known for its hauntingly beautiful driftwood trees, shaped and sculpted by the relentless waves and ocean tides. The beach is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers who admire the driftwood forest’s eerie beauty. Driftwood Beach offers ample space for sunbathing and relaxing on the sandy shores, and the nearby amenities, including showers and restrooms, make it convenient for families.

#2 – Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, FL

Siesta Beach is a beautiful beach on Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. The beach is known for its soft, powdery white sand, made up of 99% pure quartz crystals. The clear water of the Gulf of Mexico provides the perfect spot for snorkeling and other water activities. The beach offers several amenities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. Siesta Beach is also has several dining and shopping options.

#1 – Ka’anapali Beach – Maui, HI

Ka’anapali Beach is located on the west coast of Maui, Hawaii. The beach is known for its clear blue waters, golden sand, and world-class snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The beach is also popular for its sunset cliff diving ceremony, which dates back to the 18th century, where a group of trained professionals jumps off a 50-foot cliff every night at sunset. The beach offers several amenities, including showers, restrooms, and beach equipment rentals. Luxury resorts, restaurants, and shopping centers can be found nearby.

This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex. Photo Credit: [@felixtm/DepositPhotos]