Discover the best beaches in the U.S., according to those who've vacationed on the sun-soaked shores
New Report: These Are the Best Beaches in the U.S. in 2025
Published on Feb. 24, 2025
Determining the best beaches in the U.S. is no easy feat. What makes a beach perfect for one sun worshiper—surfable waves, prime people-watching, an isolated stretch of sand—may not hold water for another. I’m a sucker for a quieter snorkeling spot, but I need plenty of shade and a nice beachside bar for an escape from my escape. There are only so many beach days in a year, but with thousands of public waterways across the country, how do you choose?
Tripadvisor has helped narrow down the options with its annual Travelers’ Choice Awards. Read on for a complete roster of the must-experience U.S. beaches to add to your (sand) bucket list.
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How did Tripadvisor determine the best beaches in the U.S.?
Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards recognized beaches around the world that received “a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions” between Nov. 30, 2023, and Dec. 1, 2024. Fewer than 1% of the travel platform’s 8 million listings earned the distinction during the designated 12-month period.
This year’s complete list includes 100 beaches across six continents and 50 countries, but we’re spotlighting the best beaches in the U.S. so you don’t have to travel far—or spend boatloads of money—to embark on a new adventure.
Luckily, the top spots speak to all kinds of beachgoers. “The diversity of this year’s winners really showcases everything that a beach trip can have to offer,” Tripadvisor president Kristen Dalton said in an announcement, noting that “there really is something for everyone.”
What’s the best beach in the U.S.?
Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida, climbed to the top U.S. spot this year, rising from its No. 2 ranking in 2024. It even edged out Hawaii, which, unsurprisingly, dominates the list this year with five of the top 10 U.S. beaches.
This Florida must-see isn’t just high on the U.S. list. Tripadvisor named Siesta Beach the fourth-best beach in the entire world.
Why does Siesta Beach rank as the best in America?
What makes Siesta Beach sparkle? For starters, its stunning white quartz sand. The sugary-soft stuff really sweetens the deal for sunbathers or those combing for seashells, another of the beach’s famed features. The expansive, broad shoreline gives this West Florida hot spot a spacious, uncrowded feel, while the warm waters—monitored by lifeguards—are perfect for wading and splashing.
Terry Ward, a Tampa-based writer and the co-founder of the blog Florida Beyond, first vacationed in Siesta Key nearly 30 years ago as a University of Florida student on spring break. Now, with children of her own, it’s still a favorite family destination. “Since the Gulf of Mexico waters are usually calm, lapping the shoreline like a lake, it’s a great place to go with young kids,” she says. “I’ve spent hours on Siesta with mine, building sandcastles at the waterline and wading into the shallows.”
Ward notes that lively sea creatures enhance the experience, with playful dolphins patrolling the shoreline and lumbering manatees frolicking in the surf. “I love how clear the water is, so you can always see who you’re swimming with,” she adds.
When is the best time to visit Siesta Beach?
According to Tripadvisor, Siesta Beach is at its prime between April and May and again in September and October, when the area sees fewer people despite the more moderate daytime heat and humidity.
For those who don’t mind the crowds enjoying fun in the Florida sun during the livelier summer months, Siesta Beach provides plenty of people-watching opportunities. And the water offers a respite from the heat, which can reach an average high of around 89 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August.
What other U.S. beaches rounded out the top 10?
Siesta Beach may have made a splash, but Americans really loved to say “aloha” to Hawaii, which boasts the majority of Tripadvisor’s top beaches in the country. Florida made two more appearances, while California and Georgia each had one standout beach. Here are the 10 best beaches in the U.S., ranked:
- Siesta Beach: Siesta Key, Florida
- Poipu Beach Park: Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii
- Ka’anapali Beach: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
- La Jolla Cove: La Jolla, San Diego, California
- Waikiki Beach: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
- Clearwater Beach: Clearwater, Florida
- Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach: Pahala, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
- Bahia Honda State Park: Big Pine Key, Florida
- Ho’okipa Beach Park: Paia, Maui, Hawaii
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on the best beaches in the U.S., Aaron Rasmussen tapped his experience as a longtime travel writer and travel guidebook editor to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Terry Ward, Tampa-based writer and co-founder of the blog Florida Beyond; interviewed, February 2025
- Tripadvisor: “Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches, United States”
- Tripadvisor: “Paradise Found: Tripadvisor Names World’s Best Beaches in Travelers’ Choice Awards”
- Time and Date: “Climate and weather averages in Siesta Key, Florida”
