For the 38th Readers’ Choice Awards, 757,109 voters from around the world shared their favorite travel experiences. From hotels to food scenes, respondents named the beaches that stood out across the United States and territories. The following list, arranged from 15 to 1, highlights the shores readers love most for family fun, solitude, convenience, and pure beauty.
15. Coronado Beach, California
Coronado charms with wide stretches of soft, glimmering sand and a relaxed, quintessentially Californian atmosphere. Cross the Coronado Bridge and you feel transported away from San Diego. Visit the historic Hotel del Coronado for dining or cocktails, watch for a sunken ship at low tide, and bring your dog to the popular off-leash Dog Beach. Free parking lines Ocean Boulevard (arrive early) and beach wheelchairs are available at the Central Beach lifeguard tower.
14. St. Augustine Beach, Florida
This beach town pairs warm white sand and surfable waves with deep historic character. St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, rewards strolls along brick streets and a self-guided tour of Spanish colonial architecture and preserved forts. The family-friendly boardwalk and small-town charm make it easy to combine beach time with cultural exploration.
13. Lake Havasu State Park, Arizona
A desert surprise, Lake Havasu delivers crystal blue-green water and a striking contrast to Arizona’s arid landscape. Calm water makes it ideal for paddling and boating, while 26 miniature lighthouses dot the shore. Trails such as the Mojave Sunset Trail offer chances to view local wildlife in a dramatically scenic setting.
12. Coligny Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Coligny packs five miles of attractive Atlantic shoreline into a beach that is both convenient and well appointed. With sand showers, clean restrooms, shops, and restaurants nearby, it’s a seamless pick for families and island visitors who want easy access to amenities alongside classic Lowcountry beauty.
11. South Padre Island, Texas
Known for lively spring breaks, South Padre Island quiets down for much of the year and rewards visitors with peaceful stretches of sand, surfable jetties, and nesting sea turtles from April through August. The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary offers boardwalk walks over marshland and habitat for rescued gators and migratory birds.
10. Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach showcases Gulf Coast charm and a focus on water sports, from surfing to jet skiing and paddleboarding. Nearby Gulf State Park has trails for hiking, and local museums explore Native American and maritime history. The Wharf offers shopping and souvenirs to remember your visit.
9. Trunk Beach, U.S. Virgin Islands (St. John)
Situated in Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Beach is prized for its silky sand and clear Caribbean water. The adjacent Coral Reef Snorkeling Trail teems with colorful fish, anemones, and sea turtles, making it a top snorkel destination in a lush, protected setting.
8. Siesta Beach, Florida
Siesta Beach on Siesta Key is famous for its powdery quartz sand that feels like sifted sugar. Recently recognized on international beach rankings, it combines striking white sand with Gulf waters and a relaxed vibe, making it a favorite for sunbathing and daydreaming.
7. Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
Kailua is a postcard-perfect Oahu shore known for kayaking to the twin Mokulua Islands. Sea-kayak trips and guided excursions offer access to a protected wildlife area and incredible views. The long, clear shoreline is also a great spot for swimming, windsurfing, and iconic Hawaiian photos.
6. Ka’anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Ka’anapali boasts three miles of white sand and crystalline water along West Maui. Lined with resorts yet never feeling overly cramped, it offers snorkeling, cliff-jumping at Black Rock, and frequent turtle sightings. Comfortable amenities and nearby accommodations make it a convenient, scenic hub for island activities.
5. Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island, Hawaii
Hapuna is the Big Island’s largest stretch of white coral sand, with wide shores and calm, clear water ideal for families. The park includes picnic areas, showers, restrooms, on-site cafés, and camping spots, providing both natural beauty and practical comforts.
4. Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach), Hawaii
Kaunaoa, also called Mauna Kea Beach, is a quarter-mile crescent of soft white sand tucked into the Kohala Coast. Its calm waters and dramatic sunsets attract swimmers and snorkelers by day and, at night, plankton blooms draw manta rays into the shallows for unforgettable marine encounters.
3. Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Synonymous with Hawaiian vacations, Waikiki offers the classic combination of Diamond Head views, long-established resorts, and a lively beachfront culture. Its well-developed hospitality scene ensures plenty of dining, shopping, and activities, making it a perennial favorite.
2. Navarre Beach, Florida
Navarre Beach blends underwater adventure and peaceful shoreline. The Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary protects artificial reefs that attract diverse marine life, while the long pier provides scenic walks and fishing. Spacious sand and easy access make it a relaxed destination for exploration.
1. Pensacola Beach, Florida
Topping the list, Pensacola Beach pairs stunning sugar-white sand and Gulf waters with a vibrant arts and culture scene. Known as the Festival City of the South, Pensacola hosts events like Mural Fest and the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, and its revitalized nightlife and adventurous dining scene round out a beach destination that offers both sun and city-style energy.
These reader favorites span coasts and climates, offering everything from Caribbean snorkeling to desert lakeshores and iconic Hawaiian vistas. Whether you seek solitude, family-friendly facilities, wildlife encounters, or a bustling boardwalk, America’s shores have a beach for every kind of traveler.