Feel the call of the coastline? Tripadvisor's 2025 Best US Beaches list gives travelers a good guide to America's best sandy spots (bonus: no passport required!)
Tripadvisor Annual Ranking Among the best beaches in the US, Florida's popular sandy stretch ranks first and heavily favors destinations in Hawaiiwith five of the top 10 beaches located in the Aloha State.
How Tripadvisor chose the best beaches in the USA
To rank the best beaches in the United States, Tripadvisor analyzed reviews from travelers who visited the beaches and ranked them based on beach quality, amenities, visitor experience and more.
This is a good starting point if you're thinking of a sunny holiday to while away the winter, or are looking for a passport-free holiday in the coming year.
Top 10 best beaches in the USA (2025)
According to Tripadvisor
#1: Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida.
Siesta Key Beach in Florida
(Marina113 via Getty Images)
Siesta Beach's white quartz sand and clear, shallow waters make it a favorite family vacation spot, according to Tripadvisor. Other perks include lifeguards on duty, a cute beach town with oyster bars and cafes, and kayak tours where tourists can spot local wildlife such as dolphins and manatees. Siesta Key is also known for its year-round Sunday drum circle, which synchronizes with the sunset.
Why travelers love it:
-
The calm, shallow waters are ideal for families.
-
Wildlife watching by kayak
-
Lively sunset drum circle
No. 2: Manuole Beach, Whale, Hawaii.
Poipu Beach Park
(Miropa via Getty Images)
The aerial view of Poipu Beach Park is especially beautiful because the park is made up of a series of crescents of golden sand. Located on the south side of Kauai, Poipu beachgoers enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear waters, as well as boogie boarding, surfing and ocean wading. Crescent coves create a natural paddling pool in the Pacific Ocean. The beach, one of the most popular on Kauai, is great for humpback whale watching from December to April. Poipu is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai, so visiting during the off-season from April to June or September to November means less crowds.
Why travelers love it:
-
Natural ocean kiddie pools
-
Great snorkeling in clear water
#3: Very filming in Maui, Hawaii.
Danaliahu flag bar on Maui, Hawaii
(Rebecca Harding via Getty Images)
On Maui, you'll be amazed by the natural beauty of Ka'anapali Beach, which stretches for three miles. But the next trick is the daily cliff jumping ceremony that takes place on Puu Kekaa, the beach's northernmost cliff. At sunset, the diver lights torches along the rocks and then dives into the water. This is a reconstruction of a feat performed by the revered King of Maui, Kahekili. In a previous life, the beach was a retreat for Hawaiian royalty.
Why travelers love it:
-
Famous cliff diving at sunset
-
Historical connections to Hawaiian royalty
#4: La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California.
La Jolla Bay, California
(Brent_1 via Getty Images)
The stretch of rocky coastline of La Jolla is called the “Pearl of San Diego.” La Jolla Cove in particular is a deep cove surrounded by sea caves that make for excellent kayak excursions. Calm waters invite snorkelers to dive underwater to spot orange Garibaldi fish and starfish. Stairs lead to the swimming area, and above the cove there is a large lawn with picnic tables and public gazebos.
Why travelers love it:
-
Impressive cliffs and sea caves
#5: Waikiki Beach on Oahu, Hawaii.
Waikiki Beach in Hawaii
(red tea via Getty Images)
Waikiki Beach, located on the south shore of Honolulu, was once the playground of Hawaiian royalty. Today it is a popular destination for surfers (and those who want to learn the sport). You can rent surfboards and paddles right on the beach. There are several high-rise hotels along the beach, and high-end shopping is just a couple of blocks away. After a day at the beach, be sure to try the pineapple soft serve ice cream.
Why travelers love it:
-
Surf lessons and rentals right on the beach
-
Easy access to shops and restaurants
#6: Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida.
Clearwater Beach in Florida
(Wirestock via Getty Images)
TripAdvisor reviewers are impressed with how well Clearwater lives up to its name, as well as the soft white sand and family-friendly nature of the beach. Pier 60 celebrates sunsets every evening with a festival filled with vendors and street performers.
Why travelers love it:
-
Family atmosphere
-
Evening Sunset Festival at Pier 60
#7: Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Driftwood on Jekyll Island in Georgia.
(Madeline Motsinger via Getty Images)
Driftwood and fallen trees scattered along the beach create an impressive and hauntingly beautiful landscape. Soil erosion has made it difficult for the tree to grow over time, giving way to the unique landscape on this barrier island. Driftwood Beach is pet-friendly and has become a particularly popular spot for photographers.
Why travelers love it:
-
Amazing driftwood
-
Quiet, natural atmosphere
No. 8: Puna-hulari, name Satand in Lowe, Hawaii.
Punaluu black sand beach
(Peter Unger via Getty Images)
Located on the Big Island, black sand Punalu'u Beach is a popular itinerary addition for those visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The beach is known for its pitch-black sand, which was created by nearby volcanic activity, and is also home to honu (Hawaii's green sea turtles). Tripadvisor recommends visiting in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild but the beach is less crowded.
Why travelers love it:
-
Frequent turtle sightings
-
Close to Volcano Park attractions
#9: Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key, Florida.
Bahia Honda State Park,
(Ryan McGurl via Getty Images)
Bahia Honda State Park The Florida Keys are a nature lover's paradise. This is a beach that's less about lounging on the sand and more about filling your day's itinerary with adventure. Snorkel in the shallow waters just a few hundred feet offshore and you might see corals, tropical fish and lobsters. Or bring binoculars to birdwatch. Beachgoers can also spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles.
There are actually three beaches in the park: Loggerhead Beach, which faces the Atlantic Ocean and has shallow waters; Sandspur Beach, which also overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has parking along the beach; and Calusa Beach, overlooking Florida Bay.
Why travelers love it:
-
Several beaches in one park
#10: Wanthoutmp Sucky Rainbow Store Voucher, Maui, Hawaii.
Wow Beach Park
(ClaudineVM via Getty Images)
Ho'okipa Beach Park, located on the north shore of Maui, is a famous spot among windsurfers and even hosts competitions. The white sand beach is also a popular spot for surfers and a popular destination for those driving along the road to Hana located at Mile 9. Visitors may even spot green sea turtles lounging on the beach.
Why travelers love it:
-
Premium conditions for windsurfing
-
Frequent sightings of sea turtles
-
A scenic stop on the way to Hana.
Frequently asked questions:
What's the #1 beach in the US in 2025?
Not only is Siesta Beach ranked number one in the US, but it is also one of the best beaches in the world according to Tripadvisor.
Which state has the most beaches in the top 10 list?
When it comes to the best beaches in the United States, Hawaii is a winner, with five of the top ten beaches located in the Aloha State. Next up is Florida, which can claim three of the top 10 beaches in the US this year.
How does Tripadvisor choose the best beaches?
TripAdvisor Awards are based on traveler reviews. To determine which beaches are in the running for the Travellers' Choice Awards' Best of the Best Beaches award, analysts analyzed the “quality and quantity of global reviews and ratings” on the platform over a one-year period.
