New Report: This Is the No. 1 Beach in the U.S.
What do you picture when you imagine the ideal beach getaway? White sand, turquoise waters, warm tropical breezes and swaying palm trees? Yup, that’s what I’m picturing too. Especially when the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, the dream of a perfect tropical beach starts to sound pretty darn amazing.
I’ve been a travel writer for more than two decades, and I’ve seen my share of great beaches, so when I heard about a new report from a site that’s literally called the World’s 50 Best Beaches, I was intrigued. The U.S. beach that topped this list? Let’s just say it’s incredibly enticinga sugar-sand getaway where dipping your toes into the aquamarine sea doesn’t require a passport but will deliver you to a paradise filled with natural wonders, cultural delights and, yes, one truly amazing beach. Well, more than one, but this is the one that garnered the title of “the best.”
So which beach earned the distinction of the best beach in the entire country in 2024? Read on to learn the answer, along with all the things you should do there when you book your trip. (And yes, we’re confident that you’ll want to book a trip after reading this!)
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How were the best beaches determined?
For this annual list, thousands of surveys were sent to travel professionals, influencers and journalists, asking them to weigh in on their favorite beach. And it’s important to note that this isn’t just a U.S. report; it’s a global survey with participants from around the world.
According to the World’s 50 Best Beaches website, the voters aren’t given any specific criteria as to what makes a beach the best, but they are asked to describe why they think it is the best. And since many of these beaches are truly hidden gems, the winner isn’t determined by the greatest number of votes. Instead, a teamincluding special “beach ambassadors”reviews all of the submissions and evaluates the merits of each beach.
In the end, the best beach in the U.S. clocked in at No. 14 on the overall list.
What is the No. 1 beach in the United States?
Grab your lei and aloha shirt because we’re heading to Hawaii for the best sand and surf in the countrymore specifically, to Lanikai Beach, also known as Ka’hao, on the windward coast of Oahu. Lanikai, whose name means “heavenly sea,” is “admired for its incredibly clear, turquoise waters and fine, powdery sand,” according to the World’s 50 Best Beaches website. While it’s not quite a secret and is, in fact, a pretty popular beach, “Lanikai Beach maintains a serene environment that feels private.”
In short, it’s pretty much everything you think a beach in Hawaii should be. “When travelers visit Hawaii, they’re seeking the picturesque beaches and vibrant scenery they find on postcards, and Lanikai Beach is just that, with stunning views of Mokulua Islands, soft sand and crystal-clear blue waters,” says Kent Sands, vice president of GM Marketplaces at Tripadvisor. It’s also surprisingly uncrowded for a beach with such a stellar reputationand one that’s only 35 minutes from the popular and very crowded beaches of Waikiki.
What should you do when visiting Lanikai Beach?
“I love sending clients there who are looking to stay active and get in touch with natureand Lanikai doesn’t disappoint,” Fora travel advisor Ali Duvaras told me when I asked her what made visiting here so special. “Lanikai is [also] a great place to visit for families of all ages.”
When you’re visiting the white sands and turquoise waters of Lanikai Beach, you may be happy just spreading your towel under a palm tree and enjoying the tropical breezes. But then you’d be missing out on all of the other highlights! Here are some more ways to enjoy this heavenly spot.
Hit the surf on a paddleboard or kayak
The calm waters here are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking. If you’d rather watch someone else paddle, go to the beach in the afternoon, says Duvaras, and you can watch the Lanikai Canoe Club practice their moves.
See the sea turtles
One thing that makes Lanikai Beach so special? The green sea turtles that call the Mokulua Islands home, says Sands. Instead of swimming, he suggests renting a kayak to conserve your energy and spot the turtles for as long as possible. An easy way to explore is with a guided tour, such as one with Kailua Beach Adventures that even includes a beachside lunch.
Wake up early to catch the sunrise
Since Lanikai is on Ohau’s eastern coast, it has fantastic sunrise views. Duvaras recommends hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail to get the best early morning vistas or renting canoes to paddle out to the mokes (the two scenic Mokulua Islands offshore) for a truly unique view.
Indulge in some local tastes
Duvaras also has some tasty ideas to help you refuel during your beach day: “Island Snow is one of the best shaved-ice spots on the island, Buzz’s Original Steak House is a long-standing go-to restaurant, and the beloved Fish Market Restaurant from Paia, Maui, also has an outpost in Kailua.”
What other U.S. beaches earned a spot on this list?
The top 50 list didn’t show a whole lot of love for U.S. beaches, but two others snuck into the last 10 spots. At No. 40, there’s Kapalua Bay Beach in Maui, Hawaii. Kapalua Bay sits on the north shore of Maui and offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. I also learned to stand-up paddleboard in the warm, gentle waters here.
And a hot spot in the continental United States comes in at No. 44the milelong stretch of glistening white sand and emerald sea of Henderson Beach in Destin, Florida. Situated along the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s northwestern Emerald Coast, it is one of our favorite vacation spots both for its white-sand beaches and excellent fishing.
What other beaches rounded out the top 20?
The site’s 2024 roundup is a truly global list, ranging from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Europe to Asia, with stops in Australia, the Philippines and more along the way. It’s also a pretty great way to build a bucket list in one easy step. Here’s where to start:
- Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Cala Mariolou, Italy
- Meads Bay, Anguilla
- Entalula Beach, Philippines
- Voutoumi Beach, Greece
- Turquoise Bay, Australia
- Pink Beach, Indonesia
- Anse Georgette, Seychelles
- Green Lagoon, French Polynesia
- Horse Shoe Island, Myanmar
- Calo des Moro, Spain
- Le Morne Beach, Mauritius
- Aharen Beach, Japan
- Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
- One Foot Island, Cook Islands
- Playa Balandra, Mexico
- Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
- Puinn Sand Beach, Norway
- Cala Goloritze, Italy
- Anchor Bay Beach, Australia
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Readers 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. Were 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 story on the best beach in the U.S., Melissa Klurman tapped her longtime experience as a travel writer and an avid traveler. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- The World’s 50 Best Beaches: “The Best Beaches in the World, 2024”
- Kent Sands, vice president of GM Marketplaces at Tripadvisor; email interview, November 2024
- Ali Duvaras,travel advisor at Fora; email interview, November 2024
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