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What is the Best Beach in the United States?


How Florida Beaches Stack Up

What do you imagine when you think of a Florida vacation? Chances are, sunny beaches and ocean breezes fill your mind. Florida is home to 1,350 miles of coastline, second only to Alaska. Of those marvelous miles, 825 are sandy beaches. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection describes these sandy stretches as a "national treasure" that are "renowned for their beauty, accessibility, facilities, year round sunshine, glittering white sand and sparkling waters." We could not agree more, and our analysis of the best beaches in the United States is in the same boat, so to speak. Of the twenty beaches to make the list, seven are located in Florida. Let's dive into a couple of these fantastic Florida beaches:

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach ranks third in our best American beaches study, earning high marks for its many miles of beach (nearly 30) and pleasant water temperature. What is so special about Panama City Beach? Panama City Beach has earned global admiration for its unique, sugary-white sands, known to be among the fairest, purest, and softest in the world. The ivory hue helps keep the sand cool beneath the sun, making for a splendid strolling experience. As part of the Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach is enveloped by pristine jewel-tone waters that are a delight to behold both from afar and within. Beyond the bountiful beauty of the sea, there is an abundance of things to do, no matter what kind of Florida vacation you are seeking. From amusement parks and aquatic adventures to wineries and live entertainment, you are sure to make treasured memories.

Want a taste of Panama City Beach before taking the plunge? Admire the inviting ivory sands, crystal clear emerald waters, and the charming beachfront lodgings live on the Panama City Beach Cam.

Destin Beach

Destin Beach is practically tied with Panama City Beach's ranking in our best U.S. beaches index, which makes a lot of sense because they are both Emerald Coast gems. Destin Beach offers the same plush, milky sands that the Florida Panhandle is known for. Why is the sand so white in Destin? Here's a fun geology fact: the beaches of Florida's Emerald Coast are actually made from powdered quartz that was propelled from the Appalachians during the last ice age. No wonder the sand is so pure and fine that it squeaks beneath your feet, and the waves seem to glow from within!

The best beach in Destin depends on what kind of experience you are craving. Henderson Beach State Park is a nature enthusiast's paradise, woven with winding paths between ivory dunes. Love to fish? Destin is known as the luckiest fishing village in the world. Seeking the cleanest Destin Beach? Not only is Crystal Beach cherished for its refreshing clarity, but it is also beloved for its charming, colorful cottages.

If you decide on Florida for your next beach getaway (we highly recommend experiencing the famous white sands at least once), we have a vibrant selection of beachfront vacation rentals to suit every need. See you surfside!

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There's nothing quite like warm sand between your toes, the smell of sunscreen, and a salty breeze on a warm day. The U.S. has thousands of miles of coastline across 30 states, offering some of the best ocean beaches in the world. Some are known for thrilling surf breaks, many have lively boardwalks, and others boast miles of soft, powdery sand where relaxation is the only agenda.

With so many beaches to choose from, it feels almost impossible to choose one. From perfect weather to warm water to just the right balance of activity and solitude, the top-ranked destinations have something special that keeps visitors returning year after year. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Florida Rentals has weighed everything from sunshine to surf to help you find the ultimate beach getaways in the U.S.

 


The Top-Ranked Beach in the U.S.

By our ranking, Laguna Beach, California, stands out as the best beach in the United States. Its 30 coves and beaches, eight-mile coastline, and crystal-clear waters offer a perfect mix of natural beauty and lively charm. The year-round mild climate provides nearly perfect weather no matter the season, making it an unmatched choice for beachgoers.

Laguna Beach is known for its artistic community, boutique shops, and excellent dining options just steps from the sand. Additionally, the region offers thousands of acres of wilderness for visitors looking to enhance their vacation with hiking or birdwatching. Whether you want to explore tide pools, catch some waves, or relax with a view of the Pacific, this beach is an American gem.

What Beach Has the Most Miles of Sand?

When it comes to sprawling stretches of shoreline, St. Augustine Beach in Florida takes the crown on our list, with a stunning 42 miles of pristine coastline. With its cool waters and vast expanses of soft sand, it's the perfect spot for everything from relaxation to beachcombing or shell hunting. Many beaches on this shoreline are pet-friendly and open to activities like surfing, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Coming in at a close second, Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts offers 40 miles of uninterrupted beach, which is undoubtedly one of the most famous coastlines in the country. Known for its dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes, and picturesque lighthouses, Cape Cod offers a more rugged, natural beauty. Additionally, this shoreline offers the most miles of beach per million visitors, which may be ideal for those seeking a less crowded experience.

What Beach Has the Most Comfortable Days of Weather Every Year?

Once more, Laguna Beach in California takes the crown for the most comfortable weather days annually. With a perfect mix of warm temperatures, low humidity, and plenty of sunshine, it offers ideal conditions nearly every day of the year. This is a top pick if you're after a beach trip where the forecast is consistently on your side.

What Beach Gets the Most Annual Visitors?

Miami Beach tops the charts with a staggering 27.2 million visitors per year. Its world-class nightlife, beautiful white sand beaches, and international appeal make it one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Thanks to its diverse culture and rich history, Miami Beach boasts many fun activities for people of all ages. Miami Beach tops the charts with a staggering 27.2 million visitors per year. Its world-class nightlife, beautiful white sand beaches, and international appeal make it one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Thanks to its diverse culture and rich history, Miami Beach boasts many fun activities for people of all ages.

What is the Best Beach in Florida?

There's a reason the Sunshine State consistently dominates the list of best beaches in America. In terms of numbers, consistency, and quality, Florida's coasts and beach towns offer everything ocean lovers could ask for, making them the go-to choice for sun, sand, and surf. Florida is home to some of the most beloved beaches in the world, with each destination offering something unique.

Destin Beach boasts crystal-clear emerald waters and sugar-white sand, making it a family favorite. Miami Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, high-energy crowds, and iconic architecture. Clearwater Beach delivers a perfect mix of activity and relaxation, with plenty of beach-front restaurants and warm Gulf waters ideal for swimming. No matter your style, Florida has a beach that fits the bill.

Best Beaches for Different Experiences

Looking for the best locations to match your beachgoing style? Here's what we recommend:

  • Best for Families: Destin Beach and Clearwater Beach both offer calm waters with gentle waves, soft sand, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
  • Best Beaches Surfing: Laguna Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Waikiki Beach are top choices for catching the perfect wave.
  • For a Romantic Escape: Siesta Key and Monterey Bay are perfect for couples with their quieter atmospheres and lovely sunsets.
  • Best Boardwalks: Santa Monica Beach, Ocean City, and Miami Beach all have iconic beach boardwalks with a mix of seaside charm and lively entertainment.
  • Best Wildlife: Cape Cod National Seashore and Monterey Bay are ideal for spotting wildlife and exploring scenic landscapes.
  • Least Crowded: St. George Island and Cape May offer peaceful, uncrowded shores for those looking to truly unwind.

With so many incredible options on both the East and West coasts, picking a beach destination can be one of the most challenging parts of planning a vacation in the U.S. Whether you opt for soft sands and a calm atmosphere or a lively boardwalk with lots of entertainment, your ideal spot can likely be found somewhere on our list.

Ready to find your perfect beach getaway? If you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, Florida Rentals has the perfect beachfront rentals to suit your needs. Browse our selection of Florida vacation rentals and start planning your dream trip today!

Best Beaches in the U.S.

Methodology:

The 20 best beach destinations in the U.S. were compiled by analyzing the "Best Beaches" lists from Travel & Leisure, TripAdvisor, Newsweek, and U.S. News Travel to create a list of the 20 beaches that appeared on at least two of those lists. These 20 beaches were then evaluated across eleven different factors to determine which beach is the best in the United States. Good weather is one of the most important considerations when going to the beach, so more than half of the factors focus on various weather aspects. Additional factors include how crowded the beaches are, their suitability for water sports like surfing, and the availability of nearby shops and restaurants. Each beach destination can earn a maximum of 100 points across the eleven factors.

  • Air Temperature (10 pts): The lowest to the highest average air temperature throughout the year. Beaches with higher air temperatures earned higher scores.
  • Water Temperature (10 pts): The lowest to the highest average water temperature throughout the year. Beaches with higher water temperatures earned higher scores.
  • Humidity (10 pts): The lowest to the highest average daily dew point temperature throughout the year. When the dew point temperature exceeds 60°F, the air will feel noticeably humid and less comfortable. Beaches with lower dew point temperatures earned higher scores.
  • Sunny Days per Year (10 pts): The average number of sunny days each year. Beaches with more sunny days earned higher scores.
  • Days with Precipitation per Year (10 pts): The average number of days with more than 0.1 inches of precipitation throughout the year. Beaches with fewer days of precipitation earned higher scores.
  • Wind Speed (10 pts): The average wind speed in miles per hour throughout the year. Beaches with lower wind speeds earned higher scores.
  • Comfortable Days per Year (10 pts): The average number of comfortable days throughout the year. A "comfortable day" is defined as having a high temperature between 65°F and 86°F, humidity less than or equal to 65°F, cloud cover less than or equal to 65%, and wind speeds less than or equal to 18 mph. Beaches with more comfortable days earned higher scores.
  • Miles of Beach (10 pts): The miles of sandy beach along the coastline. Beaches with more miles of beach earned higher scores.
  • How crowded are the beaches? (10 pts): The miles of beach were compared to the annual number of visitors, calculating the miles of beach per one million visitors and determining potential crowding. Beaches with more miles of beach per one million visitors earned higher scores.
  • Are the beaches suitable for surfing? (5 pts): Beaches that are good for surfing earned an additional 5 points, while beaches considered so-so for surfing due to inconsistent waves and swells earned 2.5 points.
  • Is there a boardwalk/promenade/pier with shops and restaurants? (5 pts): Beaches with a nearby boardwalk, promenade, or pier with shops and restaurants earned an additional 5 points.

 

  Beach State Annual Visitors (in millions) Air Temperature Water Temperature Humidity Sunny Days per Year Days with Precipitation per Year Wind Speed Comfortable Days per Year Miles of Beach Crowded? Miles of Beach per Million Visitors Good for Surfing? Nearby Shops and Restaurants? Final Score
1 Laguna Beach CA 6 56–72ºF 59–68ºF 37–59ºF 281 37 5.4 365 7 1.2 Yes Yes 78.85
2 Monterey Bay CA 8 51–62ºF 54–58ºF 41–53ºF 267 68 8.8 170 30 3.8 Yes Yes 77.00
3 Panama City Beach FL 4.5 53–83ºF 61–86ºF 43–74ºF 239 108 7.3 178 27 6.0 So-so Yes 76.63
4 Destin Beach FL 4.5 54–83ºF 62–86ºF 43–74ºF 226 114 7.5 172 24 5.3 Yes Yes 76.62
5 Santa Monica CA 5 57–69ºF 58–67ºF 37–58ºF 281 30 6.8 305 3.5 0.7 Yes Yes 75.65
6 St. Augustine Beach FL   57–82ºF 62–84ºF 46–73ºF 221 118 7.4 221 42 7.0 Yes No 75.53
7 Coronado Beach CA 3 57–71ºF 59–68ºF 43–62ºF 265 38 6.2 365 1.75 0.6 Yes Yes 73.51
8 Cape Cod National Seashore MA 4 28–74ºF 38–68ºF 18–62ºF 201 108 10.2 159 40 10.0 Yes No 71.54
9 St. Pete Beach FL 7.7 62–84ºF 64–87ºF 52–74ºF 248 102 7.8 200 17.5 2.3 So-so Yes 70.62
10 Ka'anapali Beach HI 0.5 71–78ºF 76–80ºF 62–68ºF 281 143 11.0 164 3 6.0 Yes Yes 70.46
11 Clearwater Beach FL 7.7 62–84ºF 64–87ºF 52–74ºF 240 105 7.8 200 17.5 2.3 So-so Yes 70.26
12 Siesta Key Beach FL 2.2 62–83ºF 64–87ºF 53–74ºF 251 106 7.4 191 8 3.6 So-so Yes 69.96
13 Hilton Head Beach SC 2.5 50–82ºF 56–83ºF 40–73ºF 215 103 6.7 152 12 4.8 OK Yes 68.97
14 Miami Beach FL 27.2 68–83ºF 72–87ºF 52–74ºF 252 127 7.8 163 9 0.3 Yes Yes 68.64
15 Fort Lauderdale Beach FL 10 68–84ºF 71–86ºF 58–75ºF 246 134 7.8 167 24 2.4 So-so Yes 67.14
16 Gulf Shores AL 8 51–81ºF 60–86ºF 43–74ºF 223 112 7.6 152 32 4.0 So-so Yes 67.01
17 Ocean City Beach MD 8 37–77ºF 62–86ºF 25–67ºF 205 115 8.1 134 8 1.0 Yes Yes 64.70
18 Waikiki Beach HI 4 72–79ºF 75–80ºF 63–69ºF 271 195 9.8 151 2 0.5 Yes Yes 60.67
19 Cape May NJ 11.5 36–77ºF 40–77ºF 24–67ºF 202 113 8.1 134 2.5 0.2 Yes Yes 59.70
20 Coney Island NY 5 34–78ºF 40–74ºF 21–64ºF 226 118 9.8 173 3 0.6 So-so Yes 58.86

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