**Feeling the Call of the Coastline? Discover Tripadvisor’s 2025 List of the Best Beaches in the U.S.**

If you’re dreaming of sandy shores and sun-soaked escapes, Tripadvisor’s 2025 ranking of the best beaches in the U.S. offers an excellent guide to top coastal destinations across the country. The best part? No passport required!

This year’s list places a popular Florida beach at the No. 1 spot and highlights Hawaii’s stunning shores, with five out of the top 10 beaches located in the Aloha State.

—

### How Tripadvisor Chose the Best U.S. Beaches

Tripadvisor compiled its ranking by analyzing traveler reviews and ratings submitted over the past year. Visitors scored beaches based on criteria such as beach quality, available amenities, and overall visitor experiences.

Whether you’re planning a sunny getaway to break up the winter blues or looking for a passport-free vacation in 2025, this list is a great place to start.

—

### Top 10 Best Beaches in the U.S. (2025) According to Tripadvisor

**1. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida**
Siesta Beach is beloved for its powdery white quartz sand and clear, shallow waters, making it a perfect family-friendly vacation spot. Perks include lifeguards on duty, a charming beach town with oyster bars and cafes, plus kayaking tours where you can spot dolphins and manatees. Don’t miss the year-round Sunday night drum circle that harmonizes beautifully with the sunset.

**2. Poipu Beach Park, Poipu, Hawaii**
Poipu Beach Park features a series of golden sand crescents visible from above, located on Kauai’s southern shore. Activities include snorkeling in crystal-clear water, surfing, boogie boarding, and wading in natural ocean pools formed by crescent coves. Seasonal whale watching from December to April makes it a special experience. For fewer crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons from April to June or September to November.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Natural ocean wading pools
– Great snorkeling in clear water
– Seasonal humpback whale watching

**3. Ka’anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii**
Stretching for three scenic miles, Ka’anapali Beach wows visitors with its natural beauty and rich history. Each evening at sunset, a cliff diver reenacts an ancient Hawaiian ceremony by lighting torches on Puu Kekaa cliffs and diving into the water—a tribute to King Kahekili. Previously a royal retreat, the beach offers iconic scenery and cultural significance.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Iconic sunset cliff diving ceremony
– Long, picturesque shoreline
– Connection to Hawaiian royalty

**4. La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, California**
Nicknamed the “jewel of San Diego,” La Jolla Cove is a deep bay surrounded by dramatic sea caves ideal for kayaking. The calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, where you can spot colorful Garibaldi fish and sea stars. Visitors enjoy swimming via stair access and relaxing in the grassy picnic areas with gazebos overlooking the ocean.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Excellent snorkeling
– Dramatic cliffs and sea caves
– Picturesque picnic spots

**5. Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii**
Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki Beach today is a bustling hotspot for surfers and beginners alike. Rent surfboards and paddleboards right on the beach, enjoy the lively beachfront atmosphere, and explore nearby high-end shops and dining. Don’t forget to try the famous pineapple soft-serve ice cream.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Surf lessons and rentals available on-site
– Vibrant beachfront scene
– Easy access to shopping and dining

**6. Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Florida**
True to its name, Clearwater Beach is praised for its clear Gulf waters and soft white sand. It’s a family-friendly destination with plenty to do, especially at Pier 60 where a nightly sunset festival features vendors and street performers.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Crystal-clear Gulf water
– Family-friendly atmosphere
– Nightly Pier 60 sunset festival

**7. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia**
Driftwood Beach stands out for its hauntingly beautiful landscape dotted with fallen trees and driftwood. The unique setting is the result of long-term soil erosion, lending a dramatic backdrop popular among photographers. The beach is also pet-friendly, making it ideal for visitors with dogs.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Striking driftwood formations
– Quiet, natural ambiance
– Excellent photography opportunities

**8. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Pahala, Hawaii**
Located on the Big Island, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is famous for its distinctive black sand formed by volcanic activity. It’s also a favorite spot to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). Visit in the spring or fall for mild weather and smaller crowds. It’s conveniently close to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Unique black sand beach
– Frequent turtle sightings
– Proximity to volcano park attractions

**9. Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida**
A nature lover’s dream, Bahia Honda State Park offers more than sandy shores—it’s an adventure hub. Snorkel just offshore to see coral, tropical fish, and spiny lobsters, or bring binoculars for bird watching. Keep an eye out for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles. The park features three distinct beaches: Loggerhead Beach, Sandspur Beach, and Calusa Beach.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Accessible snorkeling opportunities
– Diverse wildlife sightings
– Multiple beaches within one park

**10. Ho’okipa Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii**
Located on Maui’s North Shore, Ho’okipa Beach Park is renowned for premier windsurfing conditions and often hosts competitions. Surfers also flock here, and visitors traveling the famous Road to Hana often stop at mile 9 to enjoy the scenic views. Sea turtles can often be seen resting along the beach.

*Why travelers love it:*
– Top windsurfing destination
– Frequent green sea turtle sightings
– Scenic stop on the Road to Hana

—

### FAQs

**What is the No. 1 beach in the U.S. in 2025?**
Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida not only tops the U.S. list but also features on Tripadvisor’s best beaches in the world ranking.

**Which state has the most beaches on the top 10 list?**
Hawaii leads with five of the top 10 beaches, followed by Florida with three.

**How does Tripadvisor choose the best beaches?**
Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings during a one-year period on their platform.

—

Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, or family-friendly fun, these top U.S. beaches promise unforgettable moments. Pack your sunscreen and get ready to explore some of America’s finest coastal gems in 2025!
https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/hawaii-dominates-tripadvisors-2025-best-us-beaches-list–but-florida-takes-the-top-spot-050711546.html