The top 25 beaches in the United States

TripAdvisor has revealed the winners of its annual Traveler’s Choice Beach Awards. Discover the Top 25 beaches in the United States, based on reviews written by the travel website’s readers. First place went to Hawaii’s Lanikai Beach in Kailua. Sure, Hawaii is a hot spot for top beaches. But other states boasting impressive beaches include Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia. Oh, and two New England beaches made the list! Find out which ones. Since this list was determined by travelers, we also bring you their reviews, courtesy of tripadvisor.com.

1. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

Lanikai Beach is located in Kailua, Hawaii.

“Windy in March but so gorgeous! White sand and blue waters. You couldn’t ask for more! We were looking to snorkel but it was too windy and there were a load of windsurfers out there. We didn’t mind wading instead though.’’

2. Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii

Ka’anapali Beach is located in Lahaina, Hawaii.

“Love going to this beach. We actually stay on this beach every time we go to Maui. Great snorkeling. We have seen sea turtles every time. The water is clear and teeming with marine life. It can be a little rough and wavy. Lots of coral makes it hard to get in and out but you just have to be careful and pick your spots. Great beach for walking as well.’’

3. Siesta Key Public Beach, Florida

Siesta Key Public Beach is located in Siesta Key, Fla.

“Gorgeous sand and crystal blue water. A little cold in early March, but stunning never the less. Lovely to stroll or play with the kids. Also close to walkable restaurants and shops.’’

4. Hanalei Beach, Hawaii

Hanalei Beach is located in Hanalei, Hawaii.

“Hanalei beach at sunset on a beautiful clear evening with a gentle breeze is divine. People are hanging out, surfers are loving the surf, kids are having fun, a few guitar players are strumming a tune.’’

5. Wai’anapanapa State Park, Hawaii

Wai’anapanapa State park is located in Hana, Hawaii.

“I’ve been to Wai’anapanapa Park many times. The black pebble beach and views are astounding. There are cabins and campsites for those interested — but book way in advance. There is a great hike along the water through the lava field that you should try. It is a perfect piece of heaven in Hana!’’

6. Wailea Beach, Hawaii

Wailea Beach is located in Wailea, Hawaii.

“The beach is beautiful and easily accessible. What we really enjoyed was the paved path that allowed for long walks along the whole beach area. It allowed access to several hotel properties and their restaurants, bars, etc., including a few ‘path vendors’ which added to the experience. Simply magnificent!’’

7. Hunting Island State Park, S.C.

Hunting Island State Park is located in Beaufort, S.C.

“I love everything about Hunting Island. Especially the fact that it is unspoiled and completely preserved for nature. My family has so many memories there. We consider it to be our favorite place on Earth.’’

8. Manini’ owali Beach (Kua Bay), Hawaii

Manini’ owale Beach (Kua Bay) is located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

“Beautiful beach, soft sand, clear water, and great snorkeling. There is no shade, however, so wear your sunscreen and bring your hats! We saw sea turtles and many beautiful fish. We were there during the winter, so once the waves picked up it was a little rough. If you only go to one beach, this is the one!’’

9. Saint Pete Beach, Florida

Saint Pete Beach is located in Saint Pete Beach, Fla.

“The beach, the sand, the water, was all beautiful! We walked the beach front every day that we were there and just loved it. My children and I all loved the beach and the water.’’

10. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hawaii

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“Beautiful snorkeling spot packed with wildlife.’’

11. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida

Caladesi Island State Park is located in Dunedin, Fla.

“Experience unspoiled Florida at its best. Take a boat from Honeymoon Island, Dunedin (nice!) and once at Caladesi, you can walk the interior trails or walk over to the beach. They rent chairs and umbrellas, great shelling and swimming. The interior trails are very interesting as they change from beach to oak to pine. Easy walking.’’

12. Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii

Poipu Beach Park is located in Poipu, Hawaii.

“A wonderful beach for families! Toddlers can enjoy the knee deep water and beautiful sands. The other side of the reef allows for snorkeling and more water fun! Grassed area, picnic tables, washrooms all very close. It is always sunny in Poipu! Fish can be seen by the naked eye. A terrific beach location.’’

13. Ko Olina Lagoons, Hawaii

Ko Olina Lagoons is located in Kapolei, Hawaii.

“Way quieter than the main strip. Quiet beaches with lots of space and good safe swiming. Amazing place to watch the sunset from almost 120 degree unobstructed view of the line between water and sky. Awesome.’’

14. St. Augustine Beach, Florida

St. Augustine Beach is located in Saint Augustine Beach, Fla.

“Nothing says good morning like a sunrise over the ocean off the St. Augustine beach. We sometimes just stand and wait for the sun to rise and then go about a walk on the beach. When the tide is low there is so much beautiful beach and lots of space so that the beach never feels crowded.’’

15. Ogunquit Beach, Maine

Ogunquit Beach is located in Ogunquit, Maine.

“A nice short walk from town in early morning is one of the many pleasures of this beautiful place by the sea. Then a nice walk along the beach is a must. Picking up sea glass at low tide is an added plus!’’

16. Race Point Beach, Massachusetts

Race Point Beach is located in Provincetown, Mass.

“This is one of the nicest beaches in ALL of America, just beautiful and untouched. The walk over the dune and down the hill will say it all.’’

17. Bahia Honda State Park and Beach, Florida

Bahia Honda State Park and Beach is located in Big Pine Key, Fla.

“This is a fantastic stop in the Keys! Very well-kept state park with sandy beaches on both sides of the key. We stopped here on the way back from Key West to Miami and it was one of the best parts of our trip. Sandy beaches, warm water and affordable entrance fee.’’

18. La Jolla Cove, California

La Jolla Cove is located in La Jolla, Calif.

“Such a beautiful area of the country to relax, take in the sights and sounds of the Pacific and spend some quiet time.’’

19. Pensacola Beach, Florida

Pensacola Beach is located in Pensacola, Fla.

“Beautiful beach. The water is to die for. Clean, lots of things to do and places to eat and drinks to drink. My favorite beach.’’

20. Beach at Panama City, Florida

Beach at Panama City is located in Panama City Beach, Fla.

“There are countless miles of beautiful white sand here, by far the best beaches we have encountered anywhere in Florida.’’

21. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater Beach is located in Clearwater, Fla.

A traveler summed up this beach in one word: “paradise!’’

22. Lido Beach, Florida

Lido Beach is located in Sarasota, Fla.

“This beach spans forever it seems. As far as you walk it’s kept clean and there is space for everyone. We loved being able to be around so many people while still being able to have our private space. So beautiful and so clean.’’

23. Assateague Beach, Virginia

Assateague Beach is located in Assateague Island, Va.

“We’ve been vacationing on the island for 4 years now and this is by far the best beach for families. It’s very clean and the views are just beautiful. Aboslutely the best sunset I’ve encountered in a while. the wild ponies are just amazing.’’

24. Kapalua Beach, Hawaii

Kapalua Beach is located in Kapalua, Hawaii.

“Great beach for snorkeling.’’

25. Navarre Beach, Florida

Navarre Beach is located in Navarre, Fla.

“Great beach, soft white sand, clear blue-green water, and few waves usually. Good fishing, golf, and shopping near by.’’