Looking for a passport-free beach vacation? Beach-goers can find some sunny inspiration in Tripadvisor’s annual ranking of the best beaches in the U.S., which, in 2025, slots a popular Florida stretch of sand in the No. 1 spot and heavily favors destinations in Hawaii, with five of the top 10 beaches located in the Aloha State.

To compile its ranking of the best beaches in the U.S., Tripadvisor conducted an analysis of travelers’ reviews who have visited the beaches. (Here’s where you can see Tripadvisor travelers’ rankings of the top 10 best beaches in the world, headlined by Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece).

Here’s the top 10 best beaches in the U.S., according to the Tripadvisor rankings.

No. 1: Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida

Not only is Siesta Beach the top in the U.S., but it also landed on Tripadvisors best beaches in the world list. Siesta Beach’s powdery white-quartz sand and clear shallow waters make it a family favorite vacation spot, according to Tripadvisor. Other perks include lifeguards on duty, a cute beach town with oyster bars and cafes and kayaking tours where tourists can spot local wildlife like dolphins and manatees. Siesta Key is also known for its year-round Sunday night drum circle that syncs up with sunset.

No. 2: Poipu Beach Park in Poipu, Hawaii

The aerial view of Poipu Beach Park is especially beautiful because the park is made up of a series of golden sand crescents. Located on the southern side of Kauai, beachgoers at Poipu enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, as well as boogie boarding, surfing and wading in the ocean. The crescent coves create a natural wading pool in the Pacific Ocean. The beach, one of the most popular in Kauai, is great for spotting humpback whales in the distance from from December to April. Poipu is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai, so visiting in the shoulder seasons from April to June or September to November, means fewer crowds.

No. 3: Ka’anapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii

On Maui, the natural beauty of Maui’s Ka'anapali Beach, which stretches for three miles, will certainly wow you. But for its next trick, there’s a daily cliff diving ceremony that happens on Puu Kekaa, the beach’s northernmost cliffs. At sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliffs and then dives into the water. It’s a reenactment of a feat that was performed by Maui’s revered King Kahekili. The beach, in its past life, was a retreat for Hawaiian royalty.

No. 4: La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California

La Jolla’s stretch of rocky coastline is nicknamed the “jewel of San Diego.” La Jolla Cove, in particular, is a deep bay that’s surrounded by sea caves that make for great kayaking excursions. The calm waters invite snorkelers to duck underwater to spot traffic cone orange Garibaldi fish and sea stars. Stairs lead to the swimming area, and above the cove is a large grassy area perfect with picnic tables and public gazebos.

No. 5: Waikiki Beach in Oahu, Hawaii

Located on the south shore of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, it’s a hotspot for surfers (and those wanting to learn the sport). You can rent surfboards and paddleboards right on the beach. Several high-rise hotels line the beach and high-end shops are just a couple of blocks away. After a day on the beach, pineapple soft-serve ice cream is a must.

No. 6: Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida

TripAdvisor reviewers are impressed by how well Clearwater embodies its name, as well as the soft white sand and family-friendly nature of the beach. At Pier 60, sunsets are celebrated every evening with a festival that brings out vendors and street performers.

No. 7: Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia

Driftwood and fallen trees scattered across the beach make for a dramatic landscape, which is hauntingly beautiful. Soil erosion over time made it difficult for the tree to grow, which gave way to the unique landscape on this barrier island. Driftwood Beach is pet-friendly and has become an especially popular spot for photographers.

No. 8: Punalu’u Black Sand Beach in Pahala, Hawaii

Located on the Big Island, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a popular itinerary addition for those visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The beach is known for its stark black sand, which is due to the nearby volcanic activity, and it also is home to honu (Hawaii’s green sea turtles). Tripadvisor recommends visiting in spring or fall when the weather is mild but the beach is less crowded.

No. 9: Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key, Florida

Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys is a nature lover’s paradise. This is a beach that’s less about relaxing on the sand and more about filling your day’s itinerary with adventure. Snorkel in the shallow waters just a few hundred feet from shore and you might spot Coral, tropical fish and spiny lobster. Or, come with binoculars to birdwatch. Beachgoers might also spot Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins and sea turtles.

The park actually has three beaches: Loggerhead Beach, which faces the Atlantic Ocean and has shallow waters; Sandspur Beach, which also faces the Atlantic and has parking along the beach; and Calusa Beach, which fronts the Florida Bay.

No. 10: Ho’okipa Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii

Located on Maui’s North Shore, Ho’okipa Beach Park is a known spot for windsurfers and even plays host to competitions. The white sand Beach is also a hot spot for surfers and a popular spot for those driving the Road to Hana that’s located at mile 9. Visitors might even see green sea turtles resting at the beach.