Feeling Frozen? These are the Best Beaches in the World According to TripAdvisor
If the weather outside your window is depressingly cold, or you just need a change of scenery for a few days, there's nothing like planning a beach trip in February to help you get through the end of winter. To provide some inspiration, the booking site TripAdvisor released today its 2015 installment of the beaches getting the highest ratings among its users.
Florida and Hawaii dominated the Travelers' Choice U.S. rankings, taking up all but one beach in the top 10. The grand prize went to Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Fla., while the top-rated beach in the world is Baia do Sancho, in Brazil.
The rankings are based on the quantity and quality of TripAdvisor reviews over the past 12 months. The site also threw in an affordable hotel choice with each beach that you can book on TripAdvisor for around $200 per night. Here are the top 10 beaches in the U.S.:
1. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Beach (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
This chilled-out Sarasota County getaway is famous for its pure white quartz sand, and it has been recognized before — Siesta Beach was No. 1 in the 2011 "Dr. Beach" rankings as the best beach in America. Unlike some of Florida's more party-centric beaches, this one is considered an ideal spot for families. Hotel you can book: Captiva Beach Resort, as low as $172 on TripAdvisor
2. Saint Pete Beach, Florida
Saint Pete Beach (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
Located on the west coast of Florida, Saint Pete Beach doesn't lack for white sand, and this barrier island community offers a mix of sunlit seclusion with appealing cultural excursions. On the southern tip of Saint Pete Beach is Pass-A-Grille with its historical district. And if you want nightlife, you can drive into the nearby Tampa-St. Petersburg area.
Hotel you can book: Inn on the Beach, as low as $174
3. Ka'anapali Beach, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Ka'anapali Beach (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
This laid-back beach is three miles of gorgeousness on the western end of Maui. It's beloved for its snorkeling opportunities around Black Rock.
Hotel you can book: Maui Eldorado, as low as $195
Related: Drumroll … The Best Beach Destinations in the World
4. Wai'anapanapa State Park, Maui, Hawaii
Wai'anapanapa State Park (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
The Road to Hana can scare off some tourists, but make the drive and you'll be rewarded with this gem that includes black volcanic sand, hiking trails, lava rocks, and freshwater caves.
Hotel you can book: Aina Nalu, as low as $212
5. Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
This Gulf of Mexico destination is famous for a few things: white beaches, a mellow vibe that's perfect for families, a pier that beckons fishermen, and some outstanding restaurant options.
Hotel you can book: Margaritaville Beach Hotel, as low as $229
Related: Can You Guess the 5 Biggest Beach Dangers? (Hint: It's Not Sharks)
6. La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, California
La Jolla Cove (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
This tiny beach is the one non-Hawaii, non-Florida outlier in the top 10. How did it get there? With a postcard-perfect view, easy swimming and snorkeling, and protected marine wildlife.
Hotel you can book: Empress Hotel of La Jolla, as low as $180
7. Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
Kailua Beach Park (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
Located on the windward coast 30 minutes from the more hectic Waikiki, this half-mile stretch of white sand is a sanctuary for both island locals and President Obama, who owns a vacation home here. Water sports, including kayaking and windsurfing, are a big draw here.
Hotel you can book: Vive Hotel Waikiki, as low as $190
8. Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater Beach (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
Families love visiting this low-key, friendly Gulf Coast destination. Dolphin sightings are common from the beach, and a favorite onshore attraction is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Hotel you can book: Ebb Tide Waterfront Resort, as low as $189
9. St. Augustine Beach, Saint Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine Beach (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
Saint Augustine is an upper-income beach town, with luxury hotels and restaurants in the area. But this wide and clean expanse of beach is still egalitarian, with plenty of room for everyone. While there you can tour the historic area of Saint Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S.
Hotel you can book: Ascend Collection Castillo Real, as low as $187
10. Beach at Panama City, Panama City Beach, Florida
Beach at Panama City (Courtesy: TripAdvisor)
If you like a little extra towel room when you're posting up at the beach, this 27-mile beauty will satisfy you. Activities here include dolphin watching, parasailing, and jet-skiing.
Hotel you can book: Palmetto Inn & Suites, as low as $124 per night
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