Revealed: 10 Best U.S. Beaches, According to Travelers

As the cold weather finally starts to turn, time away from work and other obligations may be on your mind. You know you want to leave the grind behind and hit the beach, but the big question is where to spend your travel dollars.

Vacations can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’ll love your destination and not regret spending your travel fund to visit. The last thing you want is not to enjoy that hard-won time away from the desk. Thankfully, we’ve found a list of the top 10 U.S. beaches for vacation — just in time for you to begin planning your warm-weather travels.

Tripadvisor, one of the world’s largest user-generated travel guide platforms, just released its second annual Traveler’s Choice Award: The Best of the Best Beaches — a top list based on reviews from recent visitors and only includes destinations that receive outstanding Tripadvisor reviews and comments from the people who visit.

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly area or a destination packed with activities, the following picks were selected by visitors who raved over these unique locations.

For travelers who love the opportunity to glimpse wildlife they wouldn’t see in their hometown, Ka'anapali Beach is an ideal destination. During the winter months, travelers can go whale watching from the comfort of their beach chairs. It’s also a top pick for the adventurous and offers a variety of water sports, such as surfing.

Take the whole clan to this family-friendly choice. Siesta Key is one of the best areas for sunbathing. If you decide to vacation in the fall, you can grab a hotel at a lower price while still taking advantage of Florida’s warm weather.

Go snorkeling and check out the sea turtles in this Hawaiian destination. The best times to visit Poipu Beach Park are from mid-April to early June or September to November because it’s known to be less crowded than in prime summer vacation months.

Families love the boardwalk at Hollywood Beach. It’s also another excellent choice for those who love to sunbathe. The weather is at its best between December and April — the perfect time to plan a snowbird adventure or a Spring Break getaway.

If you love a good nature walk, you won't want to miss the cliff walks near La Jolla Cove for photo-worthy views. Travelers can also spot sea lions along the shore. The weather is known to be better from March to May and September to November– perfect for off-peak traveling.

6. Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Oregon

7. Santa Monica State Beach – Santa Monica, California

8. Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, Georgia

9. Coligny Beach – Hilton Head, South Carolina

10. Ocean City Beach – Ocean City, Maryland  

Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo, there are plenty of beaches available filled with activities to spend your time. Plus, a few top picks have the best weather during off-peak months of the year, so vacationers can save some extra money at the same time.