Australia’s Whitehaven Beach tops the world list; while Florida’s Saint Pete Beach celebrates #1 in the United States

 

 

Whitehaven Beach,Whitsunday Island, Australia; @tourismwhitsundays.com.au

Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. and Top 10 Beaches in the world.

Your last trip to the beach probably feels like a lifetime ago, but with vaccine programs rolling out worldwide, safely
making that beach getaway a reality just might be in reach.

As lockdown has left most of us longing to be somewhere — anywhere else than stuck at home, Tripadvisor has just the thing to help you escape, as its annual Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches were revealed this week.

Highlighting travelers’ favorite beaches across the globe, from sweeping white sand and turquoise waters in tropical
climates, to dramatic cliffs and pounding surf in some of the most secluded spots on Earth, the awards are based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers for beaches, gathered over a 12-month period.

New for 2021, the Best of the Best Beaches also takes into account the volume of “saves” for beaches on Tripadvisor,
reflecting the position that many travelers were in for much of 2020 — unable to travel, desperate to explore, lusting after the beaches they wished they could visit.

“A recent Tripadvisor survey revealed that 60% of travelers are very likely to take a beach trip in 2021¹,” said Christine Maguire, vice president and general manager, global media business at Tripadvisor. “Whether your preferred kind of beach is preened and pristine or rugged and rough, this list of travelers’ favorites is just the inspiration you need to get planning your next beach break.”

In 2021, Australia’s Whitehaven Beach takes the top spot amongst global travelers. The remote Australian paradise,
located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is only accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter and is lauded by
travelers for its gorgeous soft white sand and postcard perfect turquoise water.

This year, Florida’s Saint Pete Beach takes not only the title of number one beach in the United States, but is also rated  fifth in the world. Of the 25 best beaches in the U.S., Florida and Hawaii dominate the list, with over 30% of the winners located in the Sunshine State and almost 30% in the Aloha State.

“We take Tripadvisor’s awards very seriously in St. Pete/Clearwater. We have been home to the number one beach for four of the past six years, but after a devastating 2020 for travel, we’re especially honored to receive the Travelers’ Choice Award this year,” said Steve Hayes, President and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. “Our communities, including Saint Pete Beach and Madeira Beach, have done an amazing job building these great destinations and keeping their beaches pristine for travelers from near and far.”

The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches honor travelers’ favorite beaches worldwide based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers, as well as the volume of “saves,” gathered over a 12-month period (January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020).

@visitstpeteclearwater.com

Top 10 Beaches in the U.S.

1. Saint Pete Beach – St. Pete Beach, Florida;
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Shared 2 Hours Small Group Sunset Cruise of St. Pete Beach.

2. Ka’anapali Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii;
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Snorkel & Whale Watch from Ka’anapali Beach.

3. Moonstone Beach – Cambria, California;
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Cruise down the scenic Moonstone Drive during sunset

4. Wailea Beach – Wailea, Hawaii;
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Makena Turtle Town Eco Adventure in Maui

5. Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Oregon;
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

6. Napili Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii;
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Maui Whale Watch Cruise from Lahaina Harbor

7. Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, Maine;
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Check out the scenic outlooks of Perkins Cove.

8. Wai’anapanapa State Park – Hana, Hawaii;
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Full Day Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup.

9. Madeira Beach – Madeira Beach, Florida
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Calypso Breeze Daytime Tropical Buffet

10. Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, Hawaii
Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Full Day Kailua Beach Guided Tour To Mokulua Islands.

Top 10 Beaches in the World 2021:

  • Whitehaven Beach – Whitsunday Island, Australia;
  • Santa Maria Beach – Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba;
  • Baia do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil;
  • Grace Bay Beach – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos;
  • Saint Pete Beach – Florida, United States;
  • Turquoise Bay – Exmouth, Australia;
  • Eagle Beach – Eagle Beach, Aruba;
  • Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy;
  • Ka’anapali Beach – Hawaii, United States;
  • Baía dos Golfinhos – Praia da Pipa, Brazil.