Two local beaches have recently garnered national attention. Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best beaches in the U.S. highlights the nation’s favorite shorelines as chosen by travelers. Pensacola Beach in Florida earned the top spot, praised for its white-sand coastline and vibrant cultural scene. Gulf Coast and Pacific destinations fill out the rankings, reflecting broad coastal appeal. Orange Beach, Alabama, cracked the top ten, underscoring its rising profile among beachgoers.

The awards draw on responses from more than 757,000 readers nationwide, offering a crowdsourced snapshot of preferred summer escapes. Pensacola Beach’s No. 1 placement celebrates its combination of pristine sand, emerald waters, and a lively arts and events calendar that extends beyond traditional beach activities.

Florida’s Navarre Beach ranked second, with accolades for its relaxed atmosphere and ample beachfront space. The list also features iconic spots in Hawaii, including Waikiki and Ka‘anapali, showcasing diverse coastal environments from surf-friendly swells to family-oriented coves.

Orange Beach’s inclusion in the top ten signals growing recognition for Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Voters highlighted its powdery shorelines, water sports offerings, and small-town charm as key draws.

Other notable entrants include Trunk Beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands and South Padre Island in Texas, illustrating the variety of waterfront experiences Americans value. The spread of destinations underscores how preferences vary from tranquil sands to dynamic cultural hubs along the coastline.

For travelers charting their next coastal getaway, the Readers’ Choice Awards provide a data-driven look at where vacationers have found both natural beauty and memorable experiences. Whether seeking laid-back relaxation or lively beach towns, the list reflects a broad consensus on top-tier U.S. beaches.

Below are all the beaches listed in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Beaches in the United States.

1. Pensacola Beach, Florida
   
2. Navarre Beach, Florida
   
3. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
   
4. Kaaoa (Ma Kea), Hawaii
   
5. Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii
   
6. Ka'anapali Beach, Hawaii
   
7. Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
   
8. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida
   
9. Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
   
10. Orange Beach, Alabama
    
11. South Padre Island, Texas
    
12. Coligny Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
    
13. Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
    
14. St. Augustine Beach, Florida
15. Coronado Beach, California