If winter is starting to feel like it’s never going to end, you may be dreaming about stretching out on a warm, sandy beach and listening to the waves gently lapping the shore. Ready to make it a reality? Tripadvisor is here to help you plan with the winners of their Travelers’ Choice Awards for the Best of the Best Beaches for 2026.
- The travel site analyzes millions of traveler reviews from the last 12 months to find the most impressive beaches on the planet.
- This year’s winners include the best in the world, the U.S. and a new category - "One of a Kind" beaches.
- The best beach here in the U.S. for 2026 is La Jolla [[HOY-uh]] Cove in California. It gets high scores for its “extraordinary marine biodiversity” and accessibility. The calm water is surrounded by sandstone cliffs on the San Diego coast and large colonies of sea lions lounge on the rocky shore.
- Topping the list for the best beach in the world is Isla Pasion, a private stretch of white sand near Cozumel, Mexico. It’s known for crystal-clear waters, marine life encounters and snorkeling.
- The best “one of a kind” beach is Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in South Africa, followed by Isola Bella in Sicily, Italy, which comes with ancient Greek theater views.
Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. for 2026
- La Jolla Cove, California
- Clearwater Beach, Florida
- Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii
- Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
- Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
- Siesta Beach, Florida
- Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii
- St. Andrews State Park, Florida
- Santa Monica State Beach, California
- Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida
The 10 Best Beaches in the World for 2026, according to Tripadvisor
- Isla Pasion, Cozumel, Mexico
- Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
- Balos Lagoon, Crete, Greece
- Eagle Beach, Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Praia da Falésia, Olhos de Água, Portugal
- Banana Beach, Phuket, Thailand
- La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, San Diego, California
- La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia, Italy
- Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Simon’s Town, South Africa
Source: Tripadvisor
Looking for Beaches closer to home in VA, NC or SC? Check this website HERE.
Scott's Thoughts:
- Who wouldn’t want to be kicking back on a beach with some sand between their toes right now?
- Who can afford such a thing in this wretched economy!?!
- I like the commercial lifestyle of VA or Myrtle!