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Sun, sand and sea — it’s hard to beat a day at the beach. Here are ten gorgeous strands, from Florida to California to Hawai‘i.
Ka‘anapali Beach — Maui, Hawaii
Voted the #1 beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com’s 2013 Traveler’s Choice Awards, this west-facing strand is a prime spot to watch the sun descend into the Pacific. A main attraction on the beach’s north end is a nightly sunset ceremony, where a cliff diver climbs Black Rock, lights torches along the bluffs and plunges into the sea to honor the heritage of King Kahekili, the last chief of Maui.
Where to Stay: The Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
Search availablilty at The Westin The Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
Voted the #1 beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com’s 2013 Traveler’s Choice Awards, this west-facing strand is a prime spot to watch the sun descend into the Pacific. A main attraction on the beach’s north end is a nightly sunset ceremony, where a cliff diver climbs Black Rock, lights torches along the bluffs and plunges into the sea to honor the heritage of King Kahekili, the last chief of Maui.
Where to Stay: The Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
Search availablilty at The Westin The Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
Santa Monica Beach — California
Just 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles, this is one of the Golden State’s most famed beaches. People watching is prime here (voted one of the best for such by Travel + Leisure): Beatniks rub elbows with body builders, roller skaters weave through pedestrians and movie shoots are commonplace. In true LA fashion, butlers are on hand to cater to your every whim. A free amusement park is a major draw to the Santa Monica Pier and the South Bay Bicycle Trail spans 22 oceanfront miles.
Where to Stay: Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica
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Just 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles, this is one of the Golden State’s most famed beaches. People watching is prime here (voted one of the best for such by Travel + Leisure): Beatniks rub elbows with body builders, roller skaters weave through pedestrians and movie shoots are commonplace. In true LA fashion, butlers are on hand to cater to your every whim. A free amusement park is a major draw to the Santa Monica Pier and the South Bay Bicycle Trail spans 22 oceanfront miles.
Where to Stay: Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica
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Clearwater Beach — Florida
This spot consistently ranks high on best beach lists, and has been recognized by USA Today, Fodor’s and TripAdvisor.com, to name a few. As the name suggests, the Gulf waters here are beautifully translucent, while the sand is sugar-white and powder-soft. Sunsets are hard to beat on Florida’s west coast. For the best view, attend the nightly gathering at Pier 60, which features live music. Bonus: Clearwater Beach is just a two-hour drive from Orlando, perfect for a quick day-trip.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Sand Key Resort
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This spot consistently ranks high on best beach lists, and has been recognized by USA Today, Fodor’s and TripAdvisor.com, to name a few. As the name suggests, the Gulf waters here are beautifully translucent, while the sand is sugar-white and powder-soft. Sunsets are hard to beat on Florida’s west coast. For the best view, attend the nightly gathering at Pier 60, which features live music. Bonus: Clearwater Beach is just a two-hour drive from Orlando, perfect for a quick day-trip.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Sand Key Resort
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Trunk Bay — St. John, USVI
This beach within the Virgin Islands National Park is the stuff Caribbean dreams are made of: a crescent-shaped bay of clear water and powdery white sand, framed by lush, green mountains. Snorkeling enthusiasts will appreciate the 225-yard underwater trail, with markers to identify the fish, coral and other sea life. (It’s no wonder this beach received top rankings from Travel + Leisure for wildlife viewing.) Conveniently onsite you’ll find a snack bar, bathrooms and a gift shop that rents snorkel gear.
Where to Stay: The Westin St. John Resort & Villas
Search availability at The Westin St. John Resort & Villas
This beach within the Virgin Islands National Park is the stuff Caribbean dreams are made of: a crescent-shaped bay of clear water and powdery white sand, framed by lush, green mountains. Snorkeling enthusiasts will appreciate the 225-yard underwater trail, with markers to identify the fish, coral and other sea life. (It’s no wonder this beach received top rankings from Travel + Leisure for wildlife viewing.) Conveniently onsite you’ll find a snack bar, bathrooms and a gift shop that rents snorkel gear.
Where to Stay: The Westin St. John Resort & Villas
Search availability at The Westin St. John Resort & Villas
Cape Cod National Seashore — Massachusetts
Henry David Thoreau once described the peninsula of Cape Cod as “the bared and bended arm of Massachusetts.” The outer portion of the Cape is now a national park, comprised of forty miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, dunes and lighthouses. Explore nature with numerous bike and hiking trails, and when it’s time to hit the beach, six swimming beaches await (Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is highly recommended by Dr. Beach).
Where to Stay: Four Points by Sheraton Eastham Cape Cod
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Henry David Thoreau once described the peninsula of Cape Cod as “the bared and bended arm of Massachusetts.” The outer portion of the Cape is now a national park, comprised of forty miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, dunes and lighthouses. Explore nature with numerous bike and hiking trails, and when it’s time to hit the beach, six swimming beaches await (Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is highly recommended by Dr. Beach).
Where to Stay: Four Points by Sheraton Eastham Cape Cod
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Myrtle Beach — South Carolina
With over 60 miles of beach fronting the Atlantic, the “Grand Strand” is a classic seaside town, and named one of the Top 10 U.S. Beaches by the Travel Channel. During the summer, festivals and events take place at the boardwalk (don't miss the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival or the Little River Blue Crab Festival), and attractions like the SkyWheel and Broadway at the Beach make it a popular choice for families.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Broadway Plantation
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With over 60 miles of beach fronting the Atlantic, the “Grand Strand” is a classic seaside town, and named one of the Top 10 U.S. Beaches by the Travel Channel. During the summer, festivals and events take place at the boardwalk (don't miss the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival or the Little River Blue Crab Festival), and attractions like the SkyWheel and Broadway at the Beach make it a popular choice for families.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Broadway Plantation
Search availability at Sheraton Broadway Plantation
Sun Bay Beach — Vieques, Puerto Rico
Vieques, a laid-back, rustic island seven miles off Puerto Rico’s east coast features natural surroundings like mangrove forests (much of the isle is a national wildlife refuge), wild roaming horses and plenty of unspoiled beaches. Sun Bay Beach is a top choice thanks to the sugar-white sand, crystal-clear Caribbean waters and public facilities like restrooms, a picnic area, and lifeguards. Bonus: Mosquito Bay, one of the brightest bioluminescent bays, offers a unique after-dark experience.
Where to Stay: W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island
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Vieques, a laid-back, rustic island seven miles off Puerto Rico’s east coast features natural surroundings like mangrove forests (much of the isle is a national wildlife refuge), wild roaming horses and plenty of unspoiled beaches. Sun Bay Beach is a top choice thanks to the sugar-white sand, crystal-clear Caribbean waters and public facilities like restrooms, a picnic area, and lifeguards. Bonus: Mosquito Bay, one of the brightest bioluminescent bays, offers a unique after-dark experience.
Where to Stay: W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island
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South Beach — Miami Beach, Florida
The gorgeous stretch of sand on the southern tip of Miami Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful people and Latin flavor. Sip a mojito and take in the sights at one of the many sidewalk cafes along Ocean Drive. Browse the retro buildings in a guided walking tour of the Art Deco District. Shopaholics will find everything from high-end shops to bohemian boutiques lining Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road. After dark, the streets alight in neon and the club scene lasts until the wee hours.
Where to Stay: W South Beach
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The gorgeous stretch of sand on the southern tip of Miami Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful people and Latin flavor. Sip a mojito and take in the sights at one of the many sidewalk cafes along Ocean Drive. Browse the retro buildings in a guided walking tour of the Art Deco District. Shopaholics will find everything from high-end shops to bohemian boutiques lining Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road. After dark, the streets alight in neon and the club scene lasts until the wee hours.
Where to Stay: W South Beach
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Hanalei Bay — Kauai, Hawaii
The Garden Isle is undoubtedly cinematic; in fact, it’s served as the backdrop for more than 60 films, including Blue Hawaii, The Descendants, South Pacific and Jurassic Park. Crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay on the North Shore is fittingly gorgeous, with lush green peaks jutting from the ocean and calm, swimmable waters. Be sure to walk to the end of the pier for a panoramic view of the movielike surroundings.
Where to Stay: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Search availability at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
The Garden Isle is undoubtedly cinematic; in fact, it’s served as the backdrop for more than 60 films, including Blue Hawaii, The Descendants, South Pacific and Jurassic Park. Crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay on the North Shore is fittingly gorgeous, with lush green peaks jutting from the ocean and calm, swimmable waters. Be sure to walk to the end of the pier for a panoramic view of the movielike surroundings.
Where to Stay: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Search availability at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Coronado Beach — San Diego, California
Consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation, this beach is a short ferry trip or car ride across the San Diego Bay. The glittery mineral Mica gives the sand a silvery-white sparkle, hence the nickname “Silver Strand.” Surfing and volleyball are popular day activities, while built-in fire pits ignite with bonfires after dark. There’s even a designated dog beach, where furry friends can frolic without a leash.
Where to Stay: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
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Consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation, this beach is a short ferry trip or car ride across the San Diego Bay. The glittery mineral Mica gives the sand a silvery-white sparkle, hence the nickname “Silver Strand.” Surfing and volleyball are popular day activities, while built-in fire pits ignite with bonfires after dark. There’s even a designated dog beach, where furry friends can frolic without a leash.
Where to Stay: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
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