Planning a beach vacation this summer or fall? Head for one of these top beaches in the USA, rated as the best by TripAdvisor reviewers for the quality of sand and surf, lack of crowds and affordability. Not surprisingly, the list is dominated by Florida and Hawaii. And all these beaches are public, not limited to those staying in a particular hotel or resort. Sunsets, of course, are free.
Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Beaches in the USA, and the least expensive time of year to visit:
1. Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
Located about 10 miles south of Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Siesta Beach is famous renowned for its fine, white sandy beaches and an abundance of seashells for barefoot collectors.
- Least expensive month to go: September, when hotels average of $214 per night
- Nearest major airport: Sarasota/Bradenton
2. Ka’anapali Beach – Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Among the most frequented beach in West Maui, one of Ka’anapali Beach’s most famous attractions is the daily cliff diving ceremony off of the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as Puu Kekaa or Black Rock.
- Least expensive month to go: May
- Affordable hotel: Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, rates start at $176
- Nearest major airport: Kahului, Maui
3. Saint Pete Beach – Saint Pete Beach, Florida
Saint Pete Beach is famous for its golden-white sand and aquatic activities, such as parasailing, stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing. Walking the beach from one end to the othe takes about one hour, more if you take a break at one of the many restaurants and shops along the way.
- Least expensive month to go: November,when hotels average $211 per night
- Nearest major airport: Tampa/St. Petersburg
4. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater Beach dazzles with 2.5 miles of sugar-white sand, crystal-clear waters and sits on a barrier island caressed by tranquil Gulf breezes. There are bath and change rooms located along the beach front and restaurants to suit all budgets.
- Least expensive month to go: November, when hotels average $186 per night
- Nearest major airport: Tampa/St. Petersburg
5. Beach at Panama City – Panama City, Florida
Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of silky, white-sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, and plenty of nearby restaurants for fresh seafood. See dolphins playing in the water, and people fishing from the shore.
- Least expensive month to go: January, when hotels average $103 per night
- Nearest major airport: Jacksonville
6. Hollywood Beach – Hollywood, Florida
A newcomer to the best beaches list, Hollywood Beach is well known as a family-friendly place due to the calm water, available bathroom facilities, live entertainment and the nearby restaurants across the large Boardwalk.
- Least expensive month to go: September, when hotels average $172 per night
- Highly-rated bargain hotel nearby: St Maurice Beach Inn – average $140 per night (35% less than average hotel prices for Hollywood)
- Nearest major airport: Ft. Lauderdale
7. Pensacola Beach – Pensacola Beach, Florida
Anchored at the western tip of Florida, on the border with Alabama, this narrow strip of white sand features two totally different waterfront experiences; you can easily enjoy the Gulf side or opt for the serenity of the sound side.
- Least expensive month to go: January, when hotels average $140 per night
- Highly-rated bargain hotel nearby: Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach – average $225 per night (22% less than average hotel prices for Pensacola Beach)
- Nearest major airport: Pensacola Regional Airport
8. Saint Augustine Beach – Saint Augustine Beach, Florida
Historic St. Augustine celebrated its 450th birthday in 2015, and offers many family-friendly attractions beyond its long stretch of white sand with uncrowded spots and promenades. Take a break from the beach by visiting a lighthouse said to be haunted, and see if you get any younger after sipping the water from the spring said to be the Fountain of Youth discovered by Ponce de Leon.
- Least expensive month to go: January, when hotels average $138 per night
- Highly-rated mid-range hotel nearby: La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites – available $174 per night
- Nearest major airport: Jacksonville
9. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Honolulu, Hawaii
Located on the southeast coast of Oahu, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Hawaii’s most popular natural attractions, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and picnicking. Reefs are close to shore, so this is a great place to snorkel with small kids.
- Least expensive month to go: April, when hotels average of $307 per night
- Highly-rated bargain hotel pricing Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach – average $273 per night (24% less than average hotel prices for Honolulu)
10. Ocean City Beach – Ocean City, Maryland
A beautiful deep sandy beach with lots of shops, games, amusements parks, restaurants, and ice cream, on the boardwalk, help make this a popular family destination. During the summer, there are free family activities six nights a week, including concerts, movies and beach games.
- Least expensive month to go: November, when hotels average of $109 per night
- Highly-rated bargain hotel nearby: Dunes Manor Hotel & Suites
- Nearest major airport: Washington D.C.
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