Trifter

Hanalei Bay

Kauai, Hawaii

Hanalei Bay Beach takes the number one spot in the 19th annual Top 10 Beaches ranking produced by coastal specialist Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. Hanalei Bay is a fabulous white crescent-shaped sand beach that is believed by many residents and visitors alike to be the most attractive beach setting in Hawaii. The two-mile long strand is lined by palm trees with a backdrop of waterfalls and mountain peaks that range up to 4,000 feet high. One of the best views of the beach is from the Princeville Hotel, located on the high bluff to the east. The other end of this wide coral sand beach is attached by a high lava point that extends into the ocean. This landscape has been the motivation for many paintings and photo shoots.

Siesta Key

Sarasota, Florida

With some of the best, whitest sand in the world, this beach catches the attention of sand collectors from all over. Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters that serve for ideal swimming. The beach is hundreds of yards open in the shape of a crescent, due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the north and a unique underwater development of coral rock and caves, providing for great snorkeling and scuba diving. This beach is great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness.

Coopers Beach

Southampton, New York

Coopers Beach is situated on the south shore of Long Island, New York, protected from the cold Labrador currents, in the beautiful village of Southampton. As the first “Gold Coast” in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards open, made of grainy white quartz sand. The beach is backed by large sand dunes sheltered by American beach grass, interspersed with large and extravagant mansions. Some of the best beach access in the Hamptons exists on Coopers Beach, and a snack bar serving lunch and drinks can be found here, as well.

Coronado Beach

San Diego, California

Coronado Beach is the toast of Southern California; it is a veritable oasis by the sea, measuring hundreds of yards wide. With its lush subtropical vegetation, exceptional Mediterranean climate, and fine sparkling sand, beach-goers assemble to this beach for great ship watching and the summer’s warm and mild surf. The local landmark, Hotel del Coronado, was built up over a hundred years ago, offering magnificent architecture and Old World elegance. Kings, sheiks, actors, and actresses have stayed at Hotel del Coronado, where food and drinks are served on the beach, and the hotel provides a enormous location for celebrities.

Hamoa Beach

Maui, Hawaii

This pocket beach is rimmed by cliffs, covered by coconut palm trees and attractive flowering vegetation. This crescent beach, which is a combination of coral and lava sand, is the most renowned of Maui’s Hana beaches. The beach is actually inside a breached volcanic crater. To get to Hamoa Beach, one has to take the “Road to Hana”, the double-crossing road with drop-offs of over 1,000 feet and sporadic guardrails, which can be an exciting adventure in itself. Taking it slow on this road, with over 50 one-way bridges, is possibly the safest bet.

Main Beach

East Hampton, New York

Main Beach provides the wonderful blend of nature and built environment. Wealthy summertime residents assemble here to the beaches protected by a conservation easement, dating back over 300 years. Main Beach is a great place for star spotting, since many actors and actresses frequently visit this beach for its peaceful setting in a small village. The big, wide sandy beach made of quartz has towering sand dunes and beautiful clean and clear blue water. The best way to get around this beach is on bicycle in order to avoid parking and to take in the beautiful vista.

Cape Hatteras

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Bulging far offshore of the mainland coast as a barrier island, Cape Hatteras was the first National beach. Providing some of the best board surfing along the East Coast, as well as the most well-known lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras attracts beachgoers to its historic fishing villages. Nature lovers love the excellent beachcombing and superb fishing.

Cape Florida

Key Biscayne, Florida

Cape Florida State Park, situated at the south tip of Key Biscayne, provides clear, emerald-colored waters and gentle surf. This fine, white coral sand beach is great for swimming, as waves are knocked down by a large sand shoal offshore. In addition, the Cape Florida Lighthouse allows for a breath-taking view of this beautiful beach.

Coast Guard Beach

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Coast Guard Beach, easily reached by bicycle or via shuttle bus from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center, was formed where a sand spit attached to the eroding glacial cliffs. The sand is fairly coarse, so the beach slopes sharply into the water. The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a magnificent view down upon the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay. During the summer, beachgoers take quick, refreshing dips in the ocean, as water temperatures only reach 60-70 degrees.

Beachwalker Park

Kiawah, South Carolina

South of Charleston, Beachwalker Park is the public beach situated on the southern end of Kiawah Island. Tennis and golf are featured here, as well as interpretative tours of the fauna and flora of the island. This is indeed a nature-lovers coast, so visitors should pack their canoes and kayaks to paddle through the tidal inlets or walk down to St. Sam’s Inlet to see thousands of birds. The water is not clear here, but it is clean and provides for fantastic seafood for low-country cooking. Visitors can also pack their bicycles, since the sand is solid enough to ride along the 10-mile long barrier island.