Beaches are the number one recreational destination for Americans. These sandy playgrounds that line our coasts are the most extensive natural parks in the country. Nothing restores the body and soul like a stay at the beach. We are naturally drawn to the rhythmic pounding of the waves as if returning to our primordial beginnings.
AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES 2011
1. Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida
2. Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
3. Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
4. Main Beach in East Hampton, New York
5. Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
6. St. George Island State Park, Florida panhandle
7. Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina
8. Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
9. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Oahu, Hawaii
10. Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida
Previous National Winners, which are excluded from the survey, are
• 2010 Coopers Beach, Long Island (Southampton, New York)
• 2009 Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
• 2008 Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
• 2007 Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach- Outer Banks, North Carolina
• 2006 Fleming Beach Park- Maui, Hawaii
• 2005 Fort DeSoto Park – North Beach, St Petersburg, Florida
• 2004 Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
• 2003 Kaanapali, Hawaii
• 2002 St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida
• 2001 Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii
• 2000 Mauna Kea Beach, Hawaii
• 1999 Wailea Beach, Hawaii
• 1998 Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
• 1997 Hulopoe, Hawaii
• 1996 Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
• 1995 St. Andrews SRA, Florida
• 1994 Grayton Beach SRA, Florida
• 1993 Hapuna, Hawaii
• 1992 Bahia Honda SRA, Florida
• 1991 Kapalua Bay Beach, Hawaii
