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 2009

1. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Cape Hatteras,Outer Banks, North Carolina
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
9. Coast Guard Beach,Cape Cod, Massachusetts
10. Beachwalker Park,Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Previous National Winners, which are excluded from the survey, are

• 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