TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel community, today announced the top 10 beaches in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor's Popularity Index and TripAdvisor editors.

  1. Delightful De Soto: Fort De Soto Park's North Beach, Tierra Verde,
     Florida
     Just south of St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park's North Beach is a
     portrait of tranquility, with a spectacular combination of soft white
     sand, calm and clear water, and a laid-back atmosphere.  In addition to
     the beautiful wide beach, travelers can also enjoy the area's wildlife
     and the 105 year-old fort for which the park is named.  According to
     one TripAdvisor traveler, "The beach was very clean, the water was
     clear, and the whole experience was wonderful. Best beach we have been
     to so far."

  2. Saintly Shores: St. Andrew's State Park, Panama City, Florida
     Another pristine beach on Florida's Gulf Coast, this mile-and-a-half
     long beach has a child-friendly area in their calm "Grand Lagoon," and
     visitors can also ferry out to nearby Shell Island for great
     snorkeling.  Nature lovers will delight in the remarkable variety of
     plants and wildlife at this immaculately-maintained park.  As one
     TripAdvisor traveler stated, "My husband and I have traveled to many
     beaches over the years but this was our favorite. It is beautiful,
     breathtaking, and the wildlife we encountered was amazing."

  3. Cool Kailua: Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, Hawaii
     A classically beautiful Hawaiian beach, Kailua Beach Park features
     gorgeous turquoise waters, powder white sand, and palm trees peppering
     its broad coastline.  With calm surf that hovers around 75 degrees on
     average, visitors may never want to leave the water and the beach is
     renowned for children and adults alike. As one TripAdvisor traveler
     said, "When we arrived at the beach, it was the most beautiful, serene,
     well-maintained area I've ever seen."

  4. Peach of a Beach: Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland
     Island, Georgia
     Featuring miles of peaceful and quiet beachfront, Cumberland Island
     Seashore has a uniquely isolated, undiscovered feel.  The beach is
     ideal for swimming, or to just enjoy a quiet time basking in the sun.
     As one TripAdvisor traveler shared, "Cumberland Island is one of the
     most beautiful unspoiled beaches on the east coast. The white sand that
     extends for miles of endless beach is sublime."

  5. SoBe It: South Beach, Miami, Florida
     For a hip and sexy beach scene, South Beach is unparalleled. Enjoy the
     stunning, warm waters at the beach, but don't forget to indulge in some
     of the best restaurants, resorts, and nightclubs you'll find in the
     country, just steps away. As one TripAdvisor member recalls, "We both
     came back with a beautiful tan and wonderful memories."

  6. Tunnels Vision: Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
     Another Hawaiian paradise, Tunnels Beach is renowned for its
     outstanding snorkeling.  This picture-perfect beach features cream-
     colored sands, a protected half-moon reef, and unbelievable views-
     particularly the sunsets. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "I've never
     seen a more scenic backdrop at a beach. The water is amazing; clear and
     blue."

  7. Drink It Up: Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, Florida
     A popular family destination with gentle waves and soft sand, Pensacola
     Beach offers an amazingly relaxed atmosphere.  The huge beach's clean,
     beautiful shoreline invites you to swim, boat, collect shells, or just
     lay back on a chair with a good book.  As one TripAdvisor member
     commented, "This is a beautiful white sand beach with the absolute
     clearest water you've ever seen."

  8. Good Beach Hunting: Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort, South Carolina
     Hunting Island beach is part of a lush and protected nature reserve,
     and this secluded barrier island is home to an enormous variety of
     wildlife.  Great for hiking, biking and camping, visitors will also
     want to check out the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse.  According to
     one TripAdvisor member, "Hunting Island State Park is one of the true
     gems of the South Carolina coast."

  9. Torrey Treat: Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego, California
     With stunning 300-foot sandstone cliffs towering over golden sands and
     Pacific waters, this beach is a California classic. The state beach is
     accessible through the lush Torrey Pines State Reserve, which features
     remarkable wildlife and trails. As one TripAdvisor member says, "Make
     sure to check out the Torrey Pines State Beach-amazing cliffs, clean
     sand, and rolling waves-great for swimming and sunbathing."

  10.Endless Stunner: Waimea Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
     A spacious, but popular beach, Waimea Bay Beach Park boasts clear
     waters and soft, fine-grain sand. Renowned for its gigantic winter
     waves made famous in surfing films, this stunning destination is best
     enjoyed in the summer months, when its clear waters are at their
     calmest. As one TripAdvisor member explained, "Gorgeous is the only way
     to describe Waimea Beach. The sand was like golden powder, and the
     water was as clear as a pool."

"These spectacular beaches stand out for their world-class sand, breathtaking water, and all-around relaxing environments," said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. "Many of these beaches are off the beaten path, so travelers should pack their beach bags and head there before word gets out."

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SOURCE: TripAdvisor