Top Beaches 2026: Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards World's Best

Tripadvisor®, the world's largest travel guidance platform, today announces the 2026 Travelers' Choice® Awards: Best of the Best Beaches.

Top 10 Beaches in the World (2026)
1. Isla Pasion – Cozumel, Mexico
- Private island oasis, coral reefs, sea turtle nesting

2. Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
- Famous pink sand, shallow lagoons

3. Balos Lagoon – Kissamos, Greece
- Turquoise waters, dramatic landscapes

4. Eagle Beach – Aruba
- White sand, iconic Fofoti trees, turtle nesting

5. Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
- Striking ochre cliffs, scenic views

6. Banana Beach – Ko He, Thailand
- Vibrant coral reefs, snorkeling paradise

7. La Jolla Cove – California, USA
- Sea lions, marine reserve, kayaking

8. La Pelosa Beach – Sardinia, Italy
- Caribbean-like waters, historic watchtower

9. Manly Beach – Sydney, Australia
- Surf culture, ferry access, promenade

10. Boulders Beach – South Africa
- African penguin colony, granite boulders

New “One of a Kind” Category
Celebrates unique coastal treasures beyond traditional sun-and-sand:
- Boulders Beach (South Africa) – penguin sanctuary
- Isola Bella (Italy) – Greek theater views
- Bamburgh Beach (UK) – medieval castle backdrop
- Sleeping Bear Dunes (USA) – towering sand dunes
- Lençóis Maranhenses (Brazil) – lagoons in sand dunes
- Anakena Beach (Chile) – Moai statues
- Wai’anapanapa State Park (Hawaii, USA) – black sand, lava tubes
- Hopewell Rocks (Canada) – world’s highest tides
- Bahía Bioluminiscente (Puerto Rico) – glowing waters
- Hot Water Beach (New Zealand) – volcanic hot springs

Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. (2026)
1. La Jolla Cove – California
2. Clearwater Beach – Florida
3. Poipu Beach Park – Hawaii
4. Waikiki Beach – Hawaii
5. Lanikai Beach – Hawaii
6. Siesta Beach – Florida
7. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach – Hawaii
8. St. Andrews State Park – Florida
9. Santa Monica State Beach – California
10. Honeymoon Island State Park – Florida

Takeaway
The awards highlight both classic favorites (like Eagle Beach and Waikiki) and unique gems (like Boulders Beach with penguins or Puerto Rico’s glowing bioluminescent bay). It’s a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural heritage—making it easier for travelers to choose their next coastal escape.