TripAdvisor, an online travel community, recently conducted its annual summer travel survey of more than 1,800 U.S. respondents and found that 89% are planning a leisure trip this summer, nearly equal to one year ago. The survey found that overcrowded attractions is the biggest summer travel gripe, which makes sense to us. Some of the travel gripe complaints are out-of-control children, beach chair hogs and people who don't throw out their trash. When asked how long they think it's fair for someone to reserve a beach chair if they are not around, 60% said no more than half an hour.
TripAdvisor has also ranked the most popular U.S. beaches. Here are the ten most popular U.S. beaches.
Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde, Florida – Beloved for its pure white sand and clear water, the park's North Beach is a wide, family-friendly stretch of beach that is both naturally beautiful and convenient, with picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms nearby.
Bahia Honda State Park and Beach, Big Pine Key, Florida – An exquisite spot for snorkeling, the park draws both those who want to experience gentle, lapping waves and soft sand, as well as those seeking the beauty of the park's flora and fauna.
St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida – With abundant wildlife and more than a mile and a half of beach, the park invites visitors to enjoy the exquisite waters of the Gulf of Mexico in a variety of ways, from swimming to kayaking to snorkeling.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu, Hawaii – With a focus on preserving the precious natural ecosystem of the area, the preserve is ideal for swimming and observing coral, fish, turtles, stingrays and other marine life.
Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii – The beach's stunning scenery and turquoise water make it an unforgettable Hawaiian destination, and visitors can enjoy it while swimming, kayaking, or simply taking in the view from the soft sand.
La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, California – Known for its breathtaking beauty, the cove's small stretch of beach, and deep, clear water is perfect for swimming and sightseeing alike. Ideal picnicking nearby lets visitors continue to enjoy the views even after leaving the water.
Green Sand Beach, Hawi, Hawaii – Located on the southernmost point of the United States, the olive-colored sand alone is well worth the bumpy trek there, not to mention the extraordinary views and blue-green water of this legendary destination.
Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii – Travelers rave about the exquisite snorkeling, but even from ashore the beach is stunningly picturesque, with its aqua water meeting golden sands, surrounded by the lush, hilly greens of Kauai.
Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida – What sets this beach apart is its undisturbed natural beauty. Not your typical "beachgoer's beach," it lets visitors interact with the scenic natural environment of the area, from swimming to seashells to sunsets.
Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, South Carolina – This uncrowded beach draws visitors to its scenic shores, while the park itself is a perfect camping destination, with a bike trail that makes it easy to explore the quiet beauty of the area.
