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Top 10 Beaches
America's Best: 2002
National Winner: T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, FL Extending nine miles from the Florida Panhandle, in Port St. Joe, this beach is framed by dunes and forests (with campsites and cabins). Emerald water laps against some of the whitest quartz-crystal sand in the world. Herons and egrets call this spit home; dolphins dip and dive along the coastline.
2. Hanalei Beach, Kauai, HI
Most Hawaiian beaches are short; Hanalei is a two-mile crescent of white coral sand in the mouth of a valley. In summer the water is sparkly calm, and year-round the village of Hanalei is a riot of cafés and inns. The film South Pacific was shot primarily on adjoining Lumahai Beach.
3. Ka`anapali, Maui, HI
Anchored by a black volcanic cone and lined with palms and tropical plants, this beach on Maui's sunnier, drier side features wave-taming sandbars. The best swimming (in the lee of flows) is on Ka`anapali, near the Sheraton Maui hotel.
4. Fort De Soto Park, FL
The shallow water around these five islands (which cover 1,136 acres) is the main attraction. Schools of silvery game fish (tarpon and kingfish) are visible from the shore; two fishing piers and 235 campsites add to the fun.
5. Caladesi Island State Park, FL
You'll need to take a ferry from Honeymoon Island to get to this island, 30 miles west of Tampa. White beaches and dunes, Gulf waters, diving pelicans, and a pirate-filled past all are part of the story.
6. Ocracoke Island, NC
Blackbeard the pirate anchored on this Outer Banks island, still an uncommercialized escape. Locals number in the hundreds. The village closest to the wild beaches is a treat of oak trees, wee streets, and cozy eateries.
7. Hamoa Beach, Maui, HI
James Michener called this the world's most perfect beach; 4,000-foot-high cliffs, flame-red bromeliads, and gray sand beaches—a scenic backdrop for luaus—add up to a near perfect Polynesian portrait.
8. East Hampton Main Beach, NY
A 300-year-old easement protects this broad coastline from tacky development. The stretch of coarse sand along Main Beach, abutted by grassy dunes, attracts both celebrities and hoi polloi.
9. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, FL
Escape the Miami scene and go seven miles south to the tip of tranquil Key Biscayne. Join hungry beach strollers for gourmet fish fare at the Lighthouse Café.
10. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu, HI
Be at this palm-studded crater by 9 a.m. to beat the crowds attracted by gold coral sand, sapphire water, and 420 species of tropical reef fish that swim along with you.
The Beaches are white sandy beach with fresh water and other facilities like
Showers, Outdoor Bathhouse. |