World’s Best Beaches: Three US Beaches Make the Top 50 List

Just in time for summer vacations and oodles of quality time at the beach for sun lovers everywhere, Banana Boat has released its annual list of the 50 best beaches in the world.

While the vast majority of the beaches on the list are in glamorous international locations like the Virgin Islands and Greece, there are also three U.S. beaches in the mix.

Drumroll please….

The U.S. beaches that are considered the crème de la crème by hundreds of the world’s most experienced and respected travel influencers, journalists, editors, and agents are:

Honopu Beach, Hawaii – ranked #7
McWay Beach, California – ranked #16
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii – ranked #21

While the two Hawaii locations have made previous appearances on the annual list of best beaches, California’s McWay Beach is a newcomer.

“The US has some of the most stunning beaches on earth,” said Tine Holst, co-founder of The World’s 50 Best Beaches. “We are constantly on the lookout for new beaches that we have not seen before. This year, McWay Beach was a beach in the US that we had not included in prior lists that kept coming up again and again in our voting process.”

In past years, McWay Beach hasn’t made the cut because the public isn’t actually able to access the beach at all. It is only possible to look at the beach from above. But because the beach was repeatedly nominated during the voting process, judges decided to add it to the crop of winners this year.

“In terms of sheer beauty, it is right up there with any beach on earth.” Explained Holst.

The annual list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches is based on feedback from more than 750 industry insiders. The beaches are ranked according to five important criteria: sheer untouched nature, remoteness, how swimmable it is, annual days of sunshine, and average annual temperature.

The top three beaches that made it to the list are Lucky Bay in Australia, Anse Source D’Argent of the Seychelles and Hidden Beach in the Philippines, beating out popular beach favorites that are often touted by tourism boards. The list, said Host, provides “a unique way of uncovering hidden gems that are often overlooked by the traveling public and provides the perfect inspiration for a beach vacation.”

Here are more key details about the top three U.S. beaches on this year’s list:

Honopu Beach, Hawaii
This pristine beach earned a 10 out of 10 score for its nature offerings but when it comes to being swimmable, Honopu gets only a four out of 10.

That could be because experiencing Honopu takes quite a bit of effort. The remote beach is tucked away along the Na Pali Coast and only the “bravest explorers get to witness it up close,” according to the Banana Boat ranking.

“This Jurrasic-like wonderland is secluded, unspoiled, and the epitome of natural beauty,” says the ranking. “There are two small sandy coves nestled against 1,200-foot sea cliffs and separated by the striking Honopu arch landmark.”

Sadly, the only way to access the beach is by swimming from a boat or a neighboring beach, neither of which is an easy task. Both options would require proper gear and a prior check of ocean conditions.

“However, whether you choose to see the coastline and beach from a boat or brave the swim there, we promise that it will be one of the most magnificent sights you will ever encounter,” says the ranking.

McWay Beach, Big Sur, California

Another beach that gets a 10 out of 10 for its natural setting, McWay earned a 0 on the swimmable front. Here too, the challenge is the beach’s location. It is entirely inaccessible to the public. But it’s definitely picture perfect if all you’re after is a photo from above.

“Mother Nature has reclaimed some of the most magical places in the world, and McWay Falls Beach is undoubtedly one of them,” says the ranking. “This epic beach features a captivating 80-foot waterfall cascading right on the golden cliffs and sand, making it unique and breathtaking.”

Even though you can only witness the beauty from a distance and can’t touch the beach, it is still a must-visit destination, says the ranking.

During high tide, the water from the waterfall drops directly into the Pacific Ocean. During low tide, the sandy bottom below is revealed.

“McWay Falls Beach is simply beyond anything we’ve ever seen, and it deserves a spot on your bucket list,” says the ranking.

Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Ok, finally some good news for those who actually want to experience one of the top-ranked beaches in this country—Lanikai has a swimmable score of 8 out of 10. Meaning, you can actually get to this beach without scaling cliffs. As for Lanikai’s nature score, it’s a solid seven out of 10.

Here’s why: “Lanikai, meaning ‘heavenly sea, is aptly named as its crystal waters seem to sparkle like millions of diamonds,” says the ranking. “This mesmerizing shore, perfect for sun and moon rises, offers calm waters, ideal for water-sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and more peaceful endeavors like a long nap on a floatie.”

Visitors to Lanikai may even spot the Hawaiian green sea turtle (which is why locals often refer to this beach as Turtle Beach.”

Side note: More than a few of the judges involved in the annual ranking process voted this their number one beach in the world. Because yes, it is that beautiful.

Looking for a perfect time to visit? Consider heading to Lanikai during shoulder season, which takes place during early April, May, as well as in September, and early October. During these months, you’ll experience great weather, as well as more affordable accommodation, and fewer crowds.

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