This Year-round Beach Destination Was Named One of the Best in the U.S. for Its Emerald Waters and White Quartz Sand

Sure, you can jet off to a little island somewhere in the middle of the ocean to experience a bit of beachside bliss. However, according to one new ranking, you really don’t have to put in all that effort to spend some time on one of the best beaches on earth.

In early 2024, U.S. News and World Report released its list of the best beaches in the United States. It came to its final rankings based on “an analysis of expert opinions and traveler reviews, which relied on “our in-destination writers and editors for their recommendations and insider knowledge.” Its user scores were worth 50 percent of the final tally. “Anyone has the ability to vote on the destinations included on our ranking lists,” the organization explained. The other 50 percent came from the editor score. “Editors score individual destinations on a scale of 0 (N/A) to 5 (Phenomenal) in a number of categories based on the characteristics that each location exhibits,” it added. The editor scores are then averaged together, and each destination’s overall scores are a weighted average. 

After looking at all the data and reviews from readers and editors, U.S. News and World Report named Gulf Shores, Alabama, one of its top beach destinations in the nation and the No. 1 spot in the state.

“Alabama may not be known for its beaches, but sand seekers everywhere would be remiss not to experience the beauty of Gulf Shores,” the team wrote in its review of Gulf Shores, which ranked as the No. 5 overall pick. “Home to the warm, emerald waters that the Gulf of Mexico is famous for, this town 50 miles southeast of Mobile entices beachgoers year-round looking to sink their toes into its white quartz sand.”

It explained that the Gulf Shores Main Public Beach is ideal for those looking for convenience and fun as it has plenty of amenities like public showers for a post-beach rinse and volleyball courts to work up a sweat. It also recommended Gulf State Park, “home to three-plus miles of uncrowded coastline and a public fishing pier.” 

Gulf Shores was joined at the top by a slew of Hawaiian destinations, with Kaua’i at No. 4, Honolulu at No. 3, Maui at No. 2, and Siesta Key in Florida as its No. 1 selection.

See all the other spectacular spots to make the list at travel.usnews.com.