Grace Bay Beach Crowned No. 1 on the Planet, Hawaii Regains Top Spot in the U.S.
Today, Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, announced the second of its annual Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2022, the Best of the Best Beaches. Following the company announcing the hottest Destinations for 2022 in January, Tripadvisor is now revealing the Beaches around the world that travelers say are making a splash. Just in time as winter in the Northern Hemisphere comes with continuous cold fronts, Tripadvisor is sharing a dose of sunshine with its highly anticipated annual ranking so that our community of travel lovers can guide you to your dream 2022 getaway. In addition to the wanderlust-provoking list, the awards also include an exciting partnership with Cutwater Spirits in the United States.
For many sun seekers, visiting the beach is the reason they go on vacation. Sitting by the ocean with your feet in the sand is the hallmark of relaxation for many of us – especially over the past few years. Now, a recent Tripadvisor sponsored survey revealed that thirty-seven percent of American travelers will take a beach trip in 2022. If you’re one of the many looking for a relaxing getaway, browse these award-winning beaches along with guidance from fellow travelers on the best ways to experience them to make your pick.
“We know a perfect day at the beach looks different from one person to the next. Some love classic soft white sand and sunbathing, while others love exploring rocky coves. This list has something for everyone, because it was determined by the millions of different travelers all over the world reviewing their favorite beaches on Tripadvisor throughout 2021. Although last year was still far from ‘normal,’ these are the beaches travelers visited and loved more than any others,” said Christine Maguire, VP, Global Media Business at Tripadvisor. “Whether you’re looking for a trip where you can continue to social distance outdoors, or are comfortable heading to spring break, beaches are the perfect place to be in 2022, and the Travelers’ Choice Awards can guide you to the best ones for you.”
The number one beach on the planet determined by travelers this year is Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. With over 7,200 reviews to-date (90% of which are 5-bubble), this quintessential Caribbean paradise has travelers raving about its white sand and crystal-clear water. If you’re looking to really explore the island, up-level your Grace Bay trip by booking one of travelers’ favorite experiences, 4 Hour Group Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Tour or Parasailing Adventure from Providenciales.
Here in the U.S., travelers have crowned a brand-new winner for 2022: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area in Hawaii. On the Big Island of Hawaii, Hapuna Beach has the perfect waves for surfing, boogie boarding, and body surfing, according to visitors. Hawaii, although home to many Travelers’ Choice Beach winners year after year, has not had the No. 1 beach in the country since 2014. The Aloha State is finally back on top after losing out to Florida for the past eight years.
Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. for 2022
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – Puako, Hawaii
Traveler tip: “It is remarkably challenging to find large, white sandy beaches on the Big Island with water that is peaceful enough for swimming, and this one ticks all the boxes. Even better, right in the middle of the beach and close to shore, there is a small set of rocks that provided some of the best snorkeling we saw on the island! The water was crystal clear and the brightly colored tropical fish plentiful.” – @Erika H
Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
Traveler tip: “Absolutely beautiful beach with silky quartz sand! Great beach for people watching, sunsets, breakfast/morning walk on the beach and finding sand dollars.” – @Nik
Poipu Beach Park – Poipu, Hawaii
Traveler tip: “I highly recommend going at sunset and you will see the sea turtles come onto the beach. It is very magical and something you will not be able to experience other places.” – @CourtneyandScott
Moonstone Beach – Cambria, California
Traveler tip: “Moonstone Beach is a lovely place to walk, unwind and meet friendly dogs. Look for the bench that is partially hidden by the tree.” – @Janet M
Kailua Beach Park – Kailua, Hawaii
Traveler tip: “The water at Kailua was the most beautiful shade of turquoise and almost blinding. There were numerous kite surfers, which only added to the beauty of the beach. There is also a very cute mom-and-pop grocery store behind the beach (Kalapawai Market) that makes delicious made-to-order sandwiches—perfect for the beach.” – @cbattsolutions
Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, Georgia
Traveler tip: “I’ve been to many beaches, but none like this one. A great visual sight awaits you when you visit…Go at the ‘golden hour’ to get some great photos, or just hang out for the day and have a picnic.” – @roadpeops
Ruby Beach – Olympic National Park, Washington
Traveler tip: “It’s a delightful spot that is well worth your time. Be sure to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket as Pacific Coast beaches can feel chilly on a windy day. The rock formations here are just gorgeous – if you’re lucky to arrive on a sunny afternoon, try to visit the beach as the sun is descending! If you have very young children, they can wade in the shallow tide pools which are a safe distance away from the surf.” – @Gilber20
Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Oregon
Traveler tip: “Cannon Beach is very big. A beach for people who like to walk. The large sea stacks are great for photographers. Muggy mornings and lots of fog. Great shops to walk through. Parking can be terrible at times…Tip, get there early in the morning.” – @Louis R
La Jolla Cove – La Jolla, California
Traveler tip: “We just loved the place. If you are an animal lover it is a must. We spent hours watching the seals and sea lions and their frolicking around. You can get to them quite close.” – @Jadranka P
Ho’okipa Beach Park – Paia, Hawaii
Traveler tip: “If you love huge, beautiful sea turtles, or if you’ve never seen one, DO NOT MISS this opportunity. Not far from the world-famous Mama’s Fish House, this beach is known as a “resting spot” for sea turtles, who come ashore to rest & sunbathe.” – @Gwen H
Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2022
Grace Bay Beach – Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Varadero Beach – Varadero, Cuba
Turquoise Bay – Exmouth, Australia
Quarta Praia – Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil
Eagle Beach – Palm – Eagle Beach, Aruba
Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, India
Baia do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Trunk Bay Beach – Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands
Baía dos Golfinhos – Praia da Pipa, Brazil
Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy
