Need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, why not head on down to the beach. Nothing warms the soul better than watching the waves rolling up and down the golden sand, cocktail in one hand book in the other. National Geographic Traveller recently listed the top beaches in the US. So let’s take a look at what makes them so special. 

Miami Beach, Florida

This is one beach that needs no introduction. Quite possibly the most photographed beach in the world, 7.1 miles of glorious golden sand and beautiful bronzed bodies. But any beach is only as good as its amenity’s, and Miami doesn’t disappoint here either. There are rows and rows of shops and restaurants, good enough to satisfy even the most sophisticated of tastes.

My favourite part of the beach has to be the Art Deco district. Make your way along ocean drive between 5th and 15th street and you’ll see some of the finest examples of 1930s art deco architecture anywhere in the world. These beautifully restored buildings are an Art Deco National Historic District, the only such site in North America.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, SC has over 60 miles of beautiful soft sandy beach, and it needs to have because over 14 million Americans visit here each year. No wonder it’s so popular, there’s an endless choice of hotels, restaurants, shops and golf courses to keep even the most active of travellers amused.

Panama City, Florida

It seems Florida has more than it’s fair share of beautiful beaches. Panama City, Fl offers 27 miles of sugar white sandy beach. A little less hectic than Miami Beach, holiday makers come here to enjoy the many activities available both on and under the water. Some of the best snorkelling sites off the US mainland are to be found here.

Waikiki, Hawaii

The list just simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Hawaii. Waikiki beach is famous the world over for its golden sand and foaming surf. It’s the shortest beach in our list just 2.1 miles long, but what it lacks in length it more than makes up for with excitement. Waikiki is home to some of the best surfing in world. So if its action you’re looking for this is the place to come.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Tucked away in the azure blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas on the US Virgin Islands is a beach of astounding beauty. This island is a perennial stop for the worlds cruise liners and it’s easy to see why. Take a stroll along the beach at dusk as the palm trees sway gently in the wind, watch the sky turn amber as the sun sinks gently beneath the waves.

St. Thomas is also a water lover’s paradise, if you stayed for two weeks you couldn’t exhaust the number of different water sports available, from snorkelling to kite surfing, fishing to parasailing its all here.