TripAdvisor just dropped its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards for beaches, and travelers picked their favorites from millions of reviews collected over the past year. The winners span from remote Mexican islands to California’s wildlife havens.
Mexico’s Isla Pasion Takes Top Spot
Isla Pasion near Cozumel wins the world’s best beach title. This private island offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and spotting stingrays. You can only reach it by boat, which enhances its exclusivity. Day passes start at around $45 and include kayaking along pristine white-sand shores.
La Jolla Cove Leads United States
California’s La Jolla Cove claims America’s number one beach for 2026. This protected marine park draws visitors year-round with its incredible biodiversity. Playful sea lions lounge on rocks while gray whales migrate offshore during the winter months. The calm waters make it perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Greece Dominates European Rankings
Greek beaches grab three spots in Europe’s top five. Elafonissi Beach in Crete is known for its famous pink sand and shallow lagoons. The beach sits in a protected nature reserve accessible by tours from Chania. La Pelosa in Sardinia ranks eighth globally for its brilliant turquoise waters.
New Category Celebrates Unique Beaches
TripAdvisor introduced a “One of a Kind” category this year for beaches offering extraordinary experiences. South Africa’s Boulders Beach tops this list, where visitors walk among endangered African penguins in their natural habitat.
England’s Horsey Beach ranks 13th in Europe for its massive grey seal colony. From late October through February, thousands of seals arrive, including adorable, fluffy white pups.
US Beaches Make Strong Showing
Beyond La Jolla Cove, American beaches are located in multiple locations. Clearwater Beach in Florida ranks 17th globally for its wide shores and water sports. Santa Monica State Beach represents California’s iconic urban beach culture. Florida’s St. Andrews State Park and Honeymoon Island showcase the state’s natural beauty with pristine dunes.
How Winners Get Chosen
TripAdvisor calculates rankings based on review quality and quantity from November 2024 through December 2025. Real travelers share their experiences, rating everything from water clarity to available activities. This makes the awards purely traveler-driven rather than industry-selected.
The complete rankings help travelers discover ideal beach destinations and highlight the best local tours and activities at each location.