Sugary-white sand, dolphins frolicking just off shore and eight major barrier islands make St. Pete Beach a postcard-perfect seaside destination. Situated on a peninsula off Florida's west coast, it is an ideal place to experience the state's wild beauty and the magical golden rays of the Sunshine State.

At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan or simply watch the beautiful people, especially at South Beach, a favorite of models and celebrities.

Myrtle Beach boasts some of the best beaches on America's East Coast, which are distinguished by panoramic views of the Atlantic, calm waters and soft white sand. Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, Myrtle Beach also offers plenty of family attractions, making it perfect for beach-lovers with kids.

Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids. Sports enthusiasts will find celebrated golf courses in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, as well as sea kayaking and miles of hiking trails. Many believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the off-season, when the town is less crowded but the weather is still mild.

Honolulu is a legendary surfing destination. But even if you don’t know a boogie board from a surfboard, you’ll find a beach here that appeals to you (and, if you want to learn the difference, you can find a great instructor to teach you). Swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, outrigger canoeing or just sunbathing… it’s all available in Honolulu.

Ever since a multi-million-dollar clean-up and renovation of its beachfront area, Daytona Beach has seen more families coming to relax on the beach, stroll the boardwalk and visit nearby museums and theme parks. A hot spot for auto racing enthusiasts, the Daytona International Speedway hosts the Daytona 500 and other races.

Its stretch of gorgeous beaches, great swimming, nearly year-round sunshine, and close-to-ideal climate are Fort Lauderdale's biggest attractions. Stroll down Las Olas Boulevard to find top-notch boutiques and restaurants. Nightlife lovers flock to the nearby Riverfront area. The city has a host of family-friendly options, too.

Ka’anapali Beach in Lahaina is one of Maui’s best—spend the day in the surf and sand, then return at sunset to watch the beach’s spectacular cliff-diving ceremony. But while the beaches here are phenomenal, there’s more to discover in town. Don’t miss a walk through Lahaina’s Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.

Beaches and bays dot the coast of California's second-largest city. Top-rated, family-friendly Coronado Beach is set among turn-of-the-century mansions. Other gorgeous sandy spots include Blacks Beach, where sunbathers go au naturel, and La Jolla Shores, popular for snorkeling and kayaking.

We aren’t going to lie to you—you won’t find stunning white-sand beaches in Key West. But Key West is one of our top Beach Destinations because it’s a great place for water activities (if you can do it on the ocean, you can probably do it here), and it has a fun, laid-back island atmosphere. Once the sun sets, Key West’s nightlife is legendary… and literary, thanks to everyone’s favorite author/barfly, Ernest Hemingway.