1. Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui, Hawaii
How do you choose from so many fabulous Hawaiian beaches? Consult Dr. Beach—coastal scientist and beach aficionado Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (see drbeach.org). When he compiled his first annual list of “best beaches” in 1991, he ranked Kapalua Bay Beach number one for its calm, swim-friendly water and lovely location on Maui’s northwest shore. Thanks, Doc. See you on the sand; bestplaceshawaii.com/tips/10_best/beaches.html.
2. Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Daydreams of the perfect tropical beach conjure images of blue-green water, lazy breezes, towering palm trees, and white sand. In other words, Trunk Bay. The magic extends even beneath the surface. Plaques mark an underwater snorkel trail, which guides visitors to colorful fish and coral. Sure, the beach can draw crowds, but for good reason: It’s gorgeous. And it’s part of Virgin Islands National Park, which offers plenty of other distractions; 340/776-6201 or nps.gov/viis.
3. Heart’s Desire Beach, Inverness, California
About 75 minutes north of San Francisco, Heart’s Desire Beach nestles within Tomales Bay State Park and the magnificent Point Reyes National Seashore. The area’s sunniest, warmest, most accessible enclave, Heart’s Desire welcomes picnickers, and the sand and water lie a short, level walk from the parking lot. For those reasons, it especially attracts families. Still, the splendid isolation on a tranquil Marin County bay makes Heart’s Desire a romantic spot as well—the ideal place to pop the proverbial question; 415/669-1140 or parks.ca.gov (click on “Find A Park”).
4. Clam Pass Beach, Naples, Florida
We may be stretching the definition of a pocket beach (one bounded at each end by a headland). But despite a lack of headlands, we just had to include Clam Pass, a 3,200-foot expanse of white sand waiting at the end of a three-quarter-mile boardwalk. Only low-key concessions (beach-gear rental, food, drink) and the occasional cries of seabirds and happy children disturb the wave-washed serenity; 239/597-3232 or colliergov.net/parks/clampass.htm.
5. Sand Beach, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Attractions here include soft sand, a rarity on Maine’s rocky coast. Visitors to this 290-yard gem in Acadia National Park can also enjoy sublime sunrises—but usually not swimming, because the water temperature rarely tops 55 degrees. The Park Loop Road and, from late June through Columbus Day, shuttle buses provide easy access; 207/288-3338 or nps.gov/acad.
