NEEDHAM, Mass., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor^®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travelers' Choice^® awards for Beaches. The gorgeous Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos won the top honor as the best beach in the world this year, up from the number two ranking last year and reclaiming the top spot it held in 2016. Florida'sClearwater Beach was the number one beach in America, up three spots from its U.S. ranking one year ago, and capturing the top spot in the country it held in 2016. Award winners were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor, gathered over a 12-month period.

TripAdvisor has awarded 355 beaches overall, including the top 25 in the world and local lists for Asia, Europe, Africa, South Pacific, South America, Middle East, Caribbean, Central America, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S.

"Soft sand, clear waters and balmy temperatures are common threads among these Travelers' Choice award-winning beaches that have delighted millions of TripAdvisor reviewers across the globe," said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. "The Caribbean and Florida stake claims as the most decorated on the world and U.S. lists respectively, and based on TripAdvisor price reports, travelers can still find outstanding value on warm-weather escapes to these popular beaches this year."

To help travelers plan their next beach trip, TripAdvisor has identified highly-rated value hotels near the award-winning beaches this March as well as great round-trip airfare found on TripAdvisor over the next six months.

Top 10 Travelers' Choice Beaches in the U.S.:

1. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida
About a forty-minute drive west of Tampa, Clearwater Beach dazzles with two and a half miles of sugar-white sand, crystal-clear waters and tranquil Gulf breezes. Perched on a barrier island, the beach offers calm, shallow water, making it an ideal playground for families. "GREAT white sand beach ... very long, so if you are a beach walker, you will be happy. There is nothing like FL white, silky, sand! I love it!" shared a TripAdvisor traveler.

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Pier House 60 Marina Hotel, from $293 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $71 round-trip from ORD (Chicago) to TPA (Tampa)

2. Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
Less than thirty minutes south of Sarasota, Siesta Beach on Siesta Key is renowned for its eight-mile stretch of sugar-fine, quartz-white sand. It's also a great spot for kids to collect seashells and sand dollars.  "It is a very large beach that accommodates lots of people — it has lots of parking, picnic tables, BBQ, there is also a snack shop. It gets very crowded so timing is important," added a TripAdvisor reviewer.

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Tropical Beach Resorts, from $295 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $238 round-trip from EWR (Newark) to SRQ (Sarasota)

3. Ka'anapali Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii
Among the most visited beach in West Maui, this area is a popular spot for quiet relaxation or water sports. It's also famous for the daily cliff diving ceremony off of the beach's northernmost cliffs known as "Puu Kekaa" or Black Rock. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, "Amazing this time of year. Right from the beach we saw amazing whale breaches. The sand is amazing and the beach is well kept up!"

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, from $289 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $382 round-trip from SFO (San Francisco) to OGG (Kahului)

4. South Beach – Miami Beach, Florida
People watching is a great pastime in Miami'sSouth Beach, which draws celebrities and models. Travelers love the wide, fine, white sand-covered beaches as well as the surrounding area, known for wild nightlife and excellent restaurants. "Direct access to the beach! The promenade is always full of people walking, biking and strolling with their dogs and families. Very clean and well-kept area," wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Room Mate Lord Balfour, from $264 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $107 round-trip from LGA (New York) to MIA (Miami)

5. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Honolulu, Hawaii
Located on the southeast coast of Oahu, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Hawaii's most popular natural attractions. Travelers note that the beach is good for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and picnicking. According to a TripAdvisor user, "One of my favorite places to visit in Hawaii. I sincerely appreciate the staff's every effort to preserve and respect marine/aquatic life. I would have given it a 5 star except for the very limited parking."

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Park Shore Waikiki, from $186 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $416 round-trip from LAX (Los Angeles) to HNL (Honolulu)

6. Fort Lauderdale Beach – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
With miles of sun kissed beachfront and an easy walk from many hotels, restaurants and activities, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a favorite among travelers. Families often rave about the beach's cleanliness, warm water, on duty lifeguards, and beautiful palm trees. "Nice place to enjoy the Atlantic breezes and take in the sun rays. It is beautifully maintained and very clean. Also there are many establishments across the boulevard where you can have food and drinks," wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Snooze, from $240 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $110 round-trip from ATL (Atlanta) to FLL (Fort Lauderdale)

7. Saint Pete Beach – St. Pete Beach, Florida
Saint Pete Beach is famous for its golden-white sand and aquatic activities, such as parasailing, stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing. This gorgeous, laid-back beach is also known for glorious sunsets. "The sand is soft and easy to walk on. The water was gentle and clean. The place is well-groomed and offers a huge expanse of play area," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Postcard Inn on the Beach, from $264 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $193 round-trip from LAX (Los Angeles) to TPA (Tampa)

8. Hollywood Beach – Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood Beach is well known as a family-friendly place due to the calm water, available bathroom facilities, live entertainment and the nearby restaurants across the large Boardwalk. "Hollywood Beach is clean and beautiful. The boardwalk is great for biking, walking, enjoying a meal or drink at a restaurant. Many places to stay right on the boardwalk," added a TripAdvisor user.

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Hyde Resort & Residences, from $293 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $110 round-trip from DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) to FLL (Fort Lauderdale)

9. Santa Monica Beach – Santa Monica, California
This popular beach is a favorite among television and movie producers and has a great surrounding area with its world-famous Pacific Park seaside amusement park. Travelers can soak up the sun on the three-mile coastline with mountain views and walking and biking paths. "It's a lovely beach: large and spacious with great views up and down the coast. The breeze from the Santa Ana Winds always feels good," wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Ocean View Hotel, from $288 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $101 round-trip from DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) to LAX (Los Angeles)

10. Lanikai Beach – Kailua, Hawaii
Located on the Windward Coast of Oahu, the name Lanikai means "heavenly sea," and travelers rave about this small half-mile strip of beach. Beachgoers often take advantage of the many water activities, such as canoe tours, kayak rentals and snorkeling. "Another beautiful Hawaiian beach with golden sand, gentle breeze and surf, and amazing coral reefs just offshore," wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head, from $242 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $356 round-trip from SFO (San Francisco) to HNL (Honolulu)

Top 10 Travelers' Choice Beaches in the World:

1. Grace Bay – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Ports of Call Resort, from $270 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $364 round-trip from SFO (San Francisco) to PLS (Providenciales)

2. Baia do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Beco de Noronha Pousada, from $297 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $1490 round-trip from EWR (Newark) to FEN (Fernando de Noronha)

3. Varadero Beach – Varadero, Cuba

• TripAdvisor is unable to offer information about accommodations in Cuba at this time, due to U.S. government restrictions on travel to Cuba.

4. Eagle Beach – Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, from $298 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $372 round-trip from DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) to AUA (Oranjestad)

5. Seven Mile Beach – Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Compass Point Dive Resort, from $250 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $380 round-trip from EWR (Newark) to GCM (Grand Cayman)

6. La Concha Beach – San Sebastian – Donostia, Spain

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, from $172 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $588 round-trip from LAX (Los Angeles) to BIO (Biscay)

7. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Pier House 60 Marina Hotel, from $293 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $71 round-trip from ORD (Chicago) to TPA (Tampa)

8. Seven Mile Beach – Negril, Jamaica

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Firefly Beach Cottages, from $67 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $318 round-trip from ATL (Atlanta) to MBJ (Montego Bay)

9. Bavaro Beach – Bavaro, Dominican Republic 

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Ocean Blue & Sand, from $204 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $268 round-trip from ATL (Atlanta) to PUJ (Punta Cana)

10. Playa Norte – Isla Mujeres, Mexico

• Beachfront bargain hotel nearby: Hotel Bucaneros Hotel & Suites, from $90 per night on TripAdvisor
• Great airfare found on TripAdvisor: As low as $200 round-trip from DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) to CUN (Cancun)

For the complete list of Travelers' Choice Beach award-winners for 2018, as well as the latest reviews and candid traveler photos, visit: www.TripAdvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches. Travelers can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #TravelersChoice.

For more pricing information on hotels and flights to popular Caribbean destinations open for business, visit TripAdvisor's recent Caribbean Travel Pricing Report.

Methodology
Highly-rated value hotels have at least four out of five bubbles on TripAdvisor with a nightly rate less than $300 per night, based on TripAdvisor prices in March 2018.

Lowest flight prices found based on a TripAdvisor search of hundreds of sites on 2/16/18 for round-trip fares for the next six months from popular U.S. airport hubs (JFK, LAX, DFW, ORD, ATL, SFO, EWR, LGA) to the closest major airport to each beach for a seven-day trip.

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site*, enables travelers to unleash the full potential of every trip. With over 600 million reviews and opinions covering the world's largest selection of travel listings worldwide – covering approximately 7.5 million accommodations, airlines, attractions, and restaurants -- TripAdvisor provides travelers with the wisdom of the crowds to help them decide where to stay, how to fly, what to do and where to eat. TripAdvisor also compares prices from more than 200 hotel booking sites so travelers can find the lowest price on the hotel that's right for them. TripAdvisor-branded sites are available in 49 markets, and are home to the world's largest travel community of 455 million average monthly unique visitors**, all looking to get the most out of every trip. TripAdvisor: Know better. Book better. Go better.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP), through its subsidiaries, manages and operates websites under 20 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.citymaps.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, www.iens.nl and www.dimmi.com.au), www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.housetrip.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com and www.viator.com.

* Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, October 2017
** Source: TripAdvisor log files, average monthly unique visitors, Q3 2017

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SOURCE TripAdvisor

Elizabeth Monahan, (781) 800-5542, emonahan@tripadvisor.com