Hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches grace the Sunshine State’s shores, but now only one city can claim to be home to the best.
Let’s give a round of applause to Delray Beach, which beat out 19 other finalists to win the USA Today 10Best 2024 Readers’ Choice award for best beach in Florida.
The winner was announced on Wednesday, May 29, after a month-long round of voting that gave readers the chance to choose their favorite sandy destinations.
The 20 finalists, which also included three other beaches in our backyard (Jupiter Beach Park, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and South Beach), were chosen by 10Best editors who received nominations from a panel of travel writers, according to USA Today.
Delray Municipal Beach stretches for approximately 2 miles and welcomes about 3.2 million visitors a year to sunbathe, splash in the warm waters, and enjoy stunning sunrises.
“Our award-winning beach attracts many visitors, protects us from hurricanes and tropical storms, and is home to an abundance of native plants and animals,” Delray Beach City Manager Terrence Moore said in a statement. “We are privileged to have such a beautiful beach and are honored to be voted Florida’s #1 Best Beach in the USA Today 10Best 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.”
Delray Beach won the USA Today Readers’ Choice 2024 “Best Beach in Florida” category. (DDA of Delray Beach/Courtesy)
While USA Today said that “visitors can lie out and sunbathe along the entire beach,” it also noted Atlantic Dunes Park, which “offers additional natural beauty thanks to its sloping sand hills.”
If you visit the beach, look for the Blue Flag flying overhead until April 30, 2025. Delray Beach recently received the International Green Award for the second year in a row. The designation recognizes Delray’s efforts to meet more than 30 criteria for water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and amenities, sustainable tourism and social responsibility, according to a statement from the city.
How did the other South Florida beaches do in the contest?
Here are the top 10 winners, ranked in order:
- Delray Beach
- Panama City Beach
- Lauderdale-by-the-sea
- Clear water beach
- Treasure Island Beach
- Stuart Beach
- Cape San Blas
- Destination
- Jupiter Beach Park
- Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine)
Interested in adding one of our local beaches to your summer to-do list? USA Today highlighted some of the amenities you’ll find:
- Jupiter Beach Park It has 3 miles of “idyllic coastline, with soft white sand, clear blue water and gentle waves,” with lifeguards, picnic areas, a jetty, and opportunities for fishing and snorkeling.
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea It is “known for its crystal clear waters, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving, especially since the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail is just a swim away.”
- South Beach It is “much more than just a nightlife destination. In addition to serving as a major hub for LGBTQ+ tourism, the area is also highly praised for its sandy beach. Stay beachfront at various hotels or visit a beach club to enjoy a seaside break in luxury.”
Read about the full list of winners at 10best.usatoday.com.
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