As the warm spring days approach, many are on the lookout for the perfect beach destination to soak up the sun, sand, and waves. A new ranking, created by travel experts at DIVEIN Travel, scored each beach based on their performance across TripAdvisor reviews, hotel prices and availability, parking availability, drink and dining costs, and Google search volume.
And the results found that Venice Beach in Los Angeles is the best destination to visit this spring, with an index score of 66.3.
The beach boasts a vibrant atmosphere, an iconic boardwalk, 16 nearby car parks and 239 hotels to choose from, with visitors spending around $20 for a cheap meal, and $4 for a domestic beer when visiting.
Venice Beach also came out as the most popular of all those analyzed in the study, with an impressive 175,158 monthly Google searches across the US.
Ranking second is Cannon Beach, Oregon, with an index score of 59.2. Promising stunning natural beauty, this destination holds an impressive 4.73 TripAdvisor rating across 2,560 reviews, with a meal priced at $18, and a beer costing $7.00.
Despite its popularity, with 150,722 monthly Google searches, research showed only 25 available hotels nearby, so finding accommodation may be a struggle.
In third is Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, with an index score of 58.7. The beach is known for its scenic landscapes and water sports scene.
It’s also the most affordable option for those looking for a beach getaway, with the average hotel price for two adults for 6 nights coming out as $636.70. In comparison, the same stay would set you back $1,011 when visiting Cannon Beach.
Fourth is Driftwood Beach, Georgia, with an index score of 57.4. Renowned for its unique driftwood formations, the beach offers spring breakers access to 14 hotels with an average six-night price of $1,013.20, while a cheap meal costs $18.00.
Despite its charm, the monthly search volume for this beach is a modest 25,502, suggesting it’ll be less busy than some of the more Googled destinations.
Rounding out the top five best Spring getaway spots is South Beach, Miami, Florida, which scored 55.3. Famed for its nightlife, South Beach remains a year-in-year favorite among revelers – yet is quite a bit more expensive than some other options.
South Beach boasts the highest number of hotels at 297 available this March, meaning it shouldn’t be too hard to find accommodation. Additionally, the destination offers 24 nearby car parks, ensuring accessibility for those exploring the area.
The average hotel price for a six-night stay for two adults stands at $1,359.88, while the average meal price is $25.00, and a pint of beer will set you back $7.00.
Top ten US beaches to visit this spring
Beach | Index Score | |
1 | Venice Beach LA, California | 66.3 |
2 | Cannon Beach, Oregon | 59.2 |
3 | Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina | 58.7 |
4 | Driftwood Beach, Georgia | 57.4 |
5 | South Beach Miami, Florida | 55.3 |
6 | Cape May, New Jersey | 55.0 |
7 | Coronado Beach, California | 53.5 |
8 | Caladesi Island State Park, Florida | 52.5 |
9 | Coligny Beach, South Carolina | 51.2 |
10 | Grayton Beach State Park, Florida | 49.8 |
Overall, the most expensive Spring destination was Honokalani Beach, Maui, Hawaii, with a six-night stay costing $3,522. Honokalani, Waikiki Beach (Oahu, Hawaii) and Coronado Beach have the most expensive drinks, at $12 a beer.
Meanwhile, the cheapest drinks can be found at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, at $5 a beer, while the beach with the highest TripAdvisor rating is Ruby Beach in Washington, rated 4.79 by visitors.
Speaking on the findings, Nicolai Lonne, travel expert at DIVEIN Travel said: “Venice Beach is dynamic hotspot buzzing with energy and is often the first choice for those looking to get away this spring. However, it’s interesting to see which other popular beach spots are also top choices – especially for anyone wanting a change of pace.
“Cannon Beach in Oregon is where nature takes center stage. Although accommodation is comparatively limited, it’s a testament to its exclusive charm, creating a coastal sanctuary for those wanting somewhere less packed than LA.
“Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, steps in with affordability as its crown jewel, proving that an unforgettable trip away doesn’t need to break the bank.
“Each beach offers more than just sand and waves; they present unique experiences. The diverse factors of the ranking can guide those looking for a coastal heaven that best aligns with their desires and preferences.”