A sunny day at the beach sounds like the perfect escape. But when the sand is packed with umbrellas, the waves are full of swimmers, and you can barely find a spot to sit, that peaceful getaway can quickly turn chaotic. Some beaches are just too beautiful and convenient to stay quiet.
Research conducted by Florida Panhandle, a vacation rental company, analyzed TripAdvisor reviews for 450 popular beaches across the United States.
They focused specifically on how often visitors mentioned the word busy or crowded in their reviews.
The following list reveals the ten most crowded beaches in the country based on that analysis, reported via USA Today in late 2023.
1. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu claims the top spot as the most crowded beach in America. Known for its iconic surf breaks, soft golden sand, and vibrant surroundings, Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches in the world.
It offers perfect beach weather nearly every day of the year and is surrounded by luxury resorts, shopping centers, and restaurants.
This makes it incredibly convenient for visitors, but also means you will rarely find a quiet moment here. More than 13 percent of reviewers specifically mentioned the beach’s overwhelming crowds.
2. Manatee Public Beach, Florida
This beach on Anna Maria Island offers a peaceful coastal vibe but has grown increasingly popular over the years.
Manatee Public Beach stretches over seven acres and is famous for its soft white sand and gentle surf.
The beach provides picnic areas, restrooms, a café, and even free trolley service, making it highly accessible for tourists.
The combination of beauty and convenience has its downside though, as nine percent of reviewers pointed out the constant flow of beachgoers.
3. Golden Gardens Park, Washington
Located in the city of Seattle, Golden Gardens Park is one of the few sandy beaches in the Pacific Northwest.
On warm days, the park becomes a magnet for locals and tourists looking to relax near the water, play volleyball, or enjoy a sunset over the Olympic Mountains. It also offers scenic hiking trails and picnic areas.
This rare stretch of sand in a region better known for rocky coastlines attracts big crowds when the weather cooperates. Just over eight percent of reviewers noted how busy the beach gets.
4. Main Beach, California
Main Beach is the heart of Laguna Beach and one of Southern California’s most photographed coastal locations.
It is known for its beautiful tide pools, public art installations, basketball courts, and a scenic boardwalk that makes it ideal for strolls.
Its central location in the bustling town of Laguna Beach means it is always buzzing with visitors, surfers, and families.
Over seven percent of TripAdvisor users mentioned the lack of solitude due to large crowds, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.
5. Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, California
Locally known as Hendry’s Beach, this coastal park in Santa Barbara is loved for its natural beauty and dog-friendly policies.
The beach features dramatic cliffs, gentle surf, and tide pools that are perfect for exploration. Families, paddle boarders, and dog owners frequent the area year-round.
Its combination of stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere has made it one of the most visited beaches in the region.
More than seven percent of visitors expressed concern over the number of people packing the beach, especially on sunny weekends.
6. Mission Beach, California
San Diego’s Mission Beach is a lively stretch of sand popular with young travelers, surfers, and vacationers.
It borders both the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, and is home to a lively boardwalk, amusement parks, and a wide range of bars and eateries.
The area is packed with hotels and vacation rentals, drawing large crowds throughout the year.
Roughly 6.96 percent of TripAdvisor reviews mentioned that the beach was frequently overcrowded, particularly during events and holidays.
7. Magic Sands Beach, Hawaii
Magic Sands, located in Kahaluu-Keauhou on the Big Island of Hawaii, gets its name from the way the sand seems to disappear with high surf during winter.
Despite its small size, the beach is extremely popular for swimming and bodyboarding during the summer months.
The stunning blue water and ease of access make it a consistent draw for tourists, even when conditions are less than ideal.
About 6.72 percent of reviewers warned future visitors about the beach’s limited space and frequent crowding.
8. Moonlight State Beach, California
In the beach town of Encinitas, Moonlight State Beach combines laid-back charm with great public amenities.
It features volleyball courts, a snack bar, showers, picnic tables, and even surf lessons. While it used to be a quiet retreat for locals to enjoy moonlit picnics, the beach is now a major destination and closes at sunset.
The family-friendly facilities and convenient location bring in heavy traffic, and 6.66 percent of visitors noted the high crowd levels.
9. Silver Beach County Park, Michigan
Situated along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the town of St. Joseph, Silver Beach offers sweeping lake views, soft sand, and access to the historic Silver Beach Carousel.
During the summer, this beach becomes a major attraction for families, especially on weekends. It has lifeguards, a playground, and nearby dining options, making it ideal for day trips.
However, 6.49 percent of users on TripAdvisor reported that the beach can become extremely crowded during the peak season.
10. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s most iconic destinations for family vacations. Located on the Gulf Coast, the beach boasts warm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Its well-developed shoreline includes resorts, restaurants, playgrounds, and boat tours.
With so many activities and comforts available, it’s no surprise that over 6.35 percent of reviewers commented on the dense crowds that frequent the area throughout the year.
Alicia Richards