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Top Beach Vacations - U.S.: Editor's Top 10

Our Editor's Top 10 list for Top Beach Vacations - U.S. helps you decide where you want to go. Editor's Top 10 lists offer selections from our editors that help you plan your travel based on your lifestyle, entertainment, sightseeing, or recreation options.

Looking for some fun in the sun in the continental U.S.? Here are the best beach resorts that America's mainland has to offer

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10 Hotels Found
1. The Westin Resort Hilton Head Island
Two Grasslawn Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC
On 24 acres at the quieter northern end of the island, flanked by Marriott Vacation Club condos, this hotel ranks at the top here because of its complete range of facilities and slowly evolving contemporary design. Though the Marriott provides attractive, upscale plantation elegance, its commerciali... Read Entire Review »
2. Beach House at Hermosa Beach
1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA
Located just 7 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport, in a row of beachfront houses lining a popular boardwalk, just north of the pier and across from a grassy park that allows for unencumbered ocean views from many of the rooms, this property offers condominiumlike accommodations on a br... Read Entire Review »
3. Bentley Hotel
510 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Located at Fifth Street, perched atop a hot new restaurant (it was once a plebian T.G.I. Friday's), this property is an unusual SoBe option. Unlike its pink and teal and sometimes psychedelic-inspired neighbors, this hotel offers style and service inspired by Ritz-Carlton, but on a smaller, friendli... Read Entire Review »
4. Congress Hall Hotel
251 Beach Dr, Cape May, NJ
This place is one of Cape May's few purveyors of contemporary fashion, a spacious and stylish refuge that is the antithesis of this seaside resort's plethora of tiny, Victorian-laced B&Bs. Since completing its renovation a few years back, this place has been outclassed by the equally stylish but mor... Read Entire Review »
5. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC
This luxury haven draws fans from near and far. Guests revel in the peaceful sounds of crashing waves, and others spend hours on the award-winning golf course or in the spa. More easily accessible than Daufuskie Island Resort, this equally impressive retreat engages guests with upscale amenities and... Read Entire Review »
6. Montage Resort & Spa
30801 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
Perched atop 30 privileged acres, one mile north of the informal Aliso Creek Inn, this place has settled nicely into the luxury market since opening a few years ago. For individuals, its location, layout and design are superior to that of the St. Regis in Dana Point, and it is more approachable than... Read Entire Review »
7. Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina
32 Star Island Rd PO Box 5048, Montauk, NY
This is an unpretentious marina hotel with the best waterside ambience on the East End. As the brochure says, "No yacht or tie required." Boats sail in and out, fishermen show off their catches, and guests in cotton sweaters and Topsiders stroll around all aglow. Families in search of a beach to run... Read Entire Review »
8. The Harbor View Hotel
131 N Water St, Edgartown, MA
In Starbuck's Neck, at the quiet northern end of a busy street overlooking the lighthouse and Chappaquiddick Island, lies this large Victorian landmark. Now in the hands of new, deep-pocketed owners, this old-fashioned hotel is getting a slow but steady makeover that should have it sitting in the to... Read Entire Review »
9. Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort
10,000 Beach Club Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC
Off Highway 17, next door to Kingston Plantation and the sprawling Embassy Suites, on the beach, this imposing facility is 4 miles north of the hotel-row clamor. Formerly the Wyndham Myrtle Beach Resort (and previously the Hilton), this property has returned to its original brand. Set below the West... Read Entire Review »
10. Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club
2907 Main St, Brewster, MA
On the water, this sprawling property is a major presence in the local leisure and conference market and a better choice than the Hyannis Four Points by Sheraton. With the aura of a refined manor house, this resort comprises nearly 100 villas (condominium-style accommodations) with one- and two-bedr... Read Entire Review »