A day at the beach should mean soft sand, gentle waves and room to spread out your towel. Sadly, some of the most famous shores have a reputation for crowds. Cloudwards, an online security software company, analyzed negative TripAdvisor ratings for 200 popular beaches and gave each a complaint score from 0 to 100, as reported by Mental Floss. The complaints fell into four groups, which were dirtiness, overcrowding, long lines and noise. Below are seven American beaches that landed high on that list, followed by four alternatives from the 2026 Dr. Beach rankings. These are traveler opinions, and plenty of visitors still love every one of them.
1. Waikiki Beach in Hawaii
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu ranked first on the Cloudwards list. The Independent Singapore reports it earned a perfect score of 100 on the complaint index, and Mental Floss says 67 percent of the complaints cited large groups of people.
The Independent adds that the rest of the complaints included noise, at nearly 10 percent, and dirtiness, at 15.9 percent. Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches in the world, so crowds are not surprising. If you still want to go, consider arriving early in the morning, when the sand is quieter, and think about staying away from peak holiday weeks. Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of patience. For many travelers, a calm sunrise stroll is the best way to enjoy a famous place.
2. Venice Beach in California
Venice Beach in Los Angeles came in second. Mental Floss reports that nearly 61 percent of the negative TripAdvisor ratings cited a lack of cleanliness, and The Independent Singapore lists its complaint score at 89.7.
Venice Beach is known for its boardwalk and lively street scene, which some visitors find exciting and others find a bit much. If you prefer a quieter outing, the study suggests this may not be your spot. Visiting on a weekday morning could help, and it never hurts to bring a small bag for your own trash. Check local conditions and cleanliness reports before you head out. A beach day should be restful, so pick a place that matches the kind of day you have in mind.
3. Clearwater Beach in Florida
Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast ranked fourth on the Cloudwards list, according to Mental Floss. The Independent Singapore puts its complaint score at 65.5.
The reports we read did not break down exactly what visitors complained about at Clearwater, so we cannot say whether it was crowds, noise or something else. Florida beaches draw big crowds in winter and spring, when snowbirds and vacationers arrive, so planning ahead helps. Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons, book your hotel early and check parking before you go. If the main stretch of sand feels busy, a short drive along the coast may lead to a quieter spot. Pack a cooler, a comfortable chair and a sense of humor, and you can enjoy the sunshine.
4. La Jolla Cove in California
La Jolla Cove in San Diego ranked sixth on the Cloudwards complaint list, as shown in Mental Floss. That report gives specific complaint details only for the top three beaches, so we do not have a breakdown for La Jolla.
The cove is a small spot, and small places can feel crowded quickly. If you plan to go, the best advice is simple. Try an early morning visit, and bring a light jacket since coastal mornings can be cool. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk near the rocks, and think about your comfort and safety on uneven ground. Ask locals or your hotel about the best times to avoid the rush. Even a busy beach can be pleasant when you arrive early, move slowly and take in the sights at your own pace.
5. Magens Bay Beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas ranked eighth on the Cloudwards list, per Mental Floss. The article does not detail the complaints for this beach.
What we can say is that cruise ships and resorts bring many visitors to the Caribbean, and popular spots can feel full on busy days. If you are heading to the islands, check which days large ships are in port, since those can bring extra crowds. Arriving early or visiting later in the afternoon can give you more space. Bring water, shade and a good hat, and ask your hotel about quieter spots nearby. A tropical vacation does not need to be hectic, and a flexible plan helps you enjoy the warm breezes at your own speed.
6. Fort Myers Beach in Florida
Fort Myers Beach in Florida ranked thirteenth on the list, according to Mental Floss, which provides complaint details only for the top three.
We cannot tell you why guests rated it lower, but we can offer a few friendly tips. Florida beach towns are especially busy in the cooler months, so booking lodging well in advance is wise. Check recent local news about conditions at the beach before your trip, since weather and storms can affect everything from cleanup to access. If the shoreline is busy, take a stroll to a quieter stretch or visit in the early morning. A relaxed attitude goes a long way. Remember that the study counted only negative ratings, so many travelers still enjoy their time here.
7. Fort Lauderdale Beach in Florida
Fort Lauderdale Beach ranked sixteenth on the Cloudwards list, as reported by Mental Floss. Again, that article gives detailed complaint data only for the top three beaches.
Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination with a long, sandy shoreline, so finding your own patch of sand may be possible with a bit of effort. Walking a few blocks from the busiest entrance often leads to a calmer area. As with any city beach, weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, and early mornings are lovely for a stroll. Bring a lightweight beach chair, because sitting low in the sand can be hard on the knees. If you want something more peaceful, the next four beaches may be just what you are looking for.
Instead, Try Poipu Beach in Kauai
Dr. Beach, the nickname of coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman, named Poipu Beach in Kauai the best beach in America for 2026, according to Florida International University. Leatherman describes it as “known for its golden coral sand and crystal clear water.”
The beach sits on the island’s south shore, and a sand bridge separates two pocket beaches, one with calmer water and one exposed to open ocean waves. The eastern end is protected by an offshore island, which makes it good for snorkeling. Monk seals and sea turtles often rest on the shore in the afternoon. If you see them, give them plenty of space. Smoking is not allowed on this beach, which many visitors will appreciate. Kauai is a different island from Oahu, where Waikiki sits, and it has a quieter feel.
Instead, Try St. Andrews State Park in Florida
St. Andrews State Park in Florida ranked second on the 2026 Dr. Beach list, as reported by Florida International University. The article did not give a description of the park, so we will stick to what we know from the ranking.
Being on this list means a respected beach expert placed it among the top ten in the country. Since it is a state park, it is wise to check the park’s official website for hours, fees and current conditions before you visit. State parks often have rules about pets, camping and protected wildlife, and it is better to know them in advance. Florida has so many beaches that a state park can be a more relaxed alternative to a busy city shoreline. Pack a picnic, sunscreen and a sense of adventure, and enjoy a day in the sunshine.
Instead, Try Caladesi Island State Park in Florida
Caladesi Island State Park ranked third on the 2026 Dr. Beach list, according to Florida International University. The report says it returned to the list after recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024, and that restoration work is largely complete and the beach is open to the public again.
That is welcome news for anyone who loved it before the storm. Because conditions can change, it is a good idea to check with the park before you go for the latest information on access and amenities. An island park often feels more tucked away than a big resort strip. Pack what you need, since services may be limited, and plan for a full relaxed day. Bring a hat, plenty of water and a good pair of sunglasses.
Instead, Try Coast Guard Beach in Massachusetts
Coast Guard Beach in Massachusetts came in tenth on the 2026 Dr. Beach list, per Florida International University. The article did not include a description of this beach.
If you live in the Northeast or enjoy cooler coastal getaways, it may be a nice alternative to the sunbaked crowds of Florida and California. New England beaches are often at their best in summer and early fall, and the water is chillier than in the South, so pack a light sweater for evenings. As with any beach, check local conditions and rules before you go. Being on a top ten list does not guarantee an empty shoreline, but arriving early and visiting midweek can give you a peaceful stretch of sand. A walk by the water is good for the soul at any age.
