Vote for your favorite waterfront hotel / resort!
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Whether by a lake or overlooking the sea, there's something special about vacationing near water. Nominated by a panel of hotel and travel experts, each of these 20 U.S. waterfront properties sets the scene for a memorable and relaxing vacation.
Which waterfront hotel or resort would you most like to be at right now? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, August 5 at noon ET. The 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, August 14 at noon ET.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Whether by a lake or overlooking the sea, there's something special about vacationing near water. Nominated by a panel of hotel and travel experts, each of these 20 U.S. waterfront properties sets the scene for a memorable and relaxing vacation.
Which waterfront hotel or resort would you most like to be at right now? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, August 5 at noon ET. The 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, August 14 at noon ET.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Whether by a lake or overlooking the sea, there's something special about vacationing near water. Nominated by a panel of hotel and travel experts, each of these 20 U.S. waterfront properties sets the scene for a... Read More
Best Waterfront Hotel / Resort Nominees
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
Located on the Florida Riviera, this Florida resort has a vast beachfront and provides luxurious extras like complimentary activities, a marine biology-based children's program, and spa access. Lavish accommodations boast stunning views, while three oceanfront pools add to the appeal.
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
At The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, you'll find a variety of ways to relax and enjoy this waterfront property. From lounging poolside in a private cabana to playing bocce ball on the seaside court to taking in the view from your private balcony, there's much to love here.
Photo courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham, Massachusetts
With a quarter-mile private beach and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, this classic New England destination has welcomed guests to Cape Cod since 1914. With 25 landscaped acres, poolside and beachfront cabanas and lounges, cottages, and six on-site dining options, there’s a lot to enjoy. Settle into an Adirondack chair, stroll into town, or get out on the water to watch the whales.
Photo courtesy of The Don CeSar
The Don CeSar
St. Pete Beach, Florida
Set among the white sands of St. Pete Beach, The Don CeSar is a picture of elegance and luxury that has stood the test of time. Known affectionately as Florida's "Pink Palace," the property offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, with rooms that boast private balconies and sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico. Not to mention, guests can soak up the sun by one of two beachfront pools.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Manalapan, Florida
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa sits on 7 acres with its own private beach. The resort's rooms boast breathtaking ocean vistas, providing an elegant atmosphere that's both inviting and serene. And guests can indulge in the ultimate relaxation while lounging by two oceanfront pools or dining at on-site restaurants with stellar views.
Photo courtesy of Brian Walker
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Stateline, Nevada
With panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Edgewood Tahoe Resort features golf, a spa, and a variety of visitor experiences that change with the seasons. Guests can choose to stay in the 154-room lodge or choose one of the lake-view Villa Suites for more space and privacy.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
At Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, guests enjoy the white sand beaches just steps from their accommodations. They can also go for a dip in the property's 1.8-million-gallon, lava rock "aquarium" that is stocked with more than 1,000 tropical fish. Stay in one of 249 rooms and suites housed in numerous two-story bungalows or villas, many with ocean views and some that are even oceanfront.
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Maui
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Wailea, Hawaii
An airy, beachfront resort, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea epitomizes waterfront luxury, offering guests a heavenly retreat with breathtaking ocean views. Relax in a luxurious guest room or suite between activities that take full advantage of the setting, such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and more.
Photo courtesy of Korn Marketing
Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Point Clear, Alabama
A bastion of Southern tradition and military heritage, Grand Hotel spreads 550 acres near the mouth of Mobile Bay. Rich in amenities, it offers guests two 18-hole golf courses, a full-service spa, a multitude of dining and drinking venues, croquet, tennis, pickleball, and a 36-slip marina.
Hotel Casa del Mar
Santa Monica, California
Located in Santa Monica, California, the Hotel Casa del Mar offers breathtaking views of the Pacific from Palos Verdes to Malibu. Whether swimming in the ocean, taking a dip in the Palm Terrace Pool, or lounging in your ocean-view room, you'll enjoy the sun and sea at this waterfront property.
Photo courtesy of Hotel del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado
Coronado, California
Built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, the Hotel del Coronado remains a first-rate mainstay with travelers seeking a waterfront getaway. Luxe accommodations are found throughout the property in five distinct "neighborhoods," all of which put you close to the water.
The Inn Above Tide
Sausalito, California
Nestled on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, The Inn Above Tide offers a serene escape with its panoramic bay views that are simply mesmerizing. Each room and suite provide a private deck from which guests can soak in the sights of the city skyline, Alcatraz, and Angel Island — all while being intimately connected to the charming town of Sausalito.
Photo courtesy of The Lodge at Bodega Bay
The Lodge at Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay, California
The Lodge at Bodega Bay sits on the rugged Sonoma Coastline, offering a luxurious escape where the charm of wine country meets the tranquil beauty of the Pacific Ocean. This getaway is celebrated for its serene ambience and luxurious touches like fireplaces in rooms with sweeping ocean views. Guests can indulge in the warmth of the lodge's attentive staff, unwind by the pool, or cozy up by the fire pits, all while soaking in the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Malibu Beach Inn
Malibu, California
At the Malibu Beach Inn, guests get up close and personal with the Pacific, thanks to the 47 guest rooms that overlook Carbon Beach. Guests are treated to a symphony of waves from their private balconies, ensuring a tranquil retreat with every stay. And with direct access to a private beach and proximity to local attractions, it's no wonder this property is a coveted spot for those seeking a blend of waterfront relaxation and exploration.
Montage Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, California
The Montage Laguna Beach sits on a bougainvillea-dotted bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where a walking path and stairs lead directly to the beach below. The resort exudes a California beach vibe that attracts celebrities, locals, and families alike. During the summer, a free trolley stops in front of the hotel and takes guests on a 5-minute ride into downtown Laguna Beach.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, South Carolina
In the Lowcountry of South Carolina, the Montage Palmetto Bluff sits alongside the May River, where guests can enjoy waterfront views from their room, the restaurants, and across the grounds. To make the most of the setting, enjoy water-centric activities such as fishing, ecotours, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.
Photo courtesy of Patrick O'Brien/Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
South of Charleston, South Carolina, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers many ways for guests to enjoy their waterfront property. From playing 18 holes on the Ocean Course to biking down the beach to lounging by the pool to relaxing in oceanfront accommodations, you'll have gorgeous views wherever you look.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Romerein
Shutters on the Beach
Santa Monica, California
Elevate your "beach bum" vacation in fine coastal style, where concierges even take care of providing surfboards. Louvered doors give Shutters on the Beach its name, and they open onto Pacific Ocean or lush garden panoramas. Plus, beachfront restaurants mean you never have to take your eyes off that view.
Photo courtesy of Irene Cheng / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Weasku Inn
Grants Pass, Oregon
Sitting alongside the Rogue River, the Weasku Inn offers a tranquil retreat with a rich history dating back to 1924. Once a vacation spot for Hollywood legends like Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, today it provides a picturesque setting with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a full hot breakfast and cozy accommodations ranging from lodge rooms to riverfront cabins.
Photo courtesy of Wentworth by the Sea
Wentworth by the Sea
New Castle, New Hampshire
Offering respite and rarified retreat to presidents and dignitaries since 1874, Wentworth by the Sea resides on a quiet island where time seems to have stood still and water views mesmerize. Guests take advantage of the location by boating, kayaking, golfing, and exploring the historic destination.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a... Read More
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a... Read More
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50... Read More
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los... Read More
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel memories may fade over time, but... Read More
Travel memories may fade over time, but photographs recall those magical moments.
Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel memories may fade over time, but photographs recall those magical moments.
Katie McElveen
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when... Read More
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when a wrong turn on the way to a family vacation took her on an eleven hour odyssey that she thoroughly enjoyed. Today, more than 40 countries later, her work has appeared in Real Simple, Southern Living, Global Traveler, Fodor’s, Virtuoso, Bride’s, Islands, Reader’s Digest, AFAR and other publications.
Katie McElveen
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when a wrong turn on the way to a family vacation took her on an eleven hour odyssey that she thoroughly enjoyed. Today, more than 40 countries later, her work has appeared in Real Simple, Southern Living, Global Traveler, Fodor’s, Virtuoso, Bride’s, Islands, Reader’s Digest, AFAR and other publications.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Meg St-Esprit
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer... Read More
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer chasing down and covering the most interesting and quirky ideas about parenting, home design, education and travel. She lives with her husband, four kids and way too many pets in Pittsburgh. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Romper, Fodor's, and more. Meg studied counseling and human development during her higher education journey, and applies that knowledge and expertise to her writing as well. When she's not writing, she's definitely camping.
Meg St-Esprit
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer chasing down and covering the most interesting and quirky ideas about parenting, home design, education and travel. She lives with her husband, four kids and way too many pets in Pittsburgh. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Romper, Fodor's, and more. Meg studied counseling and human development during her higher education journey, and applies that knowledge and expertise to her writing as well. When she's not writing, she's definitely camping.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melissa Curtin
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world... Read More
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world on Semester at Sea, igniting her passion for globetrotting and learning about new cultures. She is a longtime educator, a Fora travel advisor, and has been a freelance travel and food writer for over 10 years - published in Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Insider, MSN, AAA World, Travel Awaits, and many more. Raised in Connecticut, she has joyfully lived in California the last 17 years splitting her time between Malibu and Palm Springs.
Melissa Curtin
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world on Semester at Sea, igniting her passion for globetrotting and learning about new cultures. She is a longtime educator, a Fora travel advisor, and has been a freelance travel and food writer for over 10 years - published in Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Insider, MSN, AAA World, Travel Awaits, and many more. Raised in Connecticut, she has joyfully lived in California the last 17 years splitting her time between Malibu and Palm Springs.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best... Read More
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea... Read More
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.