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Everything is just beachy keen for Delray Beach and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
Delray Beach has shored up its spot as the No. 1 beach in Florida after winning the USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row. While Lauderdale-by-the-Sea also made the list again this year, coming in fourth place (after ranking third last year).
The coastline competition is anything but a breeze when you consider there are 825 miles of sun-kissed beaches up and down the state, according to the publication. USA Today editors and a panel of travel experts selected the finalists in April, then readers were asked to choose their favorite during a monthlong voting round that ended on May 19.
Known as the “Village by the Sea,” Delray Beach spans 1.5 miles along the shore at the east end of bustling Atlantic Avenue and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year to its public beach to enjoy swimming, surfing, sailing, snorkeling and volleyball, among other activities.
What did USA Today and its experts like about the beach? “Crystal-clear blue waters just steps from its vibrant downtown,” they said, as well as “pristine sand and natural dunes” and a centralized location between Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.
Laura Simon, executive director of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, said they are thrilled about the recognition — but not surprised.
“USA Today’s readers are simply confirming what we already know: Delray Beach isn’t just the best in Florida — it’s one of the best in the world,” she said in a statement.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea received a nod for being “a picturesque destination that captivates visitors with its small-town charm and beautiful coastal setting,” according to USA Today.
“The town’s beach (between Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach) is known for its clear waters, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving, especially with the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail just a swim away. This location is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.”
The 10BEST list, announced on May 28, included (in ranked order):
- Delray Beach
- Clearwater Beach
- Treasure Island Beach
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Stuart Beach
- Bowman’s Beach (Sanibel)
- St. Pete Beach
- Siesta Beach (Siesta Key)
- Destin
- Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine)
For more information, visit 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-beach-in-florida.
In other awards
Delray Beach continued to rack up recognition last month, winning the Blue Flag award for the third consecutive year for meeting and maintaining a “series of stringent environmental, educational safety and accessibility criteria,” according to the Blue Flag program.
Only two other U.S. spots received the award this year: Spanish River Park in Boca Raton and Westward Beach in Malibu, California.
