Conde Nast Traveler’s unbridled appreciation for all things Pensacola and coastal Northwest Florida reached what may very well be a pinnacle in 2025 with Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach ending as numbers one and two respectively on the publication’s checklist of 15 prime beaches in the United States in its 38th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
The two Gulf Coast beaches, separated from each other by seven miles of Gulf Islands National Seashore shoreline, have been chosen as first and second amongst 15 beaches chosen by greater than 757,000 world respondents for the honour of best seashore.
“Nestled along the scenic shores of the Gulf of America, Navarre Beach stands out as a gem with its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters,” a Conde Nast information launch mentioned in asserting the seashore’s runner up standing and its place as “a premier coastal destination for sun, sand, and adventure.”
The reward for Pensacola Beach additionally included accolades for town itself, which additionally positioned No. 10 this yr on Condé Nast Traveler’s 38th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards Top 10 Best Small Cities in the U.S. under 350,000 for 2025.
“Pensacola is so much more than its beach,” the tribute to the nation’s No. 1 seashore mentioned. “Venture beyond its perpetually summery sands and discover a thriving arts and culture scene well worth its own full itinerary.”
What did Conde Nast Traveler say about Pensacola Beach
Conde Nast Traveler was really extra effusive in its reward for Pensacola’s beaches in its designating town as a prime 10 small city.
“Florida definitely has no scarcity of gorgeous beaches, however few locations have the blindingly white sand and Caribbean-blue waters you’ll discover in and round this city. Head to the close by barrier islands for the best (and least crowded) stretches of sand: Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island is usually cited because the crown jewel of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, full with dolphin-rich waters and sand so gentle you’d swear you have been strolling on child powder,” it wrote.
The rating of best beaches highlighted town itself, “the so-called ‘Festival City of the South.’ ”
“Pensacola has a completely booked dance card of cultural programming to catch, together with Mural Fest, the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, and the Pensacola Foo Foo Festival, all of which occur in November and showcase a variety of regional creative expertise,” Conde Nast Traveler said. “Add on a revitalized nightlife scene plus a culinary panorama the place you possibly can inform the cooks are having enjoyable, and you could have the elements for a formidable Readers’ Choice Awards winner.”
What were Conde Nast’s thoughts on Navarre Beach?
In noting that Navarre Beach had finished second only to Pensacola Beach and ahead of such iconic destinations such as Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, Conde Nast Traveler said the beach appeals to a wide range of visitors.
“At this Florida Panhandle seashore, journey exists throughout you,” the tribute’s authors said. “Underwater, scuba all the way down to the factitious reefs of Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, the place swarming colleges of fish, sting rays, and sharks swim among the many coral. Once you have dried off, take the scenic route and savor the ocean views just a bit longer on a stroll down the pier, the longest in northwest Florida. With leg room aplenty for even the most important crowds.”
In announcing its place as second among 15 of the finest beaches in America, the tribute’s authors called Navarre “a balmy sandbox ready to be explored.”
“This recognition provides to a growing list of honors for Navarre Beach, reinforcing its fame as a prime journey vacation spot for each leisure and journey,” the news release announcing the award said. “Locals and guests alike take delight in the world’s pure magnificence, welcoming environment, and dedication to preserving its coastal setting.”
What are Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards?
The Readers’ Choice Awards are among the longest-running and most respected recognitions in the travel industry, with hundreds of thousands of readers casting votes for their favorite destinations worldwide.
What U.S. beaches made Conde Nast Traveler’s top 15?
- Pensacola Beach, Florida
- Navarre Beach, Florida
- Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
- Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach), Hawaii
- Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii
- Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii
- Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
- Siesta Beach, Florida
- Trunk Beach, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Orange Beach, Alabama
- South Padre Island, Texas
- Coligny Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Lake Havasu State Park, Arizona
- St. Augustine Beach, Florida
- Coronado Beach, California