2013 Best Beach Winners

This year, the Best Beach Awards were bigger and better, with over 9,000 votes from our faithful Travel Channel viewers naming these beaches the best of the best.

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Best Party Beach: South Beach, Miami, Florida

With over 56% of the vote, this best party beach was no contest. An international playground, South Beach is known for its delicious Cuban food, funky Art Deco architecture, pristine beaches and rowdy Ocean Drive nightlife.

Best Family Beach: Destin, Florida

Viewers raved about Destin, FL. Diana from Texas calls it a wonderful beach with great people, lots to do and great family accommodations. She wrote, "You can't beat this place for a family vacation. I promise!!"

Best Romantic Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

For the second year in a row, Bora Bora takes the honor thanks to the secluded stretch of white sand at Matira Point, romantic resorts and candle-lit ambiance.

Sexiest Beach: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro is already spiking as a hot travel destination in 2013. And yes, people are still flocking to the beach to encounter someone "tall and tan and young and lovely" 50 years after "The Girl from Ipanema" was released.

Best Beach Bar: Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica

What's the best thing about Rick's? The delicious drinks here face stiff competition from the dramatic cliff divers and spectacular sunsets.

Best Beach You Haven't Heard of ... Yet: Nevis, Caribbean

Most people aren't familiar with the island of Nevis, and Magnon from Texas hopes it stays that way, writing "Let's hope that it stays somewhat obscure so that crowds don't invade this Caribbean paradise." Sorry for letting everyone in on this secret oasis.

Best Beach for Adventure: Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Formerly the mouth of a volcano crater, Hawaii's famous snorkeling spot is teaming with schools of rainbow-colored fish in the bay's shallow water.

Best Exotic Beach: Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

With the narrowest margin, Mustique edged out Fiji as the best exotic beach. Perhaps it was the royal couple effect? Kate and Will "babymooned" there, and their romantic honeymoon destination in the Seychelles won last year.

Best Beach Boardwalks: Venice Beach, California

Our viewers, as well as our resident beach expert Marianela, were taken with the eclectic vibe of the Venice Beach boardwalk.

Best Overall Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

As Sal from Nevada said, Bora Bora could win on looks alone. This little piece of heaven is just 18 miles long, but it lives up to its nickname, "the Romantic Island" – it’s won best romantic beach 2 years in a row.

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2013 Best Beach Winners

Related To:

Shop This Look

Best Party Beach: South Beach, Miami, Florida

Best Family Beach: Destin, Florida

Best Romantic Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

Sexiest Beach: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Best Beach Bar: Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica

Best Beach You Haven't Heard of ... Yet: Nevis, Caribbean

Best Beach for Adventure: Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Best Exotic Beach: Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Best Beach Boardwalks: Venice Beach, California

Best Overall Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

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