2012 Best Beach Winners

From Best Party Beach to Best Beach Boardwalk, check out photos of Travel Channel's first ever Best Beach Award winners.

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After over 1,200 votes, Lahaina Beach, Maui, was named Viewers' Choice: Best Overall Beach. Commenters like Garuga, OH, agreed, "It's the most beautiful place in the world."

Best Party Beach: Paradise Island, Bahamas
Five miles long and less than 1 mile wide, Paradise Island is a mecca for nightlife mostly thanks to mega-resort Atlantis Paradise Island's clubs and casinos.

Best Family Beach: Cape May, New Jersey
Jersey's most historic beach also has a wholesome atmosphere and pristine beaches ideal for kids.

Best Romantic Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti
There are a number of reasons why Bora Bora boasts the nickname "the Romantic Island," including the secluded beaches, intimate hotels and quiet atmosphere that embraces visitors in Matira.

Sexiest Beach: Copacabana Beach, Rio, Brazil
Rio is the hot spot for some of the sexiest sunbathers in the world and home to Copacabana Beach, the world's most famous beach.

Best Beach Bars: Tropicana Beach Bar, Mykonos, Greece
The Tropicana Beach Bar sits on Paradise Beach and throws the greatest early-evening beach parties. A hot spot for young people, the drinks flow from early morning until long past sunset.

Best Beach You Haven't Heard of Yet: Llandudno Beach, South Africa
Is seclusion your idea of paradise? Then welcome to Llandudno, a cliffside resort near Cape Town, South Africa, so tucked away you’ll find nary a shop or street light in view.

Best Beach for Adventure: Cave Diving in Whangarei, New Zealand
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are an exciting playground for thrill seekers and nature lovers.

Best Exotic Beach: Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles
Not only did the Royal Couple honeymoon in the Seychelles but Anse Source d'Argent manages to be tropical, homey, understated and classy all at once.

Best Scenic Beach: Zlatni Rat, Bol, Brac Island, Croatia
The Golden Horn sandbar is 580 yards long and provides this beach with a unique shape and unparalleled people-watching.

10. Best Beach Boardwalk: Ocean City, MD
With boardwalk fries, its famous Grotto pizza and all the shops and rides expected of a great boardwalk, it's easy to see why Ocean City, Maryland topped our picks.

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2012 Best Beach Winners

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