This U.S. Beach Has the Whitest Sand in the Nation — and No, It's Not in Hawaii or Florida

Hint: it’s one of the Crown Jewels of the Golden State’s Central Coast.

September marks the unofficial start of fall. While crisp breezes, pumpkin picking, and the smell of mulled cider might be on the horizon, it’s certainly not necessary to trade colorful swimsuits and resort wear for flannels and cozy knits just yet. There are still plenty of warm-weather spots to go for a last-minute beach vacation, from year-round international standouts like Anguilla, Costa Rica, and Cancun to sunny destinations in the United States.

Need some inspiration to plan a picture-perfect seaside vacation? A new study by travel experts at CV Villas reveals the beaches with the whitest sand in the world, according to color analysis theory. And the No. 1 domestic sun-and-surf spot went to Carmel Beach in California.

Tulum Beach in Mexico and Anse Source D'Argent in the Seychelles nabbed the coveted gold and silver globally. Carmel Beach ranked No. 14 worldwide and another U.S. beach made an appearance on the top 20 list: Florida's Siesta Key Beach at No. 16.

Situated along the Golden State’s Central Coast, Carmel Beach is an iconic and endlessly photogenic strip of pearly white shoreline. The sugar-hued sand offers the perfect opportunity to build sandcastles, roll out a towel and catch rays, and stroll barefoot.

The surf-worthy Pacific swells provide excellent conditions for paddling out and riding waves. It’s also well known for its pleasant atmosphere and gorgeous candy-colored sunsets. It’s also worth mentioning that pets are welcome, making it really a family-friendly destination. (Yes, four-legged kids absolutely count.)

If you’re keen to plan an entire getaway around the beauty of Carmel Beach, know that the crown jewel of the Monterey Peninsula sits within steps of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's been a favorite of countless authors (Jack London, George Sterling, and Mary Austin were residents back in the day), actors (like Doris Day and Joan Fontaine), and photographers (like Ansel Adams) since the turn of the 20th century. The storybook small town has many charming galleries, independent shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels such as the 1929-built L'Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Chateaux property, that sits just steps from the dazzling white sands of Carmel Beach.

How to Plan the Perfect Escape to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California's Enchanting Small Town on the Monterey Peninsula

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