Santa Monica Beach Among 25 Best In The Country: Ranking

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica Beach was named among the 25 best in the country, according to a new ranking from Travel + Leisure.

The magazine cast a wide net to complete its best-beach roundup, selecting lakeside and coastal beaches with varying levels of amenities and scenery.

"Different criteria define the perfect beach for different people, such as the quality of the sand, the waves (or lack thereof), level of seclusion, public transportation and accessible parking, whether there's a boardwalk, activities, and even the amount of shade," Travel + Leisure wrote.

The list includes four California beaches, as well as others in Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina and across the country.

"Nothing screams summer on the pier like funnel cake and a Ferris wheel. The famous Santa Monica Pier draws people from all over the state with its classic amusement park complete with a roller coaster, games, and golden-fried carnival treats," Travel + Leisure wrote.

The magazine also highlighted Heal the Bay Aquarium, located beneath the Santa Monica Pier.

"This vibrant stretch along the Pacific is also a prime spot for partaking in all the usual beach activities: sunbathing, swimming, surfing, volleyball, and sunset viewing. You can also bike, jog, or walk along the paved path to iconic Venice Beach down the way," Travel + Leisure wrote.

The magazine's other California beach picks were Carmel Beach, Coronado Beach and Pope Beach on Lake Tahoe.

Check out Travel + Leisure for the complete list of the 25 Best Beaches in the USA.