In placing it at the top of their annual survey, the popular travel network lauded Fort De Soto’s North Beach’s “pure white sand and clear water,” describing it as a “wide, family-friendly stretch” that’s “both naturally beautiful and convenient.” Particular kudos went to the parks many amenities, such as picnic tables, grills and ample restrooms.

Dunedin’s Honeymoon Island was praised for its serene atmosphere and its “undisturbed natural beauty.”  Described as “not your typical beachgoer's beach,” the barrier island sets itself apart because it “lets visitors interact with the scenic natural environment of the area, from swimming to seashells to sunsets.” 

Local tourism officials were elated with the news.

“This is particularly flattering because we’ve topped their list twice in two years,” said DT Minich, executive director of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. “And to have not one, but two area beaches named travelers’ favorites is a powerful statement and a tremendous honor,” he added.

Of the ten beaches TripAdvisor named in its official survey, four are in Florida and four are in Hawaii, with beaches in California and South Carolina rounding out the list.
"Recession be damned,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “Americans are preparing to pack up the beach bags and boogie boards en masse this summer."

This marks the fourth time in five years that a pristine Pinellas County beach has received top honors on an annual “best-of” list. Fort De Soto was named the nation’s #1 beach in 2005 by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman -- a.k.a. “Dr. Beach” -- and by TripAdvisor in 2008. Caladesi Island State Park was dubbed best beach by Dr. Beach in 2008.

“This recognition reinforces the fact that our brand identity is much more than just a marketing slogan,” said Minich. “The St. Pete/Clearwater area really is home to ‘America’s Award-Winning Beaches,’” he added.

TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 25 million monthly visitors and over 10 million registered members. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc.