Meanwhile, cold water temps are to blame for some of Maine’s most beautiful beaches failing to break the top 10. “Water temperature is very important,” Leatherman said.

On that note, here are 10 of America’s most stunning beaches—ranked not just by raw beauty, but by vibe, surprise factor, and that indefinable magic that happens the moment your feet hit the sand.

Here are 11 of the most pristine, least crowded beaches in Florida, starting from the northeast and working south around the peninsula to the northwest.

2. Anse Source d'Argent (Seychelles) With its dramatic granite boulders, soft white sand, and clear shallow waters, Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed beaches in the world ...