Sexiest Beaches...of America

Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The heat of this Yucatán getaway, easily one of North America's 10 sexiest beaches, rises from hordes of jet-setters, college backpackers, and pleasure-seekers that play on its pristine beaches. Playa del Carmen combines intoxicating coastal scenery and cosmopolitan chic. The nightlife of Cancun is close by, along with mesmerizing Mayan ruins in Tulum. When the sun goes down, the peninsula's best DJs get everyone into the groove at Deseo Hotel, whose very name means "desire." Guests at the Tides Resort enjoy jungle seclusion and sensual Mayan saunas on the beach.

Ka'anapali, Maui, Hawaii

Ancient Hawaiian royals couldn't resist the appeal of this heavenly gem, and neither can we. Against a backdrop of lush tropical scenery, bronzed beauties sail, scuba dive, and swim among gentle waves. Have a sundowner at the Sheraton Maui and watch a lithe young Hawaiian plunge into the sea for the nightly Cliff Diving Ceremony. As the sky turns from pink to violet, hula dancers undulate among blazing torches to the sounds of beating drums. Ka'anapali is sexy at its most radiantly sensual.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii

Why go to Kauai? Because it's a sensory gift from the gods, that's why. Picking the sexiest beach in Kauai is like choosing a pearl from a perfect strand. All boast eye-popping scenery and glorious weather. But Hanalei Bay scores big with its exquisite half moon of white sand, shimmering waterfalls and green mountains, with bonus points added for the flotillas of fit surfers. Snorkel among the reefs, go for a sail, or take a picnic to Hanalei Pier and watch the beach boys doing back flips into the water.

La Jolla Cove, San Diego, Calif.

Small in size, but huge on atmosphere. The scenery is so drop-dead gorgeous that photographers regularly use La Jolla Cove to conjure California perfection. You'll find visitors from all over the world swimming, picnicking, and strolling along the bluff. Strap on a mask and plunge into the Cove for some prime snorkeling, then spread your towel and work on a killer tan. The Village, an artsy shopping and dining area, offers plenty of chances to see and be seen.

Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.

New York City's summer social scene revolves around this posh paradise on the south fork of Long Island. Ivy League frat boys and Prada-clad lovelies indulge in sun and celebrity-spotting on a gorgeous stretch of golden sand. The Hamptons hotspot is famed for shingled mansions rising out of the dunes and a lively crowd of summer renters and well-heeled locals. The party scene is legend among society page scribblers and bloggers.

Laguna Beach, Orange County, Calif.

The surf's always up on this seductive swath of southern California coast, where toned bodies ride the waves and play perpetual volleyball. The scenery is pure magic: rugged cliffs, swaying palms, and broad expanses of gleaming sand. Laguna is blessed with coves secluded enough to give couples a chance to get cozy. For solo travelers, the flirt factor is high in village cafes and on the plentiful hiking trails. At sunset, head to Splashes Lounge at the Surf and Sand Hotel for a buzzing cocktail scene.

Pacific Beach, San Diego, Calif.

Pacific Beach, or "PB," as the locals call it, is a summer playground tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay Park. Young and casual, PB is SoCal sans attitude—a place to wiggle your toes in the sand and watch surfers riding the swells and beach beauties playing bocce balls. Cyclists, skaters, and joggers can explore miles of winding paths and eye the talent on the lively boardwalk. The sizzling nightlife revolves around Garnet Avenue: Snag a spot at the Pacific Beach Bar and Grill for a perfect après-beach brew.