An aerial shot of the California coastline with an iconic seaside pier and Ferris wheel.

As it turns out, North America’s best beach destination isn’t on some far-off island. It’s not surrounded on three sides by crystal blue water, or isolated by miles of lush Mexican jungle. No, the best beach hangout on the entire continent is right here in crowded California — at least according to one prestigious travel group.

The 2024 World Travel Awards recently announced that Santa Monica, Los Angeles County’s city by the sea, has topped this year’s list of Leading Beach Destinations. The city beat out a number of other prominent nominees known for their........

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