If there is anything this divided nation could agree on right now, it could be the criteria for a great beach.
Not so fast. Floridian, and default beach expert, Christina Pushaw, called Travel Leisure’s list of ‘best beaches’ into question today. Surprise, there’s a suspiciously political tone involved in identifying our nation’s best spots for catching rays and enjoying the surf.
This @TravelLeisure "Best Beaches" list is blatantly Florida-phobic. Everyone who has been to Florida knows how beautiful our many beaches are. There are some nice beaches on this list from other states, but some real head scratchers too… pic.twitter.com/NpipmlNeoe
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) May 5, 2022
How can any list of our nation’s best beaches pay so little homage to the great beach-laden state of Florida?
The basis seems to be to hate Florida for political reasons. That is fine. If our beaches are less crowded, we won't care, but we also don't mind sharing. pic.twitter.com/mm8rieaqsp
— UCF Girl (@UCF_Girl_99) May 5, 2022
Were these beaches somehow disqualified for their obvious white-sand privilege?
https://twitter.com/freyas_house/status/1522388086856065025?s=20&t=hJcXcQtUUOdwes7TEGKVXg
They can’t just cancel picturesque locations because they make waves!
https://twitter.com/MikkUGA/status/1522259588757741569?s=20&t=hJcXcQtUUOdwes7TEGKVXg
Getting jealous yet? Florida has some serious political freedom going and arguably some of the best beaches … and maybe that was a driver factor of the questionable list. ‘Progressive area beaches?’ Pass. Perhaps it was a matter of fairness. Ghettos got beaches too?
Looks like they're redefining "beach!" pic.twitter.com/GkT20hdKvN
— Robbie Myers (@robbievmyers) May 5, 2022
Recommended
Commenters pounced on this list of beaches in true Twitter fashion, drawing on various drawbacks that wouldn’t dare touch those Florida shores. Needles in your flip-flops anyone?
https://twitter.com/ErickAguilarJAX/status/1522246029445410816?s=20&t=hJcXcQtUUOdwes7TEGKVXg
Even the natives know when their beaches are ghetto, but at least New Jersey gets a participation trophy.
Asbury Park, NJ? This list is a joke.
It's literally a crime ridden a ghetto.
I just left NJ for Florida and not a single NJ beach compares to anything in Naples I've seen.
— 🐊🌴🏋️♂️🥩😎 (@FL_steak_man) May 5, 2022
A curious standout on the list was Alkai in Seattle. This west coast state certainly has some braggable ocean access, much of it nowhere near the hubbub of the city. As far as Seattle beaches go though, Alkai is one of the better spots? But the water is cold, the sun rarely shines, and the company is … SO Seattle.
Puppies at Alkai beach! ^^ pic.twitter.com/V1IEEOSbc6
— SEA-PAH (@SEAPAH) July 16, 2016
Could be worse. At least there were no Grim Reaper sightings on the list.
This is that weirdo who dressed up like the Grim Reaper on FL beaches. https://t.co/Lg6gTkrMdt
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) May 3, 2022
Sigh. Is nothing sacred, is nothing safe from political influence? Every now and then we could all stand to sit back and enjoy some beachy bliss. Who’s ready for a vacation?
Black’s Beach, Silver Bay, MN pic.twitter.com/c91uuOg2IY
— Ross Bjella (@RossBjella) May 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/ThePatriotPar15/status/1522278430737379328?s=20&t=hJcXcQtUUOdwes7TEGKVXg
How is Pensacola Beach not on this list? We have the most beautiful beaches in the county on the Emerald Coast. pic.twitter.com/XaMcP2gkOh
— Hodges🐊 (@HodgesReb) May 5, 2022
There are even places in the US where the beaches are welcoming all year long (not looking at you Alkai). So let’s get out there and soak up the suns and sands that did, or did not, make the list. Just don’t forget your ‘Merica swimwear, this great nation and its less ghetto beaches are stunning!
Join the conversation as a VIP Member