Only one U.S. spot made this ranking of the best beaches in the world

America has more than 95,000 miles of coastline and thousands of beaches but, according to Lonely Planet, only one U.S. beach ranks among the world's best.

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The travel publisher has unveiled its list of the 25 best beaches in the world. The selections reflect a growing interest in experiential travel, highlighting destinations where visitors can do more than sunbathe, from snorkeling and surfing to hiking, wildlife spotting and unplugging from modern life.

China's Sanya Beach claimed the top spot, followed by The Pass in Byron Bay, Australia, and Brazil's iconic Ipanema Beach. Other highly ranked beaches include Thailand's Maya Bay, Greece's Sarakiniko, Mexico's Playa Balandra and the postcard-perfect Anse Source d'Argent in the Seychelles.

But of the 25 beaches that made the cut, just one is located in the United States: Ruby Beach in Washington State's Olympic National Park.

Landing at No. 18, Ruby Beach stands out amidst many of the ranking's more traditionally tropical destinations. Instead of turquoise waters and swaying palm trees or even the relaxed vibes of Florida and California beaches, visitors will find dramatic sea stacks rising from the Pacific Ocean, driftwood-strewn shores and the rugged scenery that has made Olympic National Park into a beloved natural treasure.

The ranking arrives as travelers increasingly seek destinations that offer a sense of discovery rather than just a pretty view. Lonely Planet says this year's selections reflect interest in slower travel, outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters and places that allow visitors to disconnect from crowded tourist hubs.

And if you want to visit every beach on the list? Better start collecting airline miles now.

Here is Lonely Planet's complete list of the 25 best beaches in the world.

1. Sanya, Hainan Island, China
2. The Pass, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
3. Ipanema Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
4. Ao Maya, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand
5. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
6. Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece
7. Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
8. Cabo San Juan del Guía, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Colombia
9. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
10. Playa Balandra, La Paz BCS, Mexico
11. Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain
12. Punta Rata Beach, Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia
13. West Beach, Berneray, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
14. Rauðasandur, Westfjords, Iceland
15. Pink Beach, Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
16. Dueodde, Nexø, Bornholm, Denmark
17. Keem Bay Beach, Keel, County Mayo, Ireland
18. Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA
19. Radhanagar, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman Islands, India
20. Pacifico Beach, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines
21. Plage de Ta'ahiamanu, Mo'orea, French Polynesia
22. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France
23. Gardner Bay, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
24. Playa Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
25. Playa Bahía de las Águilas, Parque Nacional Jaragua, Dominican Republic