San Diego-area beach among best in U.S., according to Travel + Leisure

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- It may come as no surprise that one San Diego-area beach has been highlighted in a popular travel magazine for being among the best in the U.S.

Earlier this month, Travel + Leisure released a list spotlighting 25 of the best beaches across the country. The publication used criteria like sand quality, wave levels, public transportation, accessible parking, level of seclusion, available activities, among other factors.

A handful of California beaches made the cut, including one on the outskirts of America's Finest City. Can you guess which sandy strip earned the praise?

Travel + Leisure considers Coronado Beach among the best nationally, stating, "Coronado Beach, a 1.75-mile stretch of golden sand sparkling with bits of the mineral mica, is just the family-friendly icing on the cake. Swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers flock to the coast of Coronado Island, staying until evening to witness the gorgeous sunsets."

The magazine also mentioned the warm and and sunny weather that the San Diego region is known for, making beach days a perfect pastime.

"While you're there, visit the storied Hotel del Coronado for a bite and a tipple en plein air. The adjoining dog-friendly section of Coronado Beach, dubbed North Beach, is a popular pull as well," Travel + Leisure noted.

Other Golden State beaches made the best-of-the-best list included the following:

-- Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe

-- Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica

-- Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea

In case you didn't have a reason to head to the ocean, this shout out from Travel + Leisure makes for a good excuse to hit the the sand at Coronado Beach.