Located in the south-western part of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Sea Lion Cove has a small pebbly beach that is surrounded by a rocky shoreline. The water near this beach can occasionally have large waves and strong currents. The area around the beach has coastal scrub vegetation and interesting rock formations.
Located in Espanola Island, Gardner Bay – also called Gardner Bay Beach and Bahia Gardner – is a beautiful mile-long white-sand beach in the popular vacation destination the Galapagos Islands. Lonely Planet magazine listed this beach as one of the 25 best beaches in the world in 2024. In addition, CNN has named this beach as one of the best beaches in the world in 2017, and it is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.
Seal Rocks, located on the picturesque New South Wales coast of Australia, is an unspoiled paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine stretches of sand, and the untouched beauty of its natural surroundings. The beach itself extends gracefully along the coastline, offering visitors a long expanse of fine golden sand to explore and enjoy. Activities available at Seal Rocks are varied and cater to all interests, including swimming, surfing, camping, and simply basking in the sun's warmth. When it comes to amenities, Seal Rocks has many, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for all who visit. Although dogs are not allowed, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the beach for all visitors, the site is accessible to people with disabilities. Amenities also include bathroom access, and lifeguards are on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers. Additionally, camping is permitted, adding an adventurous twist to your beach getaway.
Read More...Looking for a beautiful getaway vacation? Come to Heron Island and enjoy the company of the scenic views and wildlife. Provided with the utmost staff members and lounges!
If you went to Rio De Janeiro and didn’t go to Copacabana Beach, did you go to Rio at all? There’s a reason this beach is so world-renowned and the inspiration for Barry Manilow’s 1978 hit song, “Copacabana.” This magnificent beach spans four kilometers and is divided by “postos,” markers that help divide the beach by activities and groups that frequent there. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even befriend many of the fun-loving Cariocas and get a deeper experience with the vibrant Brazilian culture.
During the day, there’s a plethora of activities to do at Copacabana like sailing, water skiing, surfing, hiking, biking, and spiking volleyballs. Beach chairs and umbrellas welcome all beachgoers to lounge and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Copacabana is split by 6 postos. North of Copacabana, posto 1 establishes a quieter section known as Leme Beach where older locals and kids from the nearby favelas like to hang out. Posto 2 marks the end of Leme Beach, and activity starts picking up on the beach. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to join the locals in games of volleyball, football (soccer), and frescoball. Posto 4 has a section of palm trees where you can enjoy the shade and watch slackliners try their hand at gravity-defying acrobatics just feet off the ground. The southern end of Copacabana, between postos 5 and 6, is the best area to surf, paddle board, and swim. The Copacabana Fort acts as a windbreaker that prevents waves from getting too choppy inviting surfers of all experience levels.
If you’re looking to slow down the pace over a meal, sit down at Churrascaria Palace, one of the best churrascarias (traditional Brazilian barbecue restaurant) in town, where waiters bring out some of the juiciest and well-prepared meats you will ever have. If you want something a little quicker or more casual, drop by Joaquina, a restaurant just south of posto 1 at the north end of Copacabana. With an ocean-facing location, outdoor seating, and traditional Brazilian cuisine, you won’t be disappointed by the experience.
As the day comes to a close and the nightcrawlers start to come out from their mid-day siestas, Copacabana transforms into a night owl’s haven. If you’re looking for live music at a hole-in-the-wall dive bar, drop by Bip Bip, a Copacabana staple just west of posto 5 famous for bringing local musicians to play some of the best choro and samba music around. If you want something a little roomier, check out Mariuzinn Disco Club. With two bars, two dance floors, and an upstairs balcony to top it off, you’ll be sure to have an authentic Brazilian night out.
Playa Tierra del Fuego is a stunning beach located in La Bolsa, Argentina. This beach stretches along the coastline, offering a length of approximately 500 meters. The sand on Playa Tierra del Fuego is soft and golden, creating a picturesque setting for beachgoers.
Read More...Cape Cross Beach, situated along the eerie yet captivating Skeleton Coast of Namibia, stretches across a vast expanse of the Atlantic shoreline, notable for its deep gray sands that contrast sharply against the backdrop of the Namib Desert. The beach is revered for its tranquility and stark beauty, offering activities such as seal watching, birding, fishing, and contemplative walks along its desolate stretches. Cape Cross Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does not have lifeguards on duty, bathroom access, or allow dogs. The absence of traditional beach amenities accentuates its untouched and rugged appeal, making it a unique destination for those looking to experience the natural world in its most raw form.
Read More...Ostional Beach preserves the purest form of Costa Rica. Located in the small town Ostional of Guanacaste province, this beach is also connected to the famous National Wildlife Refuge, the home to at least three different species of sea turtles. Come to visit the beach to catch a sunset and hang out with the sea turtles!
Read More...Nestled in Tanzania, near the town of Finya, Pemba Island's beaches stretch with pristine white sands along its coastline, inviting visitors into its tranquil embrace. The island is a hidden gem, offering a wide array of activities including surfing, with waves that appeal to both novice and experienced surfers, and camping under the starry sky for those who seek a closer encounter with nature. Pemba Island has many amenities including restroom facilities ensuring comfort, and it is a dog-friendly destination where your furry friends are welcomed to enjoy the sandy shores alongside you. However, note the absence of lifeguard services, which calls for cautious swimming.
Read More...The largest island in the Galapagos, Isabela Island is home to around 200 people and many native Galapagos species. Come explore the history of humans on the island while seeing the stunning seas filled with animals such as sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and rays.
Read More...Located in the city of San Simeon, Point Piedras Blancas Beach is a small, wide, and rocky beach that is a part of the Hearst San Simeon State Park and Piedras Blancas Outstanding Natural Area. Point Piedras Blancas Beach is situated on the north side of the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station. Point Piedras Blancas Beach is a perfect destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Point Piedras Blancas Beach does not provide access to beachgoers other than windsurfers and kiteboarders as it is a habitat for northern elephant seals.
Watamu Beach is a stunning coastal gem located in Watamu, Kenya. This picturesque beach stretches along a considerable length, offering visitors ample space to enjoy the soft, powdery white sand that lines its shore. The beach is nestled between the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and lush coastal vegetation, creating a serene and tranquil ambiance that attracts travelers seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
Read More...Lizard Island is a stunning beach located in Nora Creina, Australia. This beautiful beach stretches for approximately 1 kilometer and boasts white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.
Read More...Horsey Beach is a beautiful and remote beach located on the north coast of Norfolk, United Kingdom.
Read More...Mafia Island, located off the coast of Tanzania, near the town of Mkarangama, is an unspoiled slice of paradise, offering an escape into a serene world of sun, sea, and sand. Stretching majestically with its pristine white sand beaches, the island caters to a plethora of activities ranging from surfing the turquoise waves, camping under the starlit sky, to leisurely strolls along its length. Mafia Island has many amenities, including lifeguards on duty ensuring the safety of its visitors, bathroom access for convenience, and is a dog-friendly beach, welcoming your furry friends to enjoy the natural beauty alongside you. For those seeking adventure or relaxation, Mafia Island provides the ideal setting with its rich blend of amenities, making every visit a memorable experience.
Read More...Macquarie Heads is a beautiful beach located in Rocky Hills, Australia. The beach stretches over 1.5 kilometers and boasts fine golden sand.
Read More...Located near Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town, South Africa, Boulders Beach - also known as Boulders Bay - is a small white sand beach with unique granite rock formations. The beach is part of the well-known Table Mountain National Park and is adjacent to Foxy Beach. It has a spectacular backdrop of gigantic granite boulders, dunes, coastal vegetation, and many oceanfront buildings, which together add allure to its beauty.
Boulders Beach is immensely popular for its resident colony of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus), protected under the Cape Nature Conservation Program. Boulders Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by UK-based financial website Money.co.uk and ranked 12th best beach by Big 7 Travel, and it is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The beach is one of the few places in the world where you can observe these endangered birds up close in their natural habitat. The penguin colony at Boulders Beach started in 1982 with just two breeding pairs. Today, it has grown to over 3,000 birds, making it a major tourist attraction in Cape Town and drawing a large influx of visitors. The beach has elevated boardwalks that allow visitors to observe the penguins without disturbing their habitat. In addition, the beach is a site for educational programs and conservation efforts to protect penguins and their environment. Also, conservationists have installed artificial nest boxes to provide safe nesting sites for the penguins, helping to boost their breeding success. Despite being in a protected area, the Boulders Beach penguins face threats from natural predators, human disturbance, and environmental changes.
Located on the southern coast of Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia, Lucky Bay is a five-kilometer-long crescent-shaped white sand beach with many rocky portions. In May 2023, a survey based on the votes of over 750 travel professionals declared this beach the best beach in the world and was also acknowledged as the whitest sand beach in Australia by the National Scientific Committee. It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The beach is positioned in a sheltered inlet and has a beautiful backdrop of dunes, coastal vegetation, rocky headlands, and unique granite boulders strewn around the bay, shaped into intriguing shapes by wind and water, which together provide incredible views of Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve and the Pacific Ocean. The beach is part of Cape Le Grand National Park, which preserves the fragile ecosystem, including coastal landscapes, woodlands, heathlands, and native biodiversity of the region.
Nestled in the picturesque town of De Koog on the island of Texel, Netherlands, Ecomare Beach offers a serene escape with its expansive shoreline. The beach stretches magnificently, boasting soft, golden sand that glistens under the sun. Despite its beauty, Ecomare Beach is more of a tranquil retreat, with swimming as the primary activity due to the absence of amenities like lifeguards, bathroom access, and allowances for dogs. It's an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the simplicity and calm of the oceanfront. Ecomare Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does provide an unparalleled sense of peace and quiet that's hard to find in more commercialized beach destinations.
Read More...Skeleton Coast Beach, situated in the northern part of Namibia, stretches for hundreds of miles along the Atlantic Ocean, known for its stark, wild beauty and silver sands. Unlike typical beaches, this unique stretch offers a different kind of experience with activities focused on exploration and awe rather than traditional beach leisure. Skeleton Coast Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does have sweeping landscapes and abundant wildlife-viewing opportunities which more than compensate for its natural ruggedness. The lack of lifeguards, bathroom access, and restriction on dogs ensures that the beach remains in its pristine state, offering an unspoiled experience of nature's raw beauty.
Read More...Nosy Be Beaches in Sainte-Luce, Madagascar, is a picturesque destination that offers a relaxing and serene experience to all its visitors. The beach is about 1 kilometer long, and the sand is golden white, providing a beautiful contrast to the crystal-clear blue water.
Read More...Located in the city of Inverness, Drakes Beach is a very small, wide, and remote beach that is a part of Point Reyes National Seashore. Drakes Beach is north of the historic lighthouse and museum Point Reyes Lighthouse – an incredible spot for photography. Drakes Beach is situated next to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center featuring many informative exhibits about the nearby area, especially Point Reyes. Please note that the lighthouse and visitor center are open from Friday to Monday only.
Badestrand Friedrichskoog, located in Friedrichskoog-Spitze, Germany, offers a scenic coastal escape with its stunning beachfront. This beach stretches along the shoreline for a considerable length, providing ample space for relaxation and fun.
Read More...Located in the city of Madeira, Madeira Beach is a two-mile-long, wide, and an excellent beach situated in front of Boca Ciega Millennium Park. The beach faces the Gulf of Mexico and is filled with many water sport enthusiasts including surfers, snorkelers, divers, and sailors. Dunedin Beach has beautiful white-light grey sand and its shore are covered by lots of seashells making it an awesome destination for beachcombing.
Seal Bay is a beautiful beach located in Harwich, Australia. The beach is approximately 3 km long and has soft white sand.
Read More...Monkey Mia is a stunning beach located in the small town of Monkey Mia, Australia. The beach is about 2.5 km long and has soft, white sand. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean make it the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Monkey Mia beach is famous for its wild dolphins that visit the beach every day, and visitors can get up close to these friendly creatures.
Read More...Montauk Point State Park is a stunning beach located at the easternmost point of Long Island, in Montauk, United States. The beach is approximately one mile long and features soft, white sand. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Montauk Point State Park, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and hiking. The beach has restrooms, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be on a leash. Montauk Point State Park has many amenities, including picnic areas, concession stands, and a playground for children.
Read More...The Juan Fernández Islands, located in Juan Fernández, Chile, offer pristine beaches surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The beaches on the islands vary in length, with some stretches being short and secluded while others are more expansive.
Read More...Point Reyes Lighthouse Beach is located in Inverness, United States, and it is a beautiful and secluded beach with a length of approximately 0.5 miles. The sand on this beach is white, and the water is crystal clear, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Read More...Vestmannaeyjar Beach, located in Vestmannaeyjabær, Iceland, is a picturesque coastal destination offering breathtaking views and a unique beach experience. Stretching along the coastline, this beach is known for its beautiful sandy shores and tranquil atmosphere.
Read More...Nestled on the idyllic island of Ko Chang, Kai Bae Beach offers a picturesque getaway with its elongated stretch of golden sands hugging the coastline. Spanning several kilometers, this beach is a haven for those seeking a tranquil escape amidst Thailand's natural beauty. Visitors to Kai Bae Beach can indulge in a variety of activities such as swimming in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathing under the lush palm trees, kayaking along the serene coastline, and enjoying leisurely walks at sunset. Kai Bae Beach has many amenities including lifeguards on duty ensuring the safety of swimmers, bathroom access for convenience, and welcomes dogs, making it a perfect spot for beach-goers looking to spend a day with their furry friends. However, visitors should note the absence of facilities for those with disabilities, and activities such as camping and surfing are not available on this beach, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and gentle activities.
Read More...Located below oceanfront bluffs in Malibu, Point Dume State Beach – also called Point Dume Beach, Big Dume Beach, and Dume Cove Beach – is a crescent-shaped, extremely popular state-managed beach with light brown sand. Lonely Planet magazine listed it as one of the best beaches in Malibu, and Conde Nast Traveller magazine also listed it as one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The beach is open between sunrise and sunset.
Located in the northern part of the Kauai shoreline, Tunnels Beach – also called Makua Beach – is a popular half-mile-long beach with coarse golden coral sand. The travel website Big 7 Travel listed this beach as one of the best beaches in the world – in addition, Travel+Leisure magazine also listed this beach as one of the “12 Best Beaches in Kauai for Sunsets, Snorkeling, and Swimming.” This beach is very popular with families and you can see many families here, especially on weekends.
Located between the towns of Moeraki and Hampden on the Otago coast of New Zealand, Koekohe Beach - also known as Moeraki Boulders Beach - is a one-mile-long beige sand beach with many rocky portions. The beach is renowned for the Moeraki Boulders, large and spherical stones that weigh several tons and are up to two meters in diameter. These perfect, spherical-shaped, cracked, honeycomb-like boulders were formed around 60 million years ago by septarian concretions in sea floor sediments. Many also believe the boulders are the remains of eel baskets, gourds, and kumara from the wreck of the ancestral canoe, Araiteuru. The beach has a beautiful backdrop of rugged cliffs, dense vegetation, and a beachfront cafe that offers Instagram-worthy views of the South Pacific Ocean. It is worth noting that these boulders are protected by law, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment.
Located along the La Jolla shoreline, La Jolla Cove Beach is a small yet immensely popular beach with light brown sand. This north-facing beach is situated within a rocky cove - named the La Jolla Cove - below the northeastern part of a blufftop park called the Ellen Browning Scripps Park. There is a rocky point near the western part of La Jolla Cove Beach which protects the water near this beach from strong waves, making it a favorite spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. The bluff sides around the beach are composed of sandstone, and the view of La Jolla Cove is simply breathtaking, especially from nearby Torrey Pines.
Walney Island West Shore Beach, located in the serene town of Barrow in Furness in the United Kingdom, is a unique coastal retreat that spans several kilometers, featuring a blend of fine and coarse sand that shimmers beneath the sun. The beach offers a wide array of activities, including swimming, picnicking, walking, bird watching, and even nude bathing, making it a versatile destination for all types of visitors. Walney Island West Shore Beach has many amenities, including lifeguards on duty to ensure swimmer safety, accessible restrooms catering to visitors with disabilities, and a dog-friendly policy that welcomes your furry friends to enjoy the day out. Unfortunately, the beach does not offer camping or surfing activities. The comprehensive amenities, coupled with the vast array of activities available, make Walney Island West Shore Beach an outstanding choice for a day trip or an extended holiday escape.
Read More...Located in Plettenberg Bay on the southeastern coast of South Africa, Robberg Beach is popular with families, children, and locals because of its easy access, gorgeous views, and warm waters. This Blue Flag beach has many amenities including public restrooms, showers, lifeguard stations, and food vendors. Robberg Beach has two parking lots with security guards near the entrance of the beach but on crowded summer days, these lots fill up quickly so be sure to plan ahead. There is a stepped pathway that leads to the sand and wheelchair access on adjacent ramps.
The clear calm waters are great for swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. The golden sand stretches almost four kilometers and is the perfect place for long walks, jogs, and volleyball games. Robberg Beach is very popular for watching dolphins and seals from the shore – and if you visit from July to December, you can see the annual migration of whales. If you want a little exercise, Robberg Nature Reserve is only a 10-minute drive from the beach and offers many hiking trails on the Robberg Peninsula.
If you get hungry, you can take a short 5-minute walk to Full Circle Plett, a family-friendly restaurant that’s famous for its pizza. In the heart of Plettenberg Bay, you’ll also find many restaurants within a 10-minute drive of the beach. We like Indigo Bay Oceanfront Grill & Bar, a popular restaurant with fine dining and gorgeous ocean views. If you’re looking for casual dining, try Off The Hook for a quick afternoon bite and fresh seafood.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the many beachfront accommodations within walking distance of Robberg Beach. The Periwinkle Lodge is a 4-Star luxury lodge that offers private rooms with balconies and stunning panoramic views of the Robberg Peninsula. You can also stay at The Robberg Beach Lodge, a collection of luxury private beachfront villas with two outdoor pools. At the north end of Robberg Beach, you’ll find the Beacon Island Resort, a large family-friendly hotel that overlooks Plettenberg Bay.
Ilha de Tavira, nestled in the charming area of Santa Luzia in Portugal, is famed for its extensive stretches of golden sand that span several kilometers. Its serene beauty is complemented by the azure waters of the Atlantic, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful escape. While Ilha de Tavira may not cater to the typical surfer’s paradise due to the absence of surfing activities, it stands out for its allowance of nude sunbathing, offering a unique beach experience. Despite its allure, Ilha de Tavira has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does have beach-goers mainly rely on the natural surroundings for their beach day needs.
Read More...Channel Islands Harbor is a picturesque beach located in Oxnard, United States. The beach is approximately 2 miles long and boasts fine white sand.
Read More...Derawan Islands, located in Maratua Payung-payung, Indonesia, is a breathtaking archipelago renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The islands boast stunning beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white sand. The beach length varies across the islands, offering ample space for beachgoers to relax and bask in the tropical ambiance. The sand on these beaches is soft and inviting, making it perfect for leisurely walks and sunbathing.
Read More...South Shetland Islands, specifically Half Moon Island, located in Antarctica, offers a unique and pristine beach experience. The beach on Half Moon Island stretches along the coastline for a considerable length, providing ample space to explore and enjoy the stunning surroundings. The sand on the beach is typically light-colored, showcasing a beautiful contrast against the icy landscape.
Read More...Located off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, Sipadan Island is a stunning tropical paradise with crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The beach length is approximately 200 meters, and the sand color is a fine white powder.
Read More...Ka'Ena Point State Park is a secluded and pristine beach located on the northwestern coast of Oahu, in Waialua, United States. The beach is approximately 1,000 feet long and features soft, golden sand.
Read More...Located in the neighborhood of Waikiki, Kaimana Beach – also known as Kaimana Beach Park, Kaimana’s Beach, Sans Souci Beach, and San Souci Beach – is a wide beach with light brown sand, nearby palm trees and Hau trees, nearby rocky reefs, and a nearby rocky breakwater. The beach area is located adjacent to a war memorial named Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Kaimana Beach is a part of a much larger beach named Waikiki Beach.
