Strongest Riptide Beaches

Panama City Beach is a stunning vacation destination that combines tranquil, island paradise with bustling city life. A strip of skyscrapers sits along the golden sand, creating the paradoxical aesthetic that is unique to this Floridian beach. If you're looking for a beach with plenty of thrills and adventures, Panama City Beach is the destination for you.

This beach is the ultimate beach-palooza, with a myriad of watersports, including boating, fishing, parasailing, diving, and more. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the turquoise waters of the Gulf Mexico by swimming with dolphins, deep-sea fishing on a charter boat, scuba diving through sunken ships and colorful reefs, and more. Scuba diving is especially popular among the artificial reefs of historic shipwrecks, including the Black Bart, World War II Liberty Ship, and Empire Mica. Further your underwater adventures with Panama City Dive Center, which offers diving lessons and the chance to become scuba-certified.

Jet-skiing on a Yamaha Waverunner is another popular beach activity. Enjoy your beach day by slicing through the bright blue waters at incredible speeds. Stand-up paddleboarding is another fun pastime on the beach or on nearby lagoons and rivers -- you can even fish or do yoga on your board! Parasailing is an adrenaline-filled experience above sparkling, blue coastline that many beachgoers go for during the summer months. At the end of the day, head to Saltwater Grill for amazing seafood and cocktails, or to Firefly for a romantic dinner under twinkling lights. It's clear that Panama City Beach is a legendary sandy paradise, complete with water activities, gorgeous views, and great food. Is Panama City Beach the beach for you? Come to Florida's northern coast yourself to find out.

Situated on Florida’s Space Coast an hour east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach is a tropical beach paradise that feels remote despite being accessible from the big city.

With lush trees and greenery, scenic walkways that lead to the beach’s thick white sand, and crystal clear water, Cocoa Beach is the quintessential Florida beach paradise. Getting there is a breeze, as the beach offers plentiful street parking. And once you arrive, you’ll find its amenities to be plentiful. Looking for a more restful beach day? Lounge on Cocoa Beach in comfort with chairs and picnic tables, and seek refuge from the sun with umbrellas. Prefer a day of adventure? Paddle-board, surf, snorkel, or swim in its crystal clear water. Hike through the beach’s nearby nature preserves, and explore stunning exotic wildlife and plants. Or grab your fishing rod and bait, and try to catch one of the Florida Space Coast’s many exotic fish.

Looking for a change of pace? For some top-notch fine dining and shopping, head to Cocoa Village, a revitalized riverside community with restaurants, galleries, local shops, and artist studios. Craving some authentic Southern Barbeque? Visit Cryderman’s Barbecue, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering brisket and excellent pork ribs. For some top-notch Thai grub, head to Thai Thai Cocoa Village, a local spot offering authentic Thai and Japanese cuisine with locally sourced beers and wines. Craving boba? Stop by Mima’s Cafe & Tea Bar and grab a refreshing milk tea or iced coffee. And for a day of learning and enrichment. visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center, where beachgoers can tour launch-pads, meet veteran astronauts, see giant rockets, interact with space simulators, and even view a rocket launch.

For beachgoers spending the night by Cocoa Beach, there are a number of excellent local hotels. At the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, experience top-tier service, luxurious and spacious rooms, and an incredible beachside location. Prefer a hotel offering unbeatable value? Check-in at the Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites, an affordable hotel with spacious oceanfront suites.

We’ve all heard of Miami’s South Beach. Featured heavily in iconic films such as Scarface, Miami Vice, Baywatch, Goldfinger, and Ride Along, it’s one of the world’s most famed and instantly recognizable beaches. With its iconic Ocean Drive, renowned restaurants, luxury shopping, opulent hotels and resorts, and bustling nightclubs, South Beach is possibly the world’s most popular beach destination. Additionally, Miami Beach – South was named theBest Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.”

When you arrive at South Beach, you’ll immediately notice the beach’s incredible views. From the sand, beachgoers marvel at Miami Beach’s skyline. With its art-deco architecture, dramatic modern high-rises, and sky-scraping palm trees, the skyline is arguably South Florida’s most iconic sight.

Once you walk onto South Beach’s glistening golden sand, you’ll see that South Beach is more than just a tourist destination. It’s a naturally stunning beach in its own right. With vibrant turquoise water and glistening golden, it’s the perfect place to lounge and enjoy nature while just steps from the big city. While you’re there, be sure to catch South Beach’s vibrant sunsets, which peak at around 7 pm.

Located in the Makena Beach State Park, Big Beach stretches over half a mile and is relatively wide compared to surrounding spots, offering plenty of space for everyone. This beach is located in between two black-lava outcroppings which protects it from the winds and offers a stunning view of the small islands Kahoolawe and Molokini. With amenities such as bathrooms, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and food concessions available, Big Beach is the perfect destination for those who want to comfortably enjoy Maui’s amazing nature scene.

The waves at this beach are very large, and they attract lots of boogie boarders and surfers. That being said, be very careful when swimming here, as there are sometimes riptide occurrences that can be dangerous for young children. If in doubt, there are plenty of lifeguard stations on the beach that can inform you of the water conditions. Fishing is another popular activity at this beach, with plenty of spots available along the shore. For adults, you can also access Little Beach from this location, which is a small isolated cove that is a well-known nude beach site.

If you get hungry, Jazzy’s Kitchen is a Mexican food truck that is very popular among locals for their signature fish tacos and quesadillas. It is parked right next to the beach most weekdays and is available for lunch and dinner. We also like Monkeypod Kitchen, a farm-to-table eatery with fresh Hawaiian cuisine and a large list of cocktails and craft beers. You can also take a 9-minute drive to Ko Restaurant, a white-tablecloth seafood eatery run by renowned Chef Tylun Pang.

If you need a place to stay, take an 11-minute drive to Residence Inn by Marriott, a 3-Star all-suite hotel that provides a family-friendly environment and offers amenities such as an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast. Another excellent option is Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria resort that spans 40 acres along Wailea Beach and sports 9 outdoor pools and a 2000 feet long river with waterslides. You can also take a 9-minute drive to Fairmont Kea Lani, a 5-Star resort located next to the Wailea Golf Club with upscale dining options and a 24/7 fitness facility.

Located in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a large beach with white sand and palm trees and is next to a beautiful background of oceanfront high-rise buildings. Fort Lauderdale Beach sees fewer visitors than other more popular Florida beaches and this makes the beach have a calm atmosphere. A recreational park named Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is also present near this beach. As an interesting fact, the 1960 movie Where The Boys Are was filmed around Fort Lauderdale Beach. 

Fort Lauderdale Beach has been named the 35th Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.”

Connecting South Beach and North Beach is Mid-Beach, which is considered by many to be Miami’s beach neighborhood of the moment. Located near a number of large parking garages, Mid-Beach is easily accessible and convenient. Covering Collins Avenue from the 25th to 50th Streets, Mid-Beach, with its stunning beachfront and views, vibrant atmosphere, diverse amenities, is a destination for Miami beachgoers looking for the liveliness of South Beach with a more upscale and traditional twist.

Separated from bustling Collins Avenue by a raised boardwalk, Mid-Beach is pristine and has kept its natural beauty in the face of massive urban development. It has vibrant turquoise water, glistening white sand, and is lined with lush greenery and tall trees. Its walking paths lead to benches and trails with panoramic views of the Miami Skyline, the Florida coastline, and Fisher Island.

If you’re looking to do more than just lie on the sand during your beach day, Mid-Beach has you covered. Mid-Beach has bike paths, fishing areas, volleyball courts, and a variety of water sports such as sailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and paddle-boarding, which promise to keep adrenaline junkies entertained. And, if you’re with kids, take them to the Indian Beach Park Tot Lot located at 46 and Collins Ave. There you will find swings, slides, climbers, canopies, and other fun play areas where the little ones can roam freely.

And while Mid-Beach is already a destination during the day, it absolutely comes alive at night. After the sun sets, Mid-Beach offers world-class nightlife and dining. Looking to party at one of the world’s most popular and exclusive nightclubs? Go to Club LIV at the Fontainebleau Hotel, a celebrity favorite hotspot that offers the ambiance of an ultra-exclusive lounge with the energy of a nightclub. Want the best handcrafted cocktails in Miami? Go to the Broken Shaker, an award-winning bar known for its incredible drinks. If you’re looking for a fun night without the hangover, go to Malibu Farm, a California-style eatery with possibly the best panoramic ocean views in Miami. When you’re ready to call it a night, head over to the Fontainebleau Hotel and get your beauty sleep at one of the city’s most iconic hotels.

Located in the island of Hawai'i (popularly known as Big Island), Hapuna Beach - also known as Hapuna Beach Park and Hāpuna Beach - is a large and popular half-mile-long beach with light brown sand nearby and dense forests. Hapuna Beach is situated along a portion of the Hawaiian coastline named "Kohala'' after the nearby Kohala Mountain. This beach is a part of a state park named Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area. A rocky promontory is also present near the beach - this promontory is named Ihumoku. The beach and the nearby bay (named Hāpuna Bay) are named after Leina-Hāpuna, who was an ancient Hawaiian noble.  This beach changes its size depending on the season - during summers Hapuna Beach can become very wide (reaching up to 200 feet in width), while in winters, Hapuna Beach can see a massive size reduction. Hapuna Beach is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The name of the beach (Hapuna) means "spring of life" in the Hawaiian language. A coral reef is present in the water near the southern end of the beach.

Fingal Head Beach is a stunning seaside destination located in Fingal Head, Australia. The beach boasts a length of approximately 1.2 km and features soft golden sands that stretch for miles.

North Beach, South Beach’s more mellow counterpart, is quickly becoming Miami Beach’s next destination. Located about 25 minutes away from Downtown Miami and South Beach, North Beach is attracting travelers looking for a beach day that is quiet and relaxing, while still offering Miami’s flair and lively urban atmosphere.

When you ask a Miami native about North Beach, she’ll probably first tell you about its beauty. The beach is wide, with clear turquoise waters and a dramatic shoreline that is hugged by the Miami skyline. Unlike some of Miami’s other bustling and occasionally rowdy beaches, North Beach isn’t nearly as packed, which preserves its natural beauty and serene setting. Situated on North Beach is North Beach Oceanside Park, which is a lush urban park that sits alongside the sandy shore. Lined with tall old-growth trees and greenery, filled with amenities such as barbecue and picnic areas, playgrounds, concessions, showers, a dog run, and convenient street parking, the park enhances North Beach’s natural beauty and creates a more enjoyable setting.

But North Beach is much more than a beach. It’s also a dynamic urban area with activities to keep beachgoers of all ages entertained. Just seven minutes off of North Beach is The Spa at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, which is the largest and one of the most prolific spas in Miami. From its Finnish sauna to its rooftop pool and crystal steam room, The Spa is the perfect place for anyone looking to double down on relaxation after their beach day. For beachgoers seeking more exciting activities, the North Beach Bandshell is an open-air amphitheater that locals frequent for its many concerts and shows. And when everyone is hungry, North Beach has a variety of great restaurants. Sazon Cuban Cuisine and Cafe Prima Pasta are popular local spots known for their affordable and authentic offerings, as well as their ambiance. When you call it a night, check-in at the Sea Side Resort & Spa in North Beach or the Waterside Hotel, two local boutique hotels with top-notch hospitality and central locations.

Located at the base of oceanfront mountains, Hanakapiai Beach – also called Hanakapi’ai Beach – is a popular and beautiful beach with light brown sand, a large amount of large black rocks, pebbles, and many nearby trees and caves in northwestern Kauai.  This beach is approximately 2 miles long and a part of a state park named Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.  The Hanakapi’ai Stream flows through this beach – once it passes this beach, it flows into the Pacific Ocean.  The beach loses a lot of sand and becomes very rocky and pebbly during winters because the turbulent Pacific Ocean washes away the sand here.  Yahoo.com listed this beach as one of the world’s most athletic beaches.  

Located in the southern part of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monastery Beach - also known as Mortuary Beach and San Jose Creek Beach - is a popular arch-shaped beach in Monterey County that is a part of Carmel River State Beach. This beach, like many in California's state parks, boasts a wide and sloping stretch of light brown, coarse sand. The water near the beach is deep and has very strong currents due to an underwater canyon called the Carmel Canyon present nearby. Monastery Beach gets its name from the Carmelite Monastery which is situated adjacent to it. In addition, the beach gets its alternative name, San Jose Creek Beach, due to the fact that the San Jose Creek flows near the beach through the Point Lobos Ranch. Monastery Beach, consistent with many state parks, provides lifeguards and restrooms and allows dogs on leash.