When summer rolls around, there’s no better place to be than on a stunning beach with the sun shining down, salt air blowing your hair, and the waves gently lapping at your feet. It’s a perfect getaway from the busy life in the city, a chance to savor local cuisine with fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Just thinking about it makes you want to book that flight and take your first dip in the water, right? Choosing the perfect beach is going to be easy with these top picks for the best beaches for a summer getaway.
Contents
- 1 Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
- 2 Maui, Hawaii
- 3 Bondi Beach, Australia
- 4 Maldives
- 5 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- 6 Tulum, Mexico
- 7 Red Beach, Greece
- 8 Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
- 9 Patong Beach, Thailand
- 10 Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
- 11 Nusa Dua Beach, Indonesia
- 12 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- 13 Nanuya Lailai Beach, Fiji
- 14 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- 15 Navagio Beach, Greece
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Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is a world-renowned destination known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and enjoying vibrant nightlife. The Diamond Head backdrop adds a unique charm to this bustling beach. Waikiki offers a mix of luxury resorts, excellent dining options, and plenty of activities, from surfing lessons to catamaran cruises.
Maui, Hawaii
Another gem from Hawaii. Maui’s beaches, like Kaanapali and Wailea, are known for their beautiful sands and clear waters. Maui offers diverse activities from snorkeling at Molokini Crater to windsurfing at Ho’okipa Beach. The Road to Hana drive is a scenic adventure not to be missed. The island’s diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests and volcanic craters, make it a versatile destination for nature lovers.
Bondi Beach, Australia
Bondi Beach is iconic for its golden sands and excellent surf waves. Located near Sydney, it offers a lively atmosphere with trendy cafes, shops, and the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. The beach’s shark nets ensure safe swimming conditions. Bondi is also a cultural hub, hosting events like the Bondi Openair Cinema and the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.
Maldives
The Maldives is often regarded as a dream destination, celebrated for its stunning overwater bungalows and vibrant coral reefs. This tropical paradise consists of 26 atolls, comprising over 1,000 coral islands, each offering unique beauty and tranquility.
One of the Maldives’ most iconic features is its luxurious overwater bungalows, providing direct access to the crystal-clear turquoise waters. These accommodations offer an unparalleled experience of waking up to panoramic ocean views, with many resorts offering private decks, plunge pools, and even glass floors for observing marine life below. Secluded beaches with powdery white sands and swaying palm trees make the Maldives an idyllic spot for honeymooners and those seeking a serene escape.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is the definition of luxury and natural beauty. Its stunning lagoon, surrounded by a barrier reef, is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring vibrant coral gardens. The overwater bungalows provide an unforgettable stay. Bora Bora’s clear waters are home to a variety of marine life, including rays and reef sharks, offering unique snorkeling and diving experiences.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum’s beach is famous for its soft white sand and ancient Mayan ruins. The clear, warm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The nearby cenotes (natural sinkholes) offer unique diving experiences. Tulum’s eco-chic vibe attracts travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and cultural exploration, with plenty of yoga retreats and wellness centers.
Red Beach, Greece
Red Beach in Santorini, Greece, is renowned for its striking red and black volcanic sands, created by iron-rich rocks and pebbles. The beach offers a stunning contrast with the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea, making it a popular spot for photography. Ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling, it features unique underwater rock formations and marine life. Access to Red Beach involves a short hike or boat ride, adding a touch of adventure. Its distinctive color and dramatic scenery make it one of Santorini’s most iconic beaches.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
The Seychelles, an enchanting archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and pristine beaches. Anse Source d’Argent, one of its most famous beaches, features striking pink sands and dramatic granite boulders, creating a picturesque and unique landscape. The clear, turquoise waters surrounding the islands are ideal for diving and snorkeling, offering vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. The Seychelles is also known for its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, including the giant tortoises that inhabit several of the islands.
Patong Beach, Thailand
Patong Beach is arguably the most well-known and vibrant beach on Phuket Island. Located on the west coast of Phuket, Patong Beach is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, lively nightlife, and wide range of activities. The beach stretches over 3 kilometers and features soft, golden sands that contrast beautifully with the clear blue waters. Patong Beach is a hub of activity, with numerous water sports available, including jet skiing, parasailing, and surfing. The shallow waters near the shore make it ideal for swimming, while the deeper waters further out are perfect for more adventurous activities.
Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island in the Bahamas is predominantly white mixed with tiny, pink grains created by microscopic coral insects called foraminifera. The calm, clear turquoise waters, protected by a coral reef, make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The soft, powdery sand is perfect for leisurely walks and sunbathing, ensuring a tranquil experience. Luxurious resorts and boutique hotels line the beach, offering world-class amenities and stunning views. Pink Sands Beach is a must-visit for its striking beauty and serene atmosphere.
Nusa Dua Beach, Indonesia
Nusa Dua Beach is renowned for its pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious atmosphere. Located on the southeastern coast of Bali, it features calm waters protected by an offshore reef, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The beach is well-maintained and surrounded by high-end hotels, offering excellent facilities like beachside restaurants and water sports centers. Known for its beautiful sunrises, Nusa Dua is ideal for early morning walks. The combination of natural beauty, calm waters, and luxurious amenities makes it a premier beach destination in Bali.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of sandy shores with a family-friendly atmosphere. The beach’s boardwalk features amusement parks, restaurants, and shops. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports. Myrtle Beach’s golf courses, live entertainment, and festivals add to its appeal as a summer destination, providing a diverse range of activities for all ages.
Nanuya Lailai Beach, Fiji
Nanuya Lailai Beach, located in the Yasawa Islands, is a secluded paradise known for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. The beach is an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, with coral reefs just offshore. Nanuya Lailai offers a more intimate experience with fewer crowds and a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. Visitors can stay in rustic beachside bungalows and enjoy activities such as hiking, exploring nearby caves, and experiencing traditional Fijian culture. This beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant beach destination located along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It is known for its beautiful beaches with soft white sands and clear turquoise waters, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like snorkeling and diving. The beach’s proximity to the vibrant Fifth Avenue with its shops, restaurants, and nightlife makes it a popular destination for tourists. The nearby Cozumel Island and cenotes provide exciting day trip opportunities.
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of Greece’s most iconic and photographed beaches. Located on the island of Zakynthos, it is famous for its stunningly beautiful and secluded cove, which is framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and home to the wreck of a ship named Panagiotis, adding a sense of intrigue and history. The beach’s clear blue waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, offering an unforgettable experience of natural beauty. Accessible only by boat, Navagio Beach provides a unique sense of adventure and exclusivity.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.