Read about our latest adventures and travel insights
Get exclusive travel tips, hidden gems, and destination guides delivered straight to your inbox. Join over 20,000 travelers who trust our expert advice!
Join for free! No spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.
Shoreline areas where water meets land, characterized by deposits of sand, pebbles, or shells shaped by wave action and tidal influences. These dynamic environments feature varying topography, water conditions, and surrounding landscapes that create distinctive beach experiences from intimate coves to expansive stretches of coastline.
Environments
The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is a glamorous stretch of coastline in southeastern France known for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant cultural scene. From the bustling markets of Nice to the opulent casinos of Monte Carlo, this region offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment amidst breathtaking Mediterranean views.
Riviera Maya is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Caribbean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich Mayan history. This popular tourist destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring ancient ruins such as Tulum and Coba. The region is also famous for its eco-parks and cenotes, providing unique experiences in nature.
San Diego, known for its stunning coastline and year-round mild climate, is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and culinary delights. From the world-famous San Diego Zoo to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of experiences in this beautiful Southern California destination.
Biarritz, a stunning coastal city in the southwest of France, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, surf culture, and luxurious spa facilities. Once a favored retreat for European royalty, Biarritz combines a rich history with vibrant modern life. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from surfing the Atlantic waves to exploring the charming streets filled with boutiques and cafes.
Hvar is a stunning island in the Adriatic Sea, known for its picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The island is rich in history, with charming medieval towns, ancient fortresses, and lush vineyards. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on beautiful beaches, exploring quaint streets, and savoring local cuisine, making Hvar a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
Lefkada, an island in the Ionian Sea, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages. Known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, Lefkada offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore the breathtaking coastline, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy various water sports.
Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States, is renowned for its stunning sunsets, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. This tropical paradise offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, with beautiful beaches, water sports, and a lively arts scene. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Duval Street.
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a rich history dating back to antiquity, visitors can explore the ancient city of Kamiros, the Acropolis of Lindos, and the Palace of the Grand Master, all while enjoying the island's vibrant nightlife and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Alicante, located on the Costa Blanca, is a stunning coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. Visitors can explore the historic Santa Bárbara Castle, stroll along the picturesque Explanada de España, and indulge in delicious Mediterranean cuisine. With its warm climate and welcoming atmosphere, Alicante is a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
The Greek Islands, a stunning archipelago in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. Each island boasts its unique charm, from the iconic white-washed buildings of Santorini to the lush greenery of Corfu. With a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, the Greek Islands are a paradise for travelers seeking sun-soaked getaways.
St. Martin/Sint Maarten, occupying just 37 square miles in the northeast Caribbean, holds the distinction of being the smallest landmass in the world shared by two sovereign nations—the northern French territory (Saint-Martin) and southern Dutch country (Sint Maarten)—each maintaining distinct cultural characteristics across an open border that allows free movement between the contrasting halves. The island's geography centers around a mountainous spine peaking at 1,400-foot Pic Paradis, from which lush hillsides cascade toward 37 beaches ranging from developed resort strands to hidden coves, with notable stretches including the two-mile curve of Orient Bay on the French side, frequently compared to the French Riviera for its beach clubs and water sports offerings, and the airplane-spotting mecca of Maho Beach on the Dutch side, where jets dramatically approach the adjacent Princess Juliana International Airport. The dual nationalities create fascinating contrasts: the French side (60% of land area but fewer residents) emphasizes European sophistication through gourmet cuisine in Grand Case, duty-free luxury shopping in Marigot, and a relaxed atmosphere with clothing-optional beaches and leisurely pace, while the Dutch side offers a more Americanized experience through casino gaming, extensive nightlife options around Simpson Bay, cruise ship facilities at Philipsburg, and larger-scale resorts and timeshare properties. Despite destructive impacts from Hurricane Irma in 2017 that required extensive rebuilding, St. Martin/Sint Maarten maintains its position as a premier Caribbean destination through unique attractions including the former plantation estate of Loterie Farm, the twice-daily spectacle of arriving and departing flights at Maho Beach, and the island's 16 distilleries producing guavaberry liqueurs and rum-based specialties. Throughout the year, visitors experience a cosmopolitan Caribbean atmosphere where multiple languages (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento) reflect the diverse influences shaping this small but culturally rich island that offers experiences ranging from hiking nature preserves to duty-free shopping within a compact, accessible geographic area.
Punta Cana, anchoring the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, stretches along 50 kilometers of pristine coastline where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, creating a resort destination centered around its exceptional beaches. The region's defining feature, a seemingly endless stretch of powdery white sand lined with tall coconut palms, encompasses more than 11 distinct beach zones including Bavaro, Macao, Arena Gorda, and Cabeza de Toro, each offering subtly different experiences from bustling resort frontage to more secluded natural areas. Unlike traditional Caribbean destinations with historic colonial towns, Punta Cana developed purposefully as a tourism zone beginning in the 1970s, with carefully planned all-inclusive resorts, championship golf courses designed by luminaries like Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus, and artificial attractions including a freshwater lagoon with springs and tropical vegetation. The surrounding waters feature protective coral reefs creating ideal conditions for diverse aquatic experiences—from swimming in tranquil turquoise shallows to deep-sea fishing in the nearby 3,000-foot-deep Mona Passage, which ranks among the Caribbean's premier sports fishing regions for marlin, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. Beyond beach-centered activities, visitors access ecological attractions including Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park with its 12 freshwater lagoons fed by underground rivers, Hoyo Azul cenote with its striking blue waters, and the dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests of nearby Samaná Peninsula. While culturally distinct from the Dominican Republic's historic cities like Santo Domingo, Punta Cana offers glimpses of authentic Dominican life through excursions to nearby sugar plantations, rural communities, and Higüey with its notable pilgrimage basilica, complementing its world-class tropical resort infrastructure with opportunities to experience local music, cuisine, and traditions.
Learn the ideal seasons to experience activities and attractions related to 'Beach'.
Learn MoreDiscover cultural norms and customs to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience in 'Beach'.
Learn MoreExplore child-friendly attractions, accommodations, and activities suitable for families in 'Beach'.
Learn More