Must Visit Destinations for a Beach Vacation
Planning the best beach vacation and choosing your destinations can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you have absolutely no idea where you are wanting to go. There are just so many options to choose from and so many possibilities for fun and adventure. There are wonderful and beautiful beaches all over the world and they all have qualities that make them worth seeing at least once.
Each place has its own unique feel and personality. From the luxuriousness of a tropical resort to the quaint beauty and splendor of a beach chalet hideaway, there are a wide variety of options to consider. Sometimes there are beautiful beaches that are almost literally in our own back yard while there are many other spectacular beaches that are in faraway exotic locations you may have never even dreamed of.
On this website you will find helpful and informative guides to the some of the best beaches in the world. Along with helpful information about the beach areas themselves, we also include a list and description of the activities that are available within the local area.
We include detailed descriptions of each beach and what to expect when you get there. You will also find that we have provided a few photographs of each destination to help you to better visualize your experience before you actually commit to your vacation plans. We give a list of the best beaches in each area and list the qualities of each as far as what activities are available, and whether the beach is a natural preservation area.
Whether you are looking to catch some awesome waves in that perfect surfing spot, find the ideal warm tropical place to swim and sun, ship off on a boating voyage, enjoy a splendorous nature excursion, go on a kayaking adventure, or get away to that idyllic romantic beach destination, we have a little something for everyone searching for the best beach vacation.
Best Beaches in Florida
Best Beaches of Florida
Because of its long coastline, Florida is home to a large number of beautiful beaches. That is one of the main reasons that Florida has such a wide variety of popular vacation destinations. The state of Florida’s extensive coastline features some of the most stunningly gorgeous beaches on the planet. These variety of these beaches offer everything from the calm soothing waters of the gulf coast to the highly surfed waves of the east Atlantic coastline.
Apart from the beaches themselves, there are a wide variety of activities available regardless of your vacation. Scuba diving is great for those who want to experience the wonder that is hidden beneath the oceans mysterious depths. If you are just wanting to stick your head in the water for a brief peak of life in the shallow waters snorkeling is also a fun activity to consider. For those who prefer staying dry there are always glass bottom boat tours that give you a peak at what lies beneath the waters below.
Whether you like boating, wakeboarding, boogie boarding, surfing, fishing, jet skiing, or just want some simple rest and relaxation while soaking up that Florida sun, there are a great number of options available for people looking for fun things to do at the beach. There are also many different theme parks and attractions that are never very far from the roar of the ocean.
We have compiled a brief list of what we consider to be the top beach areas of Florida’s marvelous coastline. You will be provided with the information that you need to help you decide your destinations easily and quickly without having to scour the internet looking for bits and pieces of relevant information. Everything that is relevant to Florida’s best beaches is right here neatly summarized for your convenience.
Bradenton Beach
Situated along the gorgeously serene waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the beautiful blue waters of Tampa Bay, the Bradenton area is encircled by countless bodies and streams of water freshwater as well as saltwater. It is an extremely beautiful area with over twenty miles of expansive and marvelously stunning beaches. Within and around the area of Bradenton there are plenty of places that are perfect for those who like the water and you can swim, fish , or boat to your heart’s content. Bradenton is the ideal place for those who are looking for a little water related recreation and fun.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a beautiful beach that also has beaches of equivalent beauty located both to the north and to the south. This centralized location makes Clearwater Beach the perfect vacation spot. There is something for everyone in the Clearwater area. If you are wanting a lot of active fun and adventure there are plenty of beaches and activities for you. For those who are looking to relax and bask the peaceful, sun-soaked serenity of a quiet beach vacation, there are also calm and tranquil beaches.
The city of Clearwater is linked to Clearwater Beach by an easily accessible land bridge that is wonderfully landscaped. This beautiful barrier island beach can be easily reached by the convenient pedestrian and bicycle paths. Once your are here you have access to a long stretch of beautiful barrier islands that have a seemingly endless stretch of marvelously, pristine white sand beaches that line the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
There are a vast myriad of fun activities available to you in Clearwater. There are party boats and rental boats available for a wide variety of uses including fishing as well as charter boats. There are many other fun activities available to those with an adventurous spirit including parasailing, fishing trips (both full-day and half-day), and dolphin watching.
Daytona Beach
Located in east central Florida, Daytona beach is an extremely popular tourist spot and there are many good reasons for that. The twenty-three mile long five-hundred feet wide beach of densely packed sand makes Daytona beach perfect for driving vehicles on. This is why it was used for car racing in the early days of the automobile. Daytona beach is extremely crowded during the summer months and quiet and relaxing during the winter.
Comprised of a number of smaller beach communities that come together to form a veritable seaside park that is full of a wide variety of fun attractions and activities for the whole family. This collection of beach communities begins with Ormond-by-the-Sea to the north and Ponce Inlet to the south. If you prefer white sandy beaches, New Smyrna Beach located next to Titusville, just south of Daytona is a very nice private beach. Also, those who like lighthouses should be sure to visit Ponce de Leon Inlet.
Fort Lauderdale
The Fort Lauderdale area boasts miles and miles of gorgeous beaches that are beautifully lined with palm trees. This area also has a wide variety of streams and waterways making it a great place for those who love the water. There are over one hundred canals and navigable streams of water that run into the residential districts. Some restaurants are even equipped to accommodate people who are traveling by boat.
Fort Lauderdale is bustling with attractions and activities that will satisfy those who are looking for excitement as well as those who just looking for a little rest and relaxation.
Best Beaches of Kaua’i
Kauai’s name means garden isle and from the very first moment that you arrive on this wonderful island it is easy to see why it is touted by many as the most picturesque of the Hawaiian islands. Kauai is the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian island chain. Kauai is an island of beautiful extremes from Waimea Canyon which Mark Twain called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” to the beautiful cascading waterfalls of the Napali Coast.
There are many beautiful natural wonders to explore on the island of Kauai and many activities to keep you busy during your stay on this wonderful and truly magical island.
We have created a very short list of the best beaches on the island of Kauai and what you can expect from them. Whether you are looking to relax and unwind, spend a day at the beach soaking up sun and surf, or explore a beautifully natural lush garden paradise, the magical island of Kauai truly has something for everyone.
Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach is the most visited beach on Kauai’s southern shore. The are many reasons for the popularity of Poipu Beach. It has a calm area of natural breakwater that makes it a perfect beach for families to visit and go swimming and snorkeling with their kids. Away from the swimming spot the ocean floor starts to gradually slope to overhead depths. The tide is perfect for surfing and body boarding. Whether you looking to relax in the sun or enjoy the surf, this is the perfect place to leave your cares behind and escape from all of everyday life’s cares and worries.
Ke’e Beach
Located on Kauai’s northern shore between the Napali coast and Limahuli Stream, Ke’e beach is known for its beautifully picturesque sunsets. The crystal clear waters of the reef lagoon make it the perfect place for those who are wanting to snorkel. With its clear blue waters and lush vegetation, Ke’e Beach is the definitive tropic beach paradise. If you love to go snorkeling and are wanting to relax and enjoy one of the natural wonders of the south pacific then you should definitely pay Ke’e beach a visit.
Hanalei Bay Beach
The fantastic views from Hanalei Bay help to create what could possibly be the most beautiful backdrop of all of the Hawaiian beaches. The island of Kauai’s biggest bay, Hanalei Bay Beach is accentuated by a dream world setting of amazingly beautiful waterfalls and lush green mountains that are draped in mist and tower far into the skies above. There are huge coral reefs that are situated at either end of the bay and Hanalei Beach itself is two miles in length.
If you are looking for aquatic adventures then Hanalei Bay most certainly has something to offer you. There are many activities available for those who like boating, kayaking, surfing, or are simply looking to get their feet wet. Hanalei Bay has a little something to offer everyone, making it truly the most spectacular beach vacation destination of all.
Best Beaches of Oahu
Oahu is the third biggest island of the Hawaiian Islands and it is the most heavily populated of the islands boasting a whopping seventy-five percent of the entire population of the state of Hawaii. Waikiki is a very popular vacation destination that is highly favored by tourists, but there are many other wonderful places to visit on Oahu. This island is a virtual haven of beautiful beaches.
Listed below are a few of the best beaches that you definitely don’t want to miss if you are visiting the beautiful island of Oahu. On Oahu you will find a wide variety of activities and opportunities for some serious rest and relaxation as well as adventurous fun in the Hawaiian sun.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and it is without a doubt one of the most spectacular in all of Hawaii. With its glittering white sands and pristine clear blue waters, Lanikai beach is an ocean lovers dream come true. The beautiful scenery and spectacular views attract many photographers to the marvelous sandy shores. Swaying palms and two nearby neighboring islands visible in the distance all help to make Lanikai one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
The clear waters of Lanikai beach make it ideal for swimming and especially snorkeling. In fact, many of the locals will be happy to tell you that they consider Lanikai to be the best beach for swimming. So if you enjoy picturesque scenery that includes powdery white sands, swaying palms, and clear blue waters, then you may just hear Lanikai Beach calling you to visit.
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on all of Oahu. It offers a little bit of everything from relaxing fun in the sun to all kinds of ocean recreational activities such surfing and swimming. The fine sand of this beach makes it perfect for lying in the sun as well as all kinds of other beach recreation imaginable. The Kailua area is also world renowned for being an excellent spot for wind surfing. You can purchase and/or rent both lessons and windsurfing equipment at local businesses.
So if you are into surfing, windsurfing, or are simply looking for a fun and/or relaxing day at the beach, then perhaps Kailua Beach is the vacation destination for you.
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki is Hawaiian for “Sprouting Water”. Waikiki Beach is a world renowned beach and because of this people from all over the globe flock to its sandy shores. There are a wide array of hotels and tourist attractions located along this 2 miles stretch of beach and because of its popularity it is almost always crowded. If you are looking to be where the people are then Waikiki is the beach for you. With plenty of restaurants and places to shop, there is certainly plenty of things in Waikiki to keep an entire family busy There are also a wide array of beach and ocean activities you can do such as swimming, surfing, body boarding, boogie boarding, and much, much more.
Best Beaches of Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most spectacularly beautiful beaches on the entire planet. The Hawaiian islands are a volcanically formed island chain and the ages of the islands varies greatly. This is one of the many reasons why Hawaii has such a wide variety of different beaches to visit. From white sand beaches to the more exotic volcanic black sand beaches, Hawaiian beaches also range from easily accessible beaches to ones that are only reachable by helicopter or aircraft that are capable of making water landings. The ones that are listed here are all perfectly suitable for those who are looking for that for a grand beach vacation. They have been grouped by the islands on which they are located.
Best Beaches of Maui
Maui is the second biggest island in the Hawaiian Island chain. Because of its relatively small population, it is a very popular vacation destination. There are plenty of fun activities for people to do on the island of Maui and wide variety of fantastically beautiful beaches to enjoy and explore.
Kapalua Bay Beach
Actually labeled “America’s Best Beach” in ’91 when it was given first place in a list of over six hundred other beaches. Kapalua Bay beach is a very popular vacation spot with its swaying palm tress, beautiful golden sand, and the relaxing tranquility of its quiet surf. The calm waters of this idyllic beach are perfect for those who are simply wanting to relax and are also great for families who are vacationing with young children or less-than experienced swimmers. There are also a wide variety of water sport rental possibilities available for those who are a bit more adventurous.
Although this beach is more ideal for those wishing to take it easy. Kapalua Bay Beach is also a great place for vacationing families and those looking for some quiet fun in the sun and surf.
Kaanapali Black Rock Beach
Also known as Dig Me Beach, eka’a Beach, and Canoe beach, Kaanapali Beach is the ultimate beach for water sports enthusiasts. About every kind of ocean activity you could possibly think of is on hand for those who are looking for a little adventure either above or below the waves. Kaanapali Black Rock Beach gets its name from the huge black volcanic rock that divides the beach.
Kaanapali Black Rock Beach fronts two very beautiful resorts. This makes for a very crowded and happening beach. Kaanapali Beach is perfect for those who love to have plenty of activities to keep them busy. There are plenty of restaurants, places to shop, sailing, fishing, kayaking, boat tours, and a whole host of other fun ways to spend your vacation. If you are looking for energetic fun in the sun and surf, then Kaanapali Beach just might be the vacation destination for you.
Best Beaches of North Carolina
The State of North Carolina has some truly wonderful and underrated beaches. The most beautiful of these sandy marvels are located along the region known as “The Outer Banks”. Many of these beaches are unspoiled natural wonders that have been left untouched by commercial development. The outer banks region boasts much history as well as an air of mystery as the site of the famous lost Colony of Sir Walter Raleigh is located on the outer banks. If you enjoy the beauty of natural beaches and like flying kites or windsurfing then The Outer Banks of North Carolina may be the perfect beach vacation destination for you.
Duck Beach
At the very northernmost tip of The Outer Banks lies Duck Beach. This area boasts much natural beauty and old fashioned allure. It was originally given the name Duck Beach because of the huge population of water birds that migrated through the area in times long past. The ducks are mostly gone but the name stuck and when you visit Duck Beach you will most likely agree that is indeed a fitting name for such a charmingly beautiful place.
Duck is bustling with activity all year long as it is a popular spot for tourists as well as those who are vacationing along the Outer Banks. There are a wide variety of activities available in the ocean and on the sound for those who enjoy the water.
Ocracoke Island
The beautiful and remote island of Ocracoke can only be reached by boat or aircraft. As part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, it is the southernmost of the Outer Banks island chain, it has been recently voted as one of the best beaches of North America and for good reasons.
Ocracoke island offers a wide variety of attractions and activities that are sure to please any and everyone who has the good fortune of vacationing there. With the placid waters of Pamlico sound on the west side and the waves of the Atlantic lapping the eastern shore, there are definitely plenty of options for those who love the water and water related activities. Ocracoke Island has over sixteen miles of natural wilderness beaches for you to explore and admire. There are also a large number of campgrounds available for those wishing to be close to nature. For those who love boating and fishing there are charter boats that are available as well. Birdwatchers will also love Ocracoke island as there are several species that migrate through the area.