101 Sand n' Surf Hotspots


1 Red Beach
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, the quintessential Greek isle in the Cyclades, features houses stacked on cliffs with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, fresh seafood and an incredible atmosphere. With several local white- and black-sand beaches, Red Beach is possibly the most stunning, thanks to a nearby collapsed volcano and cave houses in the cliff side that were turned into luxurious holiday resorts.

 


2 Ruby Beach
Forks, WA
Ruby Beach is accessible from a trail that cuts through the maritime forest and leads to the coast. When travelers reach the end, they can go south to the glorious Ruby Beach or head north to the mouth of the Hoh River.

 

 


3 Ipanema Beach
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The most-visited city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro offers an endless supply of water- and land-based activities. Complete with a surreal cityscape, unbelievable sand and surf, and some of the most beautiful people in the world, Ipanema Beach offers an eyeful of wonder of various kinds.

 

 


4 Matira Beach
Matira Point, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is one of the most secluded, most romantic islands in the world, with surreal and captivating beauty. The water is a kaleidoscope of shimmering jade, sapphire and turquoise blues.

 

 


5 Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Avon, NC
As one of the largest preserved parcels of the Outer Banks, this national seashore stretches across 70 miles of coastline. It encompasses 7 villages on Hatteras Island and provides visitors with undisturbed, scenic beaches, as well as some of the prettiest natural drives on the East Coast.

 

 


6 Playa Chac Mool
Cancun, Mexico
Playa Chac Mool is an expansive stretch of beautiful white sand and lovely aqua waters, characterizing the beaches of Cancun. The premier party destination in Mexico — and one of the best in the entire world — this resort town is more than just a popular spring-break spot.

 

 


7 Wai'anapanapa State Park
Hana, HI
The eastern shore of Maui offers a lush world accessible by the twisting Hana Highway, which leads to the ultimate secluded nature destination. The otherworldly black-volcanic-sand beaches, hidden caves, tall jungle trees and roaring, swimmable waterfalls illustrate the sensory experience of Wai’anapanapa State Park.

 

 


8 Caves Branch Jungle Lodge
Belmopan, Belize
Suit up for adventure and invade the shadowy, ancient Mayan caves, led by experienced Caves Branch guides. Discover primitive Mayan artifacts, such as face carvings and original pottery, as well as natural wall formations.

 

 


9 Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, ME
Acadia National Park in Maine was the first national park in the eastern US. With endless beauty and diversity, this rugged coast has many plants and animals, as well as the tallest mountain on the country’s Atlantic coast. Stewman’s Lobster Pound has 2 locations, the only authentic oceanfront lobster pounds in Bar Harbor, ME.

 

 


10 Playa Grande
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Mostly unpopulated and consisting mainly of a wildlife nature reserve, 20-mile-long Vieques Island is the eco-friendly alternative for your Puerto Rico getaway. Explore the sugar mill ruins, head to the rugged and scenic Playa Grande Beach, or experience bioluminescence, the process by which micro-organisms illuminate when agitated in the water, at BioBay.

 


11 South Beach
Miami Beach, FL
þ
By day, South Beach is known for its colorful art-deco cityscape, which provides a surreal backdrop to the crystal-blue beaches. By night, the beach’s dynamically thriving nightlife takes over.

 

 


12 Rixos the Palm Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai’s Palm Islands make up the world’s largest man-made island — it can literally be seen from space — and are known for providing the most decadent of vacation experiences. Rixos the Palm Dubai is an unprecedented 5-star resort that offers top-level rooms and suites, gourmet chefs, spas, steam rooms, fitness centers and tons of watersports.

 


13 Venice Beach
Los Angeles, CA
þ
One of the most famous beaches and boardwalks in the world, Venice Beach in Los Angeles hosts millions of visitors every year who come to enjoy the sights and check out some of the wildest characters around. Featuring quirky street performers, various vendors and exceptional fishing, it’s no surprise that Venice Beach is a must-see.

 


14 Playa Los Cerritos
Todos Santos, Mexico
As one of the last places in the country that sustains its old-school Mexican feel, Los Cerritos in Todos Santos offers extraordinary surfing and a passionate art scene.

 

 

 


15 CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa
Anguilla, United Kingdom
Anguilla is one of the smaller Caribbean islands — and one of its best-kept secrets. Mere steps from the beach on Rendezvous Bay sits the exclusive CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. It’s surrounded by lush, tropical plant life and the world’s only hydroponic farm.

 

 


16 White Sand Beach
Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand
In the isolated islands of the Trat province, on the western shore of Ko Chang, lies gorgeous White Sand Beach. Relax in the beach’s rain forest while swimming with gentle elephants, bathe in the spectacular jungle waterfalls, and then eat to your stomach’s content at one of many roadside venders with goodies grilled to perfection.

 

 


17 White Beach de Boracay
Malay, Aklan, Philippines
This picturesque white-sand beach and its incredibly delicious local cuisine and intense watersports define bliss in the Philippines.

 

 

 


18 Grotto Beach
Hermanus, South Africa
For adventurous travelers, a trip to the great white shark and whale capital of the world is a must. After taking one of the many shark and whale tours, head to Grotto Beach to relax with a gorgeous mountainous backdrop and rolling yet gentle waves.

 

 


19 Banje Beach
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Banje Beach, a pebble and sand beach with a view of the Old Town, is in the heart of Dubrovnik. The perfect oasis here is Eastwest Beach Club, ideal for relaxing on the lounge chairs and exotic bamboo beds, sipping cocktails or decompressing with a deep-tissue body massage.

 

 


20 Red Frog Beach
Bocas del Toro, Panama
The Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro is a blend of soothing luxury, raw culture and untamed rain forests. Red Frog Beach Island Resort on Isla Bastimentos is a perfect mix of all 3.

 

 


21 North Malé Atoll
Maldives
The North Malé Atoll, which is nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka, is home to secluded, immaculate beaches, private bungalows and remarkable ocean views.

 

 


22 Playa Solmar
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Long considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world, this city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula is home to some of the hottest beaches, resorts, clubs and, of course, people. It contains pristine beaches great for lounging or going for a swim, as well as some of the best restaurants in the entire country.

 


23 Atlantic City Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City, NJ, is recognized for its vibrant casino scene and the longest boardwalk in the world. Filled with great eats, this strip features the Steel Pier amusement park and hosts the annual Thunder Over the Boardwalk air show.

 

 


24 Princess Margaret Beach
Port Elizabeth, Bequia St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Feel like a native by taking a walk down a hidden path to the secret Princess Margaret Beach, and enjoy the area’s unspoiled treasures on Bequia Island. Relish the extensive stretch of private oceanfront looking out toward the bay and yachts, and marvel at some of the most unusual volcanic cave structures in the world.

 


25 Fornillo Beach
Positano, Italy
Beautiful Fornillo Beach is a hidden secret in the beloved fishing village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. A small, pebble-stone beach at the bottom of a plunging cliff face, it sits to the west of Marina Grande, the main beach in Positano.

 

 


26 Bondi Beach
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Only a few miles away from downtown Sydney lies one of the greatest beachfronts on the planet, Bondi Beach. This roughly half-mile strip of beach, its boardwalk and the town serving as its backdrop offer enough amenities and activities to make it the perfect sand and surf hot spot.

 

 


27 Hollywood Beach
Hollywood, FL
þ
Located 10 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach is a family-friendly, historical beach city that has been popular since the 1920s.

 

 

 


28 Lahaina Beach
Lahaina, HI
On the western shore of Maui, Lahaina is a beach community famous for the many shops and restaurants that line Front Street, located right on the water. The Old Lahaina Luau is a premier destination with Hawaiian culture and cuisine.

 

 


29 Luquillo Beach
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
The public beach of Luquillo is one of the most beautiful in Puerto Rico, but its proximity to rain forests, particularly El Yunque National Forest, is what draws visitors here from around the world. Luquillo Beach is a huge plantation of majestic coconut palm shades and more than a mile of fine, shimmering sand.

 

 


30 Soufriere Beach
Soufriere, Saint Lucia
St. Lucia holds the distinction of being the most mountainous island in the Caribbean. Trek to the Pitons in Soufriere and take an ATV ride through the rain forests, right up to private beaches and waterfalls.

 

 


31 Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Rehoboth Beach, DE, is the ultimate red-hot American summer beach, not to mention the skim-boarding capital of the East Coast.

 

 

 


32 St Jean Beach
Saint Barts
Located in the Leeward Islands in the northeastern Caribbean, St. Barts is a premier location for young, hot, hip tourists looking to party all night and kick back on St. Jean Beach all day.

 

 


33 Driftwood Beach
Jekyll Island, GA
This tranquil island off the coast of Georgia is known for its ideal shrimping waters and distinctive stretches of sand. Called a Gothic tree graveyard because of its haunting driftwood bundles, Driftwood Beach is mesmerizing.

 

 


34 Playa Paraiso
Tulum, Mexico
A town in Mexico that has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years — with the architecture to prove it — Tulum is a destination that is not to be missed for history lovers. For those who wish to swim in some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, it also provides spots such as El Paraiso Hotel.

 

 


35 Rodeo Beach
San Francisco, CA
Experience the best of the San Francisco area’s nature at a black-sand pebble beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where semiprecious stones are hidden among the tall, rolling cliffs. There are miles of hiking and biking trails alongside the towering sequoia trees within the park.

 

 


36 Cala'n Porter
Cala'n Porter, Spain
Cala’n Porter is a thriving destination with not only natural beauty, but also all the amenities you could possibly need for a great break from regular life.

 

 

 


37 Oregon Dunes
Reedsport, OR
South Jetty Beach is a perfect pit stop along the 382-mile Oregon Coast Trail, which stretches mostly through beaches and state parks.

 

 

 


38 Lake Atitlán
Solola, Guatemala
The Laguna Lodge overlooks the azure water of Lake Atitlán from its perch in its own private nature reserve. Guests can indulge in the luxury of this boutique hotel while gazing across at 3 scenic volcanoes.

 

 


39 Ölüdeniz
Fethiye, Turkey
Just south of Ölüdeniz is Butterfly Valley, a breathtaking geological fjord on the Mediterranean Sea. As a preserved natural site where there is no land development or construction, the only accommodation facilities here are tents and bungalows. Butterfly Valley offers opportunities to bathe in waterfalls, hike through lush valleys and watch magnificent sunsets over the cliffs.

 


40 Montauk, NY
Montauk, NY
Montauk has become a sought-after destination for local and foreign travelers looking for the perfect place for relaxation, wellness, sunshine, surfing, fishing, exceptional dining and unparalleled majestic sunsets.

 

 


41 San Alfonso Del Mar Resort
Alagarrobo, Chile
Sal Alfonso del Mar is a private resort in Algarrobo, Chile, that is home to the largest swimming pool in the world, with 66 million gallons of treated Pacific Ocean water. In this record-breaking pool, visitors can take part in watersports such as sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

 

 


42 Soneva Kiri
Trat, Koh Kood District, Thailand
Charter a private plane and speedboat to reach the remote Soneva Kiri Resort and Beach. Sitting on Thailand's fourth-largest and least-populated island, Koh Kood, Soneva Kiri combines a resort getaway on a private beach with untamed wilderness.

 

 


43 Surfers Paradise
Gold Coast City, Queensland Australia
Surfers Paradise in Queensland, Australia, is prime time for the international surfing crowd. Whether you’re surfing, boogie-boarding, skim-boarding, kite-boarding or cliff diving, the water is always packed. Surfers Paradise also has a booming boardwalk, a flourishing nightlife and an impressive, 1,058-foot-tall tower with an observation deck that provides 360-degree views of the city.

 


44 South Padre Island
South Padre Island, TX
þ
South Padre Island is a 34-mile stretch of sandy bliss in the Gulf of Mexico and is considered to be the hottest destination in Texas for spring-break partiers. Most of the year, this small island is a serene beach oasis, but when summer hits, it morphs into a wild beach bash with thousands of college students.

 

 


45 Buccament Bay
Saint Vincent, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Rolling hills, submerged volcanoes, breathtaking rain forests and picturesque waterfalls make up Buccament Bay on St. Vincent. Amid its 150 square miles of real estate, this Caribbean island — which has been continuously inhabited for centuries — has black- and white-sand beaches, as well as many ancient and colonial ruins.

 

 


46 Key West
Key West, FL
þ
Key West is one of the many small Florida islands famous for their amazing beaches, crystal-clear water and the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US. The Keys span 110 miles and are connected through bridges, waterways and airports, making these islands easily accessible by land, sea and air.

 

 


47 Gordon Beach
Tel Aviv, Israel
þ
With an urban beach alongside a world-class city, ancient streets and modern nightlife, Tel Aviv is the “Miami on the Mediterranean.” Gordon Beach is the center of Tel Aviv’s action, with volleyball, swimming pools, playgrounds and scantily clad beach bods.

 

 


48 West End Cliffs
Negril, Jamaica
Come to Negril for the beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, and take a trip to the biggest hot spot in all of Jamaica, Rick’s Café on the West End Cliffs. Situated on a rugged cliff jutting out over the sea, this bar is the ultimate dining destination. Become spoiled with amazing local food and drink, or hang out in the bar’s pool, with unimaginable views as you watch the sun melt behind the horizon.

 


49 Kourion Beach
Cyprus
Kourion Beach in Limassol, Cyprus, is slightly off the beaten path, but it boasts 5-star hotels, the ancient Tombs of the Kings and superb scuba diving in a massive shipwreck. Romantic cliffs and turquoise water make this a stunning sand and surf destination, while in the town square, local performers put on a fantastic show of traditional dancing and bouzouki playing.

 


50 Santa Cruz Beach
Santa Cruz, CA
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz features a vibrant blend of the beach cultures of the West Coast and Hawaii. After an appetite-building day on the sand, head to the boardwalk for some mouthwatering California beach specialties, such as deep-fried artichoke slathered in garlic butter, homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, caramel apples and crispy-sweet chocolate-covered bacon.

 


51 Fire Island
Fire Isle Pines, NY
A hidden beach oasis just an hour from Manhattan, Fire Island has no paved roads and limited Internet access. Visit the 40-acre Sunken Forest, one of the last remaining maritime forests on the eastern seaboard.

 

 


52 Silver Mine Beach Bay
Hong Kong, China
At Silver Mine Bay Beach on the Hong Kong island of Lantau, you can find some of the spiciest fresh seafood and stay in a hidden resort that was once a jailhouse. This small fishing town is an ideal launching pad to explore other parts of Lantau Island, including the famous Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery and the stilt houses of Tai O village.

 

 


53 San Montano Beach
Ischia, Italy
Experience the thermal hot springs that are heated by underground volcanoes throughout Ischia Island, which is one of the Phlegraean Islands. Set among soaring mountains, the area has a unique character that’s evident in everything from its delightful dishes and thirst-quenching drinks to its rich history and refined architecture.

 

 


54 Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, HI
With surfing, canoeing, volcanic backdrops, luaus and offshore shark dives, Waikiki Beach is indisputably the most popular Hawaiian destination.

 

 

 


55 Patong Beach
Phuket, Kathu District, Thailand
Patong Beach in the Kathu District of Phuket offers a stunning beach scene by day and a notorious club scene by night. Step off the shore and party into the night at some of the many electric bars and clubs.

 

 


56 Vik Beach
Vík-Handelssted, Iceland
Vik Beach in Vik-Handelssted, Iceland, is the only place in the world where you can experience a rare black-sand beach, stand on an absolutely gargantuan glacier and take in the ice-packed caldera of an active volcano, all in one day.

 

 


57 Cane Bay
Frederiksted, Virgin Islands (US)
On the west side of the island of St. Croix is a palm-tree-lined beach called Cane Bay. It’s renowned for its diving expeditions, and visitors can navigate to one of the world’s deepest trenches or journey into the rain forest to find Cheech, a native who carves unique sculptures from island mahogany.

 

 


58 Ocean City
Ocean City, MD
Ocean City, MD, is the action-packed beach hub of the East Coast. It exudes all-American spirit with a historical boardwalk, golden sandy beaches and classical good eats.

 

 


59 Boulders Beach
Cape Town, South Africa
Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, has powdery white-sand beaches, gleaming turquoise waters and a glorious boardwalk. It is famous for its nearly 3,000 friendly, beach-dwelling penguins.

 

 


60 Secret Beach
Dominica
Tucked away amid the unspoiled nature on the island of Dominica, Secret Bay offers sustainable luxury villas and bungalows, making it the perfect place for a Caribbean vacation. Situated on a cliff top overlooking the Caribbean Sea, accessible only by boat, Secret Bay has 2 beaches, the magical Cario River, a spectacular sea cave and 2 distinct microclimates.

 


61 S'Arenal de San Antonio
Ibiza
The stunningly beautiful Ocean Beach Ibiza is known to some as the party capital of the world. Home to the delightfully deviant El Carnaval, the beach has rosters of acrobats, stunt performers and dancers lining the landscape.

 

 


62 Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Oak Bluffs, MA
From private plane tours around the island over Joseph Sylvia State Beach to private clambakes right on the sand, Oak Bluffs is a must-visit place in Martha’s Vineyard. This sought-after spot has become a unique vacation destination for those who wish to experience the culture and lifestyle of a classic New England island.

 

 


63 Bouley Bay
Jersey, France
With a reputation for some of the best seafood in Europe, a beach ride called cart-surfing, and an ancient fort that visitors can stay in, the island of Jersey is truly a sand and surf hot spot.

 

 


64 Little Palm Island
Little Torch Key, FL
Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys boasts a history of elite tourists, including American presidents! Ride the Truman yacht to get to this hammock-lined paradise.

 

 

 


65 Punta Mona
Limon, Costa Rica
Located countless miles from civilization, where untamed rain forests open to the sea, Punta Mona isn’t just a destination; it’s an educational experience. The lights are solar-powered, water is collected by catch basin, and every extraordinary and exotic meal is sourced entirely from the community’s permaculture farm.

 

 


66 Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA
þ
Nestled along the eastern shore of the United States, right in prime mid-Atlantic real estate, lies the historic seaside town of Virginia Beach. With 3 miles of boardwalk and 5.5 million visitors a year, Virginia Beach holds the title of “world’s largest pleasure beach” in the Guinness Book of World Records.

 

 


67 Folly Beach
Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach in South Carolina is referred to by locals as the “Edge of America.” This charming coastal town is home to painted sunrises and sunsets, rich history, good food and expansive beaches.

 

 


68 Railay Beach
Krabi, Thailand
With calm, crystal-blue waters lined with 400-foot limestone cliffs, Railay Beach is a paradise for rock climbers and base jumpers. Explore beach caves and indulge in Thai coffee made with local beans or a coconut stuffed with ice cream on this marvelous peninsula, which is accessible only by boat.

 


69 Polihale Beach
Waimea, HI
Polihale State Park is a remote beach at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road from Mana Village. Getting to this beach is a road-trip adventure in itself. You’ll feel alone in this paradise of white sand and rolling waves against a mountainous backdrop.

 

 


70 Mount Hartman Bay
Saint Georges, Grenada
Mount Hartman Bay Estate, an independently owned boutique hotel, is in the Caribbean paradise of Grenada. Set on a private peninsula on the island’s southern coast, it has uninterrupted views across the bay to the Mount Hartman Nature Reserve. Each uniquely themed room varies, from a stone tower honeymoon suite surrounded by an infinity pool to a waterfall suite with handcrafted stones from the ancient Arawak tribe.

 


71 Wildwood Beach
Wildwood, NJ
Just down the coast from Atlantic City, Wildwood is famous for all things kitsch. Featuring multiple retro-style hotels, 5 amusement piers, carnival games and plenty of restaurants, the Wildwood boardwalk is one of the longest in the country.

 

 


72 Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort
Hopkins Village, Belize
Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort successfully combines the elements of nature and luxury by providing a sustainable, eco-sensitive and low-impact design that preserves the natural surroundings while providing a superior resort experience. Situated within 1,300 acres of untouched jungle, it offers private cabanas, a saltwater pool and world-class dining.

 

 


73 San Juan Islands
Olga, WA
With lush forests, cliff-side landscapes, fresh salmon and the chance to see orcas swim before your eyes, the San Juan Islands are a serene escape for nature.

 

 

 


74 Buccoo Bay
Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
Buccoo Bay Beach has one the top coral reefs in the world. Watch a famous goat race or go horseback riding through the smooth, sandy beaches and the emerald-green sea on a trek known as Healing With Horses.

 

 


75 Paradise Beach
Mykonos, Greece
Situated among a small series of islands in the Aegean Sea is the tiny gem of Mykonos. It’s a dreamy destination with a wonderful kaleidoscope of cosmopolitan shops, rocking bars, quaint windmills, homey taverns and hidden churches, all set against a brilliant blue backdrop. Known for massive parties and special events, such as full-moon parties and bubble parties, Paradise Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in the world.

 


76 Joaquina Beach
Florianópolis, Brazil
Florianoplis is a small island and strip of land in southern Brazil with no fewer than 47 stunning beaches, including Joaquina Beach. The area has been called the best place to live in Brazil by locals and expats alike. The amazing beaches offer spectacular surfing, sand-boarding in the rolling dunes, and a boardwalk packed with delectable cuisine.

 

 


77 Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
One of the 10 municipalities in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Isla Mujeres has been an important island since the time of the Mayans. Scuba dive, snorkel, or take a glass-boat tour to experience the massive coral reef, or spot the underwater museum of handcrafted concrete statues designed to resemble members of the local community.

 

 


78 Play De Los Lances
Tarifa, Spain
At Spain’s southernmost point, a world-renowned wind tunnel meets 5 straight miles of crystal-clear water, soft white sand and a rush of surfers’ adrenaline. The result is a gathering of thousands at the undisputed kite-surfing capital of the world.

 

 


79 Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach, FL
Miramar Beach is a Gulf shore paradise for ultimate relaxation. This beach neighborhood brings back the feel of classic coastal enclaves with its scenic beach roads, surf shops, fabulous restaurants, beachfront homes and beachside resorts and condos with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

 


80 Fowl Cay Resort
Exumas, Bahamas
Fowl Cay is part of the Exumas, a collection of tiny islands just south of the capitol of Nassau.  Rent a secluded villa equipped with a personal speedboat, and get free range to explore the island, drift through a sunlit sea cave and feed the wild swimming pigs.

 

 


81 Assateague Island
Berlin, MD
As Maryland’s only oceanfront park, Assateague State Park borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west. The 2 miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing and exploring secluded coves by canoe or kayak.

 

 


82 Pink Sands Beach
Dunmore Town, Bahamas
For a truly dreamy and romantic experience, travel to Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas for 3 miles of pristine, clear water against sand with a rosy hue.

 

 

 


83 Old San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The modern city of San Juan holds a piece of history, with colorful architecture and the Castillo San Felipe, a fort built by the Spanish starting in the 16th century. Lounge on the packed beaches, or take advantage of surfing and watersports.  Unwind in the evening at Old San Juan’s Barrachina Bar, the birthplace of the piña colada.

 

 


84 Boston Beach
Port Antonio, Jamaica
A legendary mecca for fans of spicy food, Boston Beach is considered the birthplace of Jamaican jerk seasoning. It is located on the northeastern shores of Jamaica, the third-largest island in the Greater Antilles, and attracts surfers and explorers seeking a glimpse of the secluded waterfalls in the nearby rain forest.

 

 


85 Key Largo
Key Largo, FL
þ
The first and northernmost member of the Florida Keys is the self-proclaimed "diving capital of the world" and leaves little room for argument.  With Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary just off shore, divers can rediscover ship wrecks from the past while also experiencing some of the clearest water they will ever see.

 

 


86 Mission Beach
San Diego, CA
þ
From surfing to paddleboarding on the undulating waves of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Beach is the ultimate SoCal destination for anyone looking to enjoy a day at the beach with a board in hand or underfoot.

 

 


87 An Bang Beach
Hoi An, Vietnam
Visit the bustling beachfront village of Hoi An on the south-central coast of Vietnam. From the 40-mile-long stretch of powdery sand and glimmering turquoise water to ancient hot-stone massages, visitors will feel revitalized with energy at An Bang Beach.

 

 


88 Nissi Beach
Cyprus
Overflowing with stunning natural beauty, Ayia Napa contains the most Blue Flag beaches per capita in the world. Stunning Nissi Beach is a major hot spot for nightlife, as well as the home of a beautiful historical monastery that can’t be missed.

 

 


89 The Dead Sea
Ein Gedi, Israel
Lie back and read a book while effortlessly floating in the highly concentrated salts of the Dead Sea. Situated at the lowest point in the world, 1,269 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of Israel’s major tourist attractions. The natural minerals, salts and mud along the banks are used for medicinal and therapeutic treatments at this hot spot.

 

 


90 Madaket Beach
Nantucket, MA
This popular vacation island off the coast of Cape Cod offers something for everyone, from exclusive luxury hotels to a casual spot to sip locally brewed beer.

 

 

 


91 Tyrell Beach Bay
Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada
The Windward Islands include the unknown island of Carriacou, whose name means “land of many reefs.” Experience the natural wonders that exist under the sea and the ancient traditions of shipbuilding that thrive on land. Tyrell Bay Beach isn't to be missed either.

 

 


92 Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, AL
A prime beach destination for the noncoastal dwellers, Gulf Shores, AL, boasts superb resorts and restaurants, as well as many activities and sports, such as paddleboarding, boating and zip-lining. Don’t miss out on the annual Shrimp Festival, which features the most delicious dishes made from shrimp caught fresh right in the gulf.

 

 


93 St Pete Beach
St Pete Beach, FL
þ
This heavenly beach offers a dreamy scene, with the classic Don CeSar “Pink Palace” Hotel right on the sugary, white sand. The hotel’s Maritana Grille boasts chef Gavin Pera, who makes the best surf-and-turf dishes in Florida.

 

 


94 Maho Beach
Simpson Bay, Saint Maarten
Tourists flock to the southern half of St. Maarten to experience a vacation that combines fun, relaxation and thrills. Maho Beach is a party hot spot, featuring tons of beach bars, casinos and nightclubs.

 

 


95 Columbia River Gorge
Cascade Locks, OR
With 292,500 acres in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, it’s quite evident why this gorge is one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Snowcapped and serene, Mount Hood is a dormant volcano surrounded by an immense national forest, making it a perfect area for snow sports, trekking and recreational activities.

 

 


96 Rosewood Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is a true paradise, with an underwater Sea Trek dive, an ecological theme park featuring exotic wildlife and animals, and a plethora of beachfront hotels and resorts, including Rosewood Mayakoba.

 

 


97 Tropical Islands Resort
Krausnick, Brandenburg, Germany
Located in a converted airship hangar, the Tropical Islands Resort covers an area bigger than 8 football fields and contains a “tropical sea” with 660 feet of sandy beachfront. Guests can tour a village with buildings modeled after those found in Thailand, Borneo, Samoa and Bali. There’s also a 13,000-square-foot lagoon with fountains, canals and a whirlpool, as well as a rain forest with more than 50,000 plants of 600 different species.

 


98 North Shore
Haleiwa, HI
Considered to have the best waves and surfing in the world, the North Shore of Oahu at Ehukai Beach Park is a surfer’s paradise. The area earns that title by hosting 3 competitions in November and December to make up the Triple Crown of Surfing.

 

 


99 Saadani National Park
Tanzania
This is one of the few places in the world where you can get up close and personal with wild animals in the jungle or right on the beach. Private safaris are available by 4x4, foot or boat.

 

 


100 Coney Island
Brooklyn, NY
Home to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Coney Island offers nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches, sunny skies and rolling waves.

 

 

 


101 Jumby Bay Island
Jumby Bay Island, Antigua and Barbuda
Jumby Bay is an ancient coral reef and rocky outpost, situated 2 miles north of Antigua. Swim with a colony of stingrays by day and get a private turtle viewing by night. With its rich wildlife, lush and abundant landscape, and pristine beaches, Jumby Bay presents itself as a secluded hideaway for the sophisticated and discerning traveler.