By Bridget Castner
Ready to discover paradise? Picture your toes in the sand, the sun kissing your skin, and the rhythmic melody of waves serenading your senses. From hidden gems to renowned coastal havens, this is your passport to the best beach destinations worldwide to visit in 2024.
Whether you crave secluded shores, vibrant nightlife, or cultural immersion, this curated list promises to ignite your wanderlust and inspire your next beach vacation.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a lively city enveloped around a majestic bay, making it recognized as one of the world's most breathtaking and best beach destinations. Adorned with glistening coastlines, it exudes an undeniable charm for those looking for an idyllic beach vacation.
As for where to go, Gordons Bay is a tranquil oasis with an underwater nature trail that will take you past stunning reefs, flats, and kelp forests. Over on the northern shores of Sydney, you'll find Balmoral Beach that features enclosed swimming areas, making it a family-friendly spot. Lounge in the sand, rent a kayak, and then enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes nearby. Pack a picnic and head to Bronte Beach, the quieter sister beach of Bondi Beach. At Bronte, you can use the barbeque facilities after swimming at the famous rock pool. Other incredible beaches in Sydney worth checking out are Tamarama Beach, Coogee Beach, Shelly Beach, and North Narrabeen Beach.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii is the ultimate paradise that many have on their bucket list. With beautiful resorts, vibrant landscapes, and incredible sunsets, it's not hard to see why Honolulu is one of the best beach vacations in the US.
The popular Waikiki Beach has something for everyone. There's extraordinarily clear waters perfect for swimming and surfing, stretches of soft golden sands for sunbathing, and endless restaurants, bars, and cafes along the beach. For those with a sense of adventure, China Walls is one of the best beaches to spend the day! Nature-enthusiasts can explore the cliffs and shores, or catch the mesmerizing sunset. Some of the other best beaches in Honolulu to visit include Sandy Beach, Kahala Beach, and Magic Island.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, a top beach vacation destination, offers incredible sunsets, stunning vineyards, and authentic Greek cuisine. Yet, the real star of the show is its mesmerizing beaches.
Kamari Beach boasts unique black volcanic sandy shores that are surrounded by bars, tavernas, and restaurants perfect for cocktails and lunch breaks. Perivolos & Perissa beaches cater to scuba diving enthusiasts, providing a remarkable underwater experience. Vlychada Beach, located in the south, offers a relaxed environment with sun loungers, umbrellas, and breathtaking rock formations, making it ideal for leisurely book reading and enjoying the beautiful setting.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has some of the best beaches to visit in the US, especially considering its sun-kissed shores boasting white sands, turquoise water, and incredible weather that captivates travelers all year long with its idyllic climate.
Lined with dozens of palm trees for ample shade, Escambron Beach is one of the best beaches in San Juan to visit. The beach is perfect for both swimming and snorkeling, or simply lounging under the sun. Ideal for surfing, Pine Grove welcomes all with its warm golden sand and clear blue waters. Carolina Beach is family-friendly with a small water park for kids, and Playa Pena in Old San Juan has some of the most beautiful beach views you'll ever see.
Malaga, Spain
Spain has some of the best beaches in Europe, especially Malaga with its beautiful range from laid-back quiet coasts to lively seafronts with thrilling watersports.
Start with a visit to Playa de el Palo, which is quiet with a sandy waterfront, calm waters, and surrounded by quaint fishing villages. After relaxing at El Palo, pop over to a local restaurant and enjoy some of the fresh seafood. Alternatively, La Caleta is a great beach spot for those who love water sports. You can sign up for things like windsurfing or jet-skiing, and break at the little beach bars surrounding the area. Don't forget to stop and take in the beautiful mountain views! Playa de la Malagueta and Playa de la Misericordia are also high on the list of the best beaches to visit in Malaga.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is a captivating beach destination known for ziplining, kayaking, gourmet meat shops, and thriving sugar cane plantations. However, its renowned beaches add to its appeal, making it one of the best beach destinations to visit in the world.
White Sands Beach offers coconut tree-lined shores, sugar-like sand, and vibrant blue waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Playa del Cortecito showcases local bars and clubs for beachside cocktails and dancing. Cap Cana Republica is ideal for golfing and kitesurfing, while Playa Juanillo provides shallow waters and picturesque backdrops. For shoppers and water sports enthusiasts, Playa Bibijagua is the place to go.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa is famous for its stunning beaches with pristine white sands and sparkling turquoise waters. Thanks to the exhilarating wind and waves, these beaches are popular for both surfing and kite-surfing enthusiasts. With their irresistible allure, Cape Town undeniably makes for one of the best beach vacations.
Marvel at the magnificent peaks of the Twelve Apostles while you lounge in the warm sands of Camps Bay Beach or play a game of beach volleyball. For a unique beach experience, visit the colony of endangered African penguins that have made the sandy shores of Boulder Beach their home. Clifton Beaches, a total of four beaches, is made up scenic bays that each offer a unique experience with things like yoga classes, massages, and more! Other great beaches in Cape Town with stunning views and unbelievable adventures include Noordhoek Beach, Llandudno Beach, and Bakoven Beach.
Sorrento, Italy
Sorrento's enchanting Old Town is nestled along the captivating Amalfi Coast and is home to some of Italy's most beautiful beaches. Majestic cliffs offer breathtaking sea views, while fjords and bays boast stunning coasts with velvety sands and turquoise waters. Sorrento's undeniable charm and picturesque coastal beauty make it one of the top beach vacations in Europe.
Start off at Marina di Puolo, a small fishing village with stunning transparent blue waters and a free beach that's considered super family-friendly. Marina del Cantone is a beautiful beach with small bars and restaurants all around, and is free as well. Puolo Beach is another free beach in Sorrento surrounded by cafes and restaurants, with a long stretch of sand and shallow waters.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Costa Rica, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, is famed for its stunning rainforests, majestic waterfalls, towering volcanoes, and scenic coasts. Its captivating beaches in Manuel Antonio boast powdery sands, breathtaking views, and thriving ecosystems, making it one of the best beach destinations in the world.
Playa Espadilla offers white sands, clear waters, and lush rainforest. It's family-friendly with a lifeguard and vendors selling treats. Playa Manuel Antonio is great for wildlife lovers with tidal pools and snorkeling. Seek seclusion at Playa La Macha, a stunning hidden beach reached by a 40-minute rainforest hike.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali stands as an unparalleled beach vacation destination, captivating travelers with its enchanting beauty and diverse experiences. The island boasts pristine, sun-kissed shores bordered by lush greenery, creating a postcard-perfect tropical paradise. Here surfers can revel in world-class breaks, while serene stretches invite peaceful retreats.
On the southwest coast, Kuta Beach offers a pristine sandy stretch enveloped by lush trees where surfing lessons, beach soccer, and cheap beachside spas await. Nearby, Legian Beach entices with palm trees, local bars, and sunset views. Candidasa Beach boasts clear waters, blonde sand, and abundant snorkeling spots, perfect for adventurous exploration.
Tulum, Mexico
Nestled on Mexico's Riviera Maya, Tulum captivates with its unparalleled charm, making it an ideal beach destination. With powdery white sands meeting the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Tulum boasts a postcard-perfect coastline that even showcases the Mayans' incredible architectural skills with a castle by the beach. Tulum's allure is amplified by a rare fusion of mesmerizing coastlines, awe-inspiring ruins, lively nightlife, and a serene bohemian ambiance, making this city one of the best beach destinations to visit.
Of all the picturesque beaches in Mexico, Playa Ruinas is at the top of the list! Ancient Mayan ruins tower over the glittering white sands and clear blue waters, making it idyllic for sunbathing, snorkeling, or a game of beach volleyball. Another great beach in Tulum to add to your travel bucket list is Paamul Beach. It's very small and quiet, with one of the most impressive reefs under the sea! Other beautiful beaches in Tulum to visit include Playa Pescadores, Playa Ruinas, and Playa Kantenah.
