From nearby favorites to international destinations, there’s a beach listed here for every type of traveler.
DOMESTIC
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida (pictured) Beautiful sunsets, sugar-white crystal quartz sand, and warm, clear water capture only some of what makes Destin-Fort Walton Beach so special. Tucked away along Florida’s glittering gulf coast, the vibrant air, endless outdoor adventures both on and off the water, and near-perfect weather, year-round attract visitors from all over the world. The destination also offers an abundance of encounters with marine wildlife, snorkeling artificial reef shipwrecks, and more affords travelers an enriching and exciting experience sure to spark the trip of a lifetime. To help accommodate those visiting Destin-Fort Walton Beach, the former Best Western in Fort Walton Beach will re-open in May 2023 as Beal House Destin-Fort Walton Beachfront, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The reimagined property will be comprised of 100 guest rooms — 60 with Gulf-front balconies — as well as a fitness center, outdoor pool and direct beach access.
Montauk, New York Known to every surfer, Montauk is home to some of the best surfing waves in New York. Experience beautiful crystal-clear water views on top of the Montauk Lighthouse, known as a national historic landmark. Visit Camp Hero State Park which holds 415-acres of diverse landscape including heavily wooded areas and a long expanse of beach front along the Atlantic Ocean. Stop by Montauk Brewing Co. for Watermelon Session Ale which is the perfect combination of delicious watermelon flavors with a crisp Session Ale.
Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach’s coastal beauty, accessible location and mild climate make for a perfect beach visit all year long. Stretched along 35 miles of shoreline, Virginia Beach is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the nation’s population and a perfect place for any age to relax or play on the beach. The coastal city continues to earn accolades from top travel publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Wherever Family, and Insider for its wide appeal and amenities. No doubt its award-winning three-mile Oceanfront Boardwalk --an ideal place to bike, blade, jog or stroll while enjoying a full calendar of outdoor festivals and entertainment with an Atlantic Ocean backdrop—plays a key role in each recognition. Hotels, restaurants, multiple comfort facilities and open park spaces also line the paved pathway.
Casco Bay, Maine For vacationers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Chebeague Island, located in the heart of Casco Bay, Maine, is home to some of New England’s most enchanting beaches. Hamilton Bay ranges from smooth to rocky terrain, Rose Point overlooks Crow Island and a working boatyard, Bennett Cove’s popular rock formations with striking views, Chandler Cove that caters to fishing lovers, the small and tranquil Division Point, reached by crossing a small meadow, and Indian Point overlooking Little Chebeague Island, where visitors can find sand dollars and sea glass with lower tides and partake in licensed clam digging. Turn your day trip into a coastal vacation by staying at the quaint Chebeague Island Inn, the small island’s one and only hotel, to experience all Chebeague has to offer. Only a short walk to Hamilton Beach, Inn staffers will be happy to arrange beach chairs, fresh towels, and a tasty picnic for enjoying the afternoon. Guests can take advantage of the Inn's "unplugged" nature as there are no TVs or phones in the 21 individually designed guestrooms, allowing travelers to truly embrace their beach vacation. For travelers looking to get the full Maine experience, guests can throw on a cozy sweater and set up a private beach bonfire or participate in sunset cocktail cruises aboard classic schooners and experience the remarkable views of Casco Bay. Please note that the Inn is seasonal, open approx. May - October only.
INTERNATIONAL
Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands Located on the western side of Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach attracts an array of visitors as it offers a picturesque view of sparkling waters and coral sands. Travelers can spend their days relaxing and tanning on the beach, walking the full length of the shore, or taking part in watersports such as paddleboarding, parasailing, jet skiing, and much more. For an immersive experience, travelers can snorkel and/or scuba dive in the peaceful seas around Cemetery Reef to get up close and personal with marine life. Those looking to stay close to the beach can book a stay at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa as it’s only a few steps away from the shoreline and offers unrivaled views of the crystal clear Atlantic. Occupying the most expansive stretch of Seven Mile Beach, the beachfront resort boasts 343 rooms, a spa and an array of on-site watersports for guests to enjoy. New elements include woto, a new sushi, ceviche and poke restaurant, an expanded grab-and-go café, the Cayman Coffee Exchange, and a newly renovated swimming pool – the largest on the island.
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada Enjoy the world famous Grand Anse Beach; a two-mile stretch of creamy-white sand that overlooks a sheltered, azure-hued bay where bright red and yellow fishing boats burst with color. Grand Anse Beach lies along the southwestern coast of Grenada Island, roughly six miles south of St. George's and can be reached by car, minibus or water taxi. You're welcome to explore the beach at any time, day or night, and the sands are free of charge. Several resorts face the beach and offer day passes to explore the hotel grounds, from Flamboyant and Mount Cinnamon at the southern end of the beach to Spice Island Beach Resort, Coyaba Beach Resort, Allamanda Beach Resort, and Radisson Grenada Beach Resort as you head north. Several of these hotels also have dive shops for arranging dive trips or renting snorkeling equipment to fully enjoy your beach day. A water-taxi dock is at the midpoint of the beach, along with the Grand Anse Craft & Spice Market, where vendors also rent beach chairs and umbrellas.
Cockleshell Bay, St. Kitts No trip to St. Kitts is complete without a visit to Cockleshell Bay. Cockleshell Bay. Cockleshell Bay is a secluded stretch of powder-white sand. Over two miles long, it offers a splendid view of sister island, Nevis, since it sits directly on the Narrows–the channel between the two islands. Well places restaurants and grills provide an authentic Caribbean mix between fine dining and good ol’ reggae style barbeque. Just keep an eye out for alcohol stealing Vervet Monkeys! This beach is also the home of the world-famous Reggae Beach Bar on the East end and Spice Mill Restaurant on the West side. This beach is ideal for water sports lovers as they are able to engage in a number of water sports activities, including diving, surfing, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
Turtle Island, Fiji Turtle Island, an intimate private island eco-resort offering an authentic Fijian experience in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji, is home to 12 unique private beaches (from the idyllic crescent shaped honeymoon beach to the aptly named, long beach that welcomes Turtle Island’s horses on it for sunrise horseback adventures). With only fourteen couples welcomed to the island at once couples are guaranteed a new private beach to picnic on every other day of their stay. Gentle, crystal-clear waters are open for each guest to explore, with opportunities to snorkel, scuba dive, horseback ride, Subwing, picnic, kayak, or even renew vows on the beach. Find paradise on Turtle Island’s beach fronts.
