Top Beach Destinations of the Year

Best Pink Sand Beach
What makes this Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas so pink? Thousands of broken coral pieces, shells, and calcium carbonate materials left behind by foraminifera (tiny marine creatures with red and pink shells). Located on Harbour Island, this famous Caribbean beach is also home to one of the top dive sites in the world, the Current Cut Dive.

Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Beach
Located near the heart of California‘s spectacular Big Sur region, Pfeiffer Beach can be a little hard to find, but is more than worth it. A narrow, unmarked, one-way road is the beach’s only entrance and exit, but upon finding this off-the-beaten-path destination, you’ll be astounded by its gorgeous rock formations and breathtaking scenic views.

Best Beach for Snorkeling
Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman is easily accessible from many resorts and rented villas and condos, and its colorful reefs that lie just offshore make it the perfect beach for snorkeling. You’re likely to see schools of parrotfish and even the elusive reef shark during your underwater explorations.

Most Colorful Beach
Australia‘s Rainbow Beach features 74 different hues in its sandy shores, caused by a combination of erosion and iron oxide buildup amassing since the Ice Age. Just a three-hour drive from Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast of northeast Queensland, it’s definitely worth a visit. According to Australian aboriginal legend, the colorful sands of the beach are a result of the rainbow spirit falling onto the large beachside cliffs after losing a battle over a beautiful woman.

Most Family-Friendly Beach
With its large sandy area, recreational playground, and ample parking, Moonlight Beach in San Diego is a popular destination for a family day trip to the beach. Enjoy the area’s renowned weather and cool waves, as well as the beach’s many amenities, including clean public restrooms, showers, fire pits, and snack bar.

Best Beach for Surfing
Host of Billabong’s Pro ASP World Tour surfing event, Jeffreys Bay in South Africa is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. The Jeffreys Bay Surf Break is widely regarded as one of the best rigth hand point breaks in the entire world, attracting serious surfers seeking thrilling waves. Jeffreys Bay was also used to film the cult classic surf movie Endless Summer in the 1960’s.

Best Locals Beach
Located along coastal road 187 between San Juan and Loiza and situated within the Bosque Estatal de Piñones (Piñones State Forest), Playa de Piñones is a true gem. Not only is it the longest beach in Puerto Rico, but a favorite for locals – you’ll find cars haphazardly parked along the road and tents and grills set up for the day by groups of beachgoers. A large barrier reef blocks the strong current, creating calm waters along the sandy beach. Take advantage of the brightly-colored, government-built permanent food kiosks selling amazing street food like bbq, fresh lobster, and mofongo, Puerto Rico’s signature dish.

Best People Watching Beach
Rio de Janeiro is a city of beautiful people, and you’ll find them at the gorgeous Ipanema Beach. Ipanema is perfect for relaxing, catching rays, and people watching the hordes of beachgoers decked in tiny bikinis and thongs. Grab a beer or caipirinhas (Brazil‘s national cocktail ) at boardwalk stands along the beach, or join a game of footvolley (a locally-invented game combining soccer and volleyball).

Best Black Sand Beach
Just a 40 minute drive west of downtown Auckland, New Zealand, Muriwai Beach‘s deep black sands sparkle, making it a remarkable view as well as a relaxing beach destination. Black sand beaches are typically a result of an island’s explosive volcanic past—the rich color is a result of a mixture of iron, titanium, and several other volcanic materials.