Best beach destinations

Iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema offer dramatic city-meets-sea scenery, mountains rising directly from the sand, and vibrant beach culture; stroll, sunbathe, or join a game of beach volleyball. For nature and views, hike to Pedra da Gávea or visit nearby coastal reserves and the scenic Sugarloaf for panoramic coastlines.

From the Atlantic-side Clifton coves to long white sands at Muizenberg, Cape Town pairs striking mountain backdrops with varied beaches and rich marine life. Explore the Cape Peninsula drive, take a boat to see seals and penguins at Boulders Beach, or surf and kite along false bay.

Home to world-famous Bondi Beach and a linked coastline of surf beaches and harborside coves, Sydney offers excellent swimming, iconic coastal walks, and a strong café scene overlooking the sea. The Bondi to Coogee cliff path delivers dramatic ocean views, rock pools, and hidden beaches.

Waikiki’s golden shoreline and gentle surf make Honolulu ideal for beginner surfers and cultural beach days with Hawaiian music and hula; nearby calm bays and reef-lined beaches are perfect for snorkeling. For natural beauty, visit Diamond Head for sunrise views over the Pacific and explore windward beaches on Oahu for clearer waters and fewer crowds.

Thailand’s Phuket combines long sandy beaches, lively beach clubs, and easy access to limestone islands and clear snorkeling waters in Phang Nga Bay. Choose quiet west coast coves for sunsets or east coast bays for calm swimming and island-hopping to nearby Phi Phi and Similan islands.

Bali’s coastline ranges from surf breaks at Uluwatu to family-friendly sandy beaches in Sanur and rice-terrace-backed bays in Canggu; its strong surf culture and temple-backed cliffs are unforgettable. Day-trip to Nusa Penida or Lembongan for dramatic coastal formations, snorkeling, and secluded beaches.

The French Riviera city of Nice features pebbled beaches framed by a glamorous promenade, azure Mediterranean waters, and easy trips to chic coastal towns like Villefranche and Èze. Enjoy seaside dining, promenade walks at sunset, and boat excursions for swimming off the coast.

Lisbon sits near long Atlantic beaches with golden sands and consistent surf—Cascais and Costa da Caparica are quick escapes from the city offering varied coastal experiences. Combine city culture with beach days, try surfing lessons, or follow cliff-top walks along the dramatic Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Barcelona offers an urban beach experience with Barceloneta’s lively sands and easy access to quieter Mediterranean beaches and coastal towns nearby. Mix culture and beach time—visit Gaudí sites in the morning and relax on the sand in the afternoon, or take a short train to Costa Brava coves for snorkelling and cliffs.

Dubrovnik’s coastline combines historic walled city views with rocky coves, pebbled beaches, and clear Adriatic waters ideal for swimming and boat trips to nearby islands. Walk the city walls for sea vistas, kayak around the old harbor, or take a short ferry ride to Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands for tranquil beaches.

Cancun’s long stretches of powdery white sand, turquoise Caribbean water, and extensive resort infrastructure make it ideal for snorkeling, diving, and family-friendly beach days. Venture to nearby Isla Mujeres and Playa Delfines for calmer waters and sea turtle sightings, or explore cenotes and coral reefs offshore.

Miami pairs energetic beach culture—South Beach’s iconic pastel Art Deco backdrop—with a subtropical coastline perfect for swimming, boating, and nightlife after sunset. For quieter shores and nature, visit nearby Key Biscayne or the barrier islands and Everglades coastal wetlands.

As the Dominican Republic’s historic capital, Santo Domingo provides access to Caribbean beaches with warm waters, palm-fringed sand, and vibrant local culture a short drive away. Use the city as a base to reach nearby Bávaro, Juan Dolio, and smaller secluded coves for snorkeling and relaxation.

Auckland sits between two harbors and offers a variety of beaches—from white sandy shores on the west coast to sheltered bays on the Hauraki Gulf—plus easy ferries to island beaches. Explore nearby Rangitoto and Waiheke for volcanic coastlines, vineyards, and clear swimming spots.

Note: Nice is included again in the original list; here it serves as an additional nod to the Riviera’s broader coastal offerings—pebbled shores, promenades, and boat-accessible swimming spots ideal for Mediterranean relaxation.