Best Beaches Around the World According to Travel Experts

There’s no better way to celebrate summer than to round-up the world’s best beaches. Whether relaxing on the warm sand or diving deep into the water, the best beaches prove something special: unforgettable. We asked travel experts around the world to name their favorite beaches, and the results define wanderlust. Read their picks for the best beaches around the world.

Best Beaches Around the World (United States)

Melbourne Beach, Florida

My favorite beach in the U.S. is Juan Ponce de León Landing in Melbourne Beach, Florida, Brevard County. It is one of the few beaches where you can feel the quiet presence of wildlife and nature. As you sit by shoreline, see dancing dolphins and other sea life reminding you how amazing and beautiful life is.
Carmen M. Perez, Lifestyle Expert and Expert Business Marketing Strategist, EffortlessLivingOnline

The Hole, San Clemente, California

I gotta go with The Hole in San Clemente, CA. It’s the beach I grew up on. Unlike neighboring T-Street, The Hole is rarely crowded, and people there are probably from your high school class. The water is super clean, not too cold, and there’s decent surf too. Oh and the view! It sits below some awesome beach cliffs, so you get amazing vistas from above and below. There’s nowhere like my hometown beach.
Shaun, Food and Tour Expert, Da Nang Food Tour

Second Beach, Olympic Peninsula of Washington

Our favorite U.S. beach is not one that first comes to mind for most people — which is partly why we love it. Second Beach on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington is not a palm fringed, bronzed bodies, ice-cream-vendor type of beach. It’s more of an unblemished natural beauty that emerges from the evergreens that give the state its nickname.

You have to work a bit to earn a glimpse of this beauty since access is by a trail through the forest. Your efforts will be rewarded by an often near empty stretch of soft golden sand, tidal pools for exploring and a picturesque seascape dotted with seastacks.
Sarah, Travel and Wellness Expert, Live, Dream, Discover

Best Beaches Overseas in Other Countries

Loch Ard Gorge, Australia

Not your average paradise beach with white sand and turquoise water, Loch Ard Gorge stands out for different reasons. This small beach is located in Victoria, Australia, along the scenic Great Ocean Road.

Steep stairs down the cliff lead to a small beach where you’re surrounded by immense walls of beautifully coloured limestone, yellow sand between your toes and a small bay. The colour of the crystal clear water can change from clear blue to dark and grey, mirroring the sky. A spectacular and truly unique sight! See the video.
Toby and Tamar, Food and Travel Experts, Toby & Tamar

Shoal Bay Beach, Caribbean Island of Anguilla

One of my best beaches around the world is Shoal Bay Beach on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Anguilla’s one of the few Caribbean islands remaining where you won’t find crowds of shoulder-to-shoulder sun seekers — even on the most popular of the island’s 33 beaches. During my time there, I would go for a swim and find I had the entire white-sand beach to myself.
Micki Kosman, Travel Expert, The Barefoot Nomad

Koh Tao, Thailand

After visiting 80 countries around the world, traveling deep for seven years, I have to say Koh Tao is the best beach. It’s a perfect place for diving and snorkeling during the day. Ask someone who can drive you in a small boat. Then get lost in the small beach — a perfect day to be alone or spend with a someone special, away from the hustle of daily life. You can rent a motorbike and explore the island.

Need to just relax? Enjoy sunbathing or sitting down with a smoothie. You can enjoy Thai gastronomy anytime of the day at very affordable prices. At night, hang out and meet people partying on the beach.
Ruben, Travel Expert, Gamin Traveler

Playa Biesanz in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting beaches in various countries, but my favorite beach is Playa Biesanz in Costa Rica. While getting to the actual beach requires a short hike, it’s well worth it. Its somewhat hidden location prevents it from ever getting overcrowded, and crystal-clear waters brought me back several times throughout out my trip.

What’s more, there’s a beach kiosk selling reasonably priced snacks and food, and another offering rentals for water sports — everything from beach umbrellas to kayaks to paddle boards. Bring sunscreen, a change of clothes and a good book, and prepare for the ultimate beach day.
Sally Elbassir, Travel and Food Expert, Passport & Plates

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