North America's best beach destinations
North America's best beach destinations
Popular coastal getaways and sandy beaches in North America
North America has more coastline than most people picture when they think of beach travel here. The Caribbean side of Mexico and Central America, the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic seaboard, the Pacific coast from Baja to Alaska and everything in between. The continent's beach geography is varied enough that the same word covers white sand Caribbean coves, rugged Northern California headlands and the flat barrier islands of the American south.
The United States alone has enough beach variety to fill a separate list. Florida's Gulf Coast is different from its Atlantic side, both are different from the Outer Banks, and none of them resemble the Oregon coast or the beaches of Lake Michigan. Hawaii sits apart from the continental picture entirely, with black sand beaches, snorkelling reefs and surf breaks that have shaped the sport as it's practised worldwide.
Mexico and the Caribbean add another dimension. The Yucatán Peninsula, the Pacific coast of Oaxaca and Baja California each have their own following among visitors who've moved past the resort towns. The Caribbean islands range from heavily developed to genuinely remote, and the difference between them is significant enough to be worth researching before you go.
Lists by region
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
Anguilla
Pristine beaches and turquoise waters
Shoal Bay East stretches along Anguilla's north coast in powder-white coral sand. The shallow, calm water stays clear enough to see the reef from shore. Beach bars serve fresh lobster just steps from the water's edge. Anguilla has no cruise ship port, which keeps the sand largely free of crowds.
Country
Aruba
White Sands and Sunny Vibes
Eagle Beach is framed by wind-bent divi-divi trees that have become a symbol of Aruba. The wide stretch of white sand is one of the island's most photographed spots. Sea turtles nest along the shore during the summer months. Low-rise hotels line the beach instead of the high-rises found elsewhere on the island.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
British Virgin Islands
Pristine sailing paradise with beaches
The Baths on Virgin Gorda scatter house-sized granite boulders across a stretch of white sand. Visitors wade through chest-deep water and duck through narrow passages between the rocks. A marked trail winds through the boulders to Devil's Bay on the other side. Sunlight filters through gaps in the granite, lighting hidden pools along the way.
Island in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua
365 beaches and turquoise waters
Antigua is said to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Half Moon Bay curves in a crescent of pink-tinged sand on the east coast. Nelson's Dockyard, a restored 18th-century naval base, sits a short drive from several beaches. Sailing regattas fill the harbours each spring with yachts from across the Caribbean.
Region in Mexico
Baja California Sur
Desert meets ocean adventure land
Grey whales migrate each winter to calve in the sheltered lagoons of Magdalena Bay. Boats approach slowly enough that mother whales sometimes nudge their calves towards visitors. Desert mountains meet the Pacific along much of the coastline here. Fishing villages dot the shore between the peninsula's resort towns.
Outer Territory in France
Guadeloupe
Caribbean Gem with French Flair
Plage de Grande Anse stretches along Guadeloupe's western coast, backed by coconut palms and low hills. The dark volcanic sand of nearby beaches contrasts with the paler stretches found elsewhere on the island. Surfers head to the Atlantic side, where the swells run bigger. Basse-Terre's rainforest reaches nearly to the shore in several spots.
City in United States
San Diego
California's perfect weather playground
Harbour seals and sea lions haul out on the rocks below La Jolla Cove year-round. Snorkellers share the cove's clear water with leopard sharks that gather each summer. Sunset Cliffs, further up the coast, draws crowds for its dramatic drop into the Pacific. Surfers paddle out at breaks up and down San Diego's coastline.
Country
Barbados
Tropical paradise with year-round sunshine
Carlisle Bay on Barbados' west coast shelters several shipwrecks just offshore. Snorkellers can swim among the wrecks and the sea turtles that gather around them. The calm, warm water stays shallow well past the shoreline. Catamaran tours anchor here for an easy mix of swimming and wreck viewing.
City in Mexico
Tulum
Ruins, reefs and boho beaches
A Mayan clifftop city overlooks the beach at Tulum, built directly above the Caribbean Sea. Iguanas sun themselves on the ancient stone walls above the sand. Cenotes, sinkholes filled with fresh water, dot the jungle just inland. Beach clubs line the shore south of the ruins towards Sian Ka'an.
City in United States
Los Angeles
The city of stars, beaches and dreams
Santa Monica Pier has anchored the city's coastline with rides and an arcade since 1909. Venice Beach's boardwalk draws street performers and skaters past the original Muscle Beach gym. Surfers paddle out at breaks up and down the coast from Malibu to Manhattan Beach. Sunsets over the Pacific draw crowds to the pier each evening.
City in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
El Arco, a natural rock arch, marks where Mexico's Baja Peninsula meets the open Pacific. Water taxis carry visitors from the marina out to see it up close. Sea lions often lounge on the rocks nearby. Lover's Beach, tucked past the arch, sits calm on one side and rough with surf on the other.
Country
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
One destination, 32 islands, countless possibilities
The Tobago Cays form a cluster of small uninhabited islands ringed by a horseshoe reef. Turtles graze in the shallow seagrass beds just off the sand. Boats anchor in the calm water between the cays for swimming and snorkelling. The area remains one of the most protected marine parks in the Caribbean.
Country
Antigua and Barbuda
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
Barbuda's 17 Mile Beach runs the length of the island in pale pink sand, coloured by crushed coral. The island's frigate bird sanctuary shelters one of the largest colonies in the Western Hemisphere. Fewer than 2,000 people live on Barbuda, leaving its beaches largely empty. Codrington Lagoon separates the bird sanctuary from the open sea.
Island in Bahamas
Great Exuma Island
Crystal clear waters and tranquility
Pig Beach on nearby Big Major Cay draws wild pigs that swim out to greet passing boats. Roughly 20 pigs and piglets roam the uninhabited island, drawing tour boats daily. Visitors can feed and swim alongside them in the shallow water. The pigs' popularity grew after they appeared in a music video years ago.
Island in Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman
Crystal waters, stingrays and sunsets
Seven Mile Beach runs along Grand Cayman's west coast in soft white sand backed by resorts. Stingray City sits just offshore, where southern stingrays gather in shallow water. Snorkellers can wade among them or swim out to deeper sandbars. Sunset cruises depart from the beach most evenings during high season.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
Bermuda
Pink sands and turquoise waters
Horseshoe Bay's sand takes on a pink hue from crushed coral and shells mixed into the grains. The beach curves between coral outcrops that break up the surf into calmer pools. Snorkellers explore the shallow reefs just off the rocks at either end. Pastel-roofed cottages dot the hills above the bay.
City in United States
Miami
Vibrant City of Sun and Fun
South Beach's Ocean Drive is lined with pastel Art Deco hotels built in the 1930s and 40s. Lifeguard towers along the sand come in a different playful design every few blocks. Little Havana's Cuban cafes sit just a short drive from the water. Boats and jet skis fill Biscayne Bay at weekends year-round.
Island
St. Martin
Dual-Nation Beaches, Cuisine and Culture
Maho Beach sits at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport. Landing planes pass just above sunbathers' heads before touching down. The roar drowns out conversation for a few seconds each time a jet comes in low. Beach bars nearby post flight schedules so visitors can time their photos.
State/Prefecture in United States
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
Waikiki Beach on Oahu sits beneath the volcanic crater of Diamond Head. Maui's Road to Hana winds past waterfalls along 52 miles of coastline. Kauai's Na Pali Coast rises in jagged cliffs reachable only by boat, helicopter or a demanding trail. Each island offers its own mix of surf breaks, black sand and calm lagoons.
City in United States
Miami Beach
The ultimate blend of sun, sand and Art Deco charm
Lummus Park runs along South Beach's shoreline, framed by the pastel Art Deco hotels of Ocean Drive. Beach volleyball courts and lifeguard stands dot the sand through the city's busiest stretch. Nightlife spills from Collins Avenue's clubs and restaurants until early morning. Cruise ships depart regularly from the nearby Port of Miami.
Country
Belize
Tropical paradise with diverse ecosystems
The Great Blue Hole forms a near-perfect circle of deep blue water off Belize's coast. Jacques Cousteau once ranked it among the world's top diving sites. Divers descend past limestone stalactites left from when the sinkhole was a dry cave. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, surrounds the hole's outer waters.
Island in United States
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
The Na Pali Coast rises in sheer cliffs along Kauai's northwest shore. No road reaches this stretch, so visitors arrive by boat, helicopter or the demanding Kalalau Trail. Hanalei Bay curves into calmer water favoured by swimmers and surfers. Lumahai Beach nearby gained fame as a filming location for the movie South Pacific.
City in Mexico
Cancún
Sun, sea and ancient wonders
Isla Mujeres sits a short ferry ride from Cancun's Hotel Zone across turquoise water. Whale sharks gather off the coast each summer, drawing snorkellers worldwide. Playa Norte, on the island's north tip, is known for its shallow, calm water. Cancun's beaches stretch along a narrow strip separating the lagoon from the Caribbean Sea.
Country
Jamaica
Vibrant culture meets pristine beaches
Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios lets visitors climb terraced limestone steps as water cascades towards the sea. Guides lead groups hand in hand up the slippery rock. Seven Mile Beach in Negril is known for calm water and sunset views. Reggae rhythms drift from beach bars up and down the sand.
Island in United States
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
The Road to Hana winds along 52 miles of Maui's coastline, crossing dozens of one-lane bridges. Waianapanapa State Park breaks up the drive with a beach of black volcanic sand. Wailea, on the sunnier south side, offers calmer water for swimming. Whales pass close to shore each winter during their migration through the channel.
Region in Mexico
Yucatán
Gateway to the Mayan world
Thousands of cenotes dot the Yucatan, formed when limestone caves collapsed to reveal pools of fresh water. Divers descend into caverns lined with ancient stalactites at sites like Dos Ojos. Flamingos gather by the thousands in shallow lagoons near Celestun. Beach towns like Tulum and Playa del Carmen sit along the Caribbean coast.
Outer Territory in United States
U.S. Virgin Islands
Caribbean Paradise with U.S. Convenience
Trunk Bay on St. John is one of the most photographed beaches in the territory. A self-guided underwater snorkelling trail marks coral and fish species along the reef. More than half of St. John is protected as a national park. Ferries connect the island to St. Thomas for visitors staying elsewhere.
Island in Turks and Caicos Islands
Providenciales
Turquoise Waters Meet White-Sand Beaches
Grace Bay stretches for nearly three miles along Providenciales' north shore in powder-soft sand. A barrier reef just offshore keeps the water calm enough for swimming most of the year. Resorts line the beach, though the shore itself stays open and uncrowded. Snorkellers can reach coral gardens within a short swim from the sand.
State/Prefecture in United States
Florida
Sunshine State, Endless Adventure
The Florida Keys stretch across more than 100 islands connected by the Overseas Highway. Key West marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. Manatees gather in warm springs along the Gulf Coast each winter. Miami's beaches sit at the state's Atlantic edge, framed by the Art Deco buildings of South Beach.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
Turks and Caicos Islands
Sun-drenched beaches with crystal waters
Grace Bay on Providenciales stretches for nearly three miles of powder-soft sand. A barrier reef offshore keeps the water calm enough for swimming most of the year. Iguanas outnumber people on several of the smaller, less developed cays. Snorkellers can reach coral gardens within a short swim from the beach.
Outer Territory in United Kingdom
Cayman Islands
Tropical paradise with crystal waters
Stingray City lets visitors wade among southern stingrays on a shallow sandbar in Grand Cayman's North Sound. The rays gathered here decades ago when fishermen cleaned their catch in calm water. Seven Mile Beach, on the west coast, ranks among the world's best. A sunken submarine rescue ship nearby draws snorkellers too.
State/Prefecture in United States
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
Big Sur's coastline drops in dramatic cliffs where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific. Bixby Creek Bridge frames some of the most photographed views along Highway 1. Malibu's beaches further south draw surfers to breaks like Surfrider Beach. Redwood forests grow within sight of the ocean in several state parks along the route.
Country
Saint Lucia
Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains
Sugar Beach sits directly between the twin volcanic spires of the Pitons on Saint Lucia's southwest coast. Each peak rises more than 2,400 feet straight from the Caribbean Sea. Guides lead hikers up Gros Piton in about half a day. Snorkellers can explore the reef just offshore with both peaks framing the view.
Overseas Territory in France
Saint Barthélemy
Luxury Island with Caribbean Charm
Shell Beach in Gustavia is scattered with tiny seashells instead of plain sand. Superyachts crowd the harbour a short walk from the beach. Saint Barthelemy has no direct commercial flights, so most visitors arrive by small plane from a neighbouring island. Beach clubs on the north shore draw a lively crowd each afternoon.
Beach in Honolulu
Waikiki Beach
Iconic Surf and Sun Paradise
Waikiki Beach curves beneath the extinct volcanic crater of Diamond Head on Oahu's south shore. A bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, stands near the sand. Beginner surfers still learn on the same gentle waves he once rode. Catamarans launch from the beach each evening for sunset sails along the coast.
Other lists you may like
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Africa's best beach destinations and coastal escapes
Africa's coastline runs for over 26,000 kilometres and touches two oceans, which gives it a range that most people underestimate. The Indian Ocean side is warm, calm and fringed…
Read more
Discover
Asia's best beach destinations and coastal escapes
Asia's beaches range from some of the most visited in the world to stretches of coast that see almost no tourism at all. The region has enough variety that generalisations don't…
Read more
Discover
Europe's best beach destinations and coastal escapes
Europe's beaches cover more ground than the Mediterranean postcard version suggests. The continent has Atlantic surf beaches, Arctic fjord coastlines, Black Sea resorts, volcanic…
Read more
Discover
Oceania's best beach destinations
Australia dominates the conversation when it comes to Oceania's beaches. The country has over 10,000 beaches and enough coastline variation to keep a dedicated visitor busy for…
Read more
Discover
South America's best beach destinations
South America's coastline runs from the Caribbean in the north to near-Antarctic waters in the south, and the range between those two points is considerable. The continent has…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customisation options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
