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North America's best beach destinations

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Cancún
Sun, sea and ancient wonders
7.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel with vibrant marine life at Underwater Museum
  • 🏺 Explore ancient Mayan ruins at El Rey archaeological site
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery sands of Playa Delfines
St. Martin
Dual-Nation Beaches, Cuisine and Culture
7.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Orient Bay Beach
  • 🥾 Hike to the highest point at Pic Paradis
  • ✈️ Watch planes land at the famous Maho Beach
Grand Cayman
Crystal waters, stingrays and sunsets
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Eden Rock Reef
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Seven Mile Beach
  • 🐋 Swim with stingrays at the famous Stingray City sandbar
Barbados
Tropical paradise with year-round sunshine
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🥃 Tour the historic Mount Gay Rum Distillery
  • 🐢 Snorkel with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay’s clear waters
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of Crane Beach
Aruba
White Sands and Sunny Vibes
8.3
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Climb the volcanic Hooiberg Hill for panoramic island views
  • 🐢 Snorkel among sea turtles at Boca Catalina Bay
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Eagle Beach
Antigua
365 beaches and turquoise waters
7.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Hike to Shirley Heights for sunset and steel drum music
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Dickenson Bay Beach
  • ⚓ Explore historic Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO site
Providenciales
Turquoise Waters Meet White-Sand Beaches
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Bight Reef
  • 🌊 Explore the stunning turquoise waters of Chalk Sound National Park
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Grace Bay Beach
Baja California Sur
Desert meets ocean adventure land
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Playa Balandra
  • 🐋 Watch grey whales breach near the lagoons of Magdalena Bay
  • 🦈 Swim alongside whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz
Anguilla
Pristine beaches and turquoise waters
7.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel with colorful reef fish at Little Bay
  • ⛵ Sail around the island’s turquoise waters on a catamaran
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of Shoal Bay
Antigua and Barbuda
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
7.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore historic Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour
  • 🤿 Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs at Cades Reef
  • 🌸 Relax on the famous pink sands of Barbuda Beach
British Virgin Islands
Pristine sailing paradise with beaches
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel over coral gardens in the crystal waters of Norman Island
  • 🏞️ Swim through the massive granite boulders at The Baths
  • ⛵ Sail between Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada islands
Cayman Islands
Tropical paradise with crystal waters
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Seven Mile Beach
  • 🤿 Dive among coral reefs and shipwrecks in Grand Cayman
  • 🐠 Swim with stingrays at the famous Stingray City sandbar
Turks and Caicos Islands
Sun-drenched beaches with crystal waters
8.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery sands of Long Bay Beach
  • ⛵ Sail through turquoise waters around Providenciales
  • 🤿 Dive the world-famous coral walls at Grace Bay
Los Angeles
The city of stars, beaches and dreams
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🎡 Spend a sunny afternoon at Santa Monica Pier and beach
  • 🥾 Hike to the Hollywood Sign for sweeping city views
  • 🎬 Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find your favorite stars
San Diego
California's perfect weather playground
7.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🦭 Relax at La Jolla Cove and watch sea lions bask
  • 🚢 Visit the historic USS Midway Museum on Navy Pier
  • 🦓 Explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
8.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Poipu Beach with vibrant marine life
  • 🚤 Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast
  • 🌄 Hike the breathtaking trails of Waimea Canyon
Tulum
Ruins, reefs and boho beaches
6.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Tulum Beach
  • 💧 Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Gran Cenote
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins perched overlooking Caribbean Sea
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐢 Snorkel with turtles at Molokini Crater reef
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic and winding Road to Hana
  • 🌄 Watch sunrise atop Haleakalā volcano summit
Miami Beach
The ultimate blend of sun, sand and Art Deco charm
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Stroll Lincoln Road for shopping and dining delights
  • 🏖️ Relax on sunny sands of famous South Beach
  • 🏛️ Walk the iconic Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
7.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Experience thrilling ATV tours through desert landscapes
  • 🏖️ Relax on vibrant Medano Beach and swim safely
  • ⛵ Explore the iconic El Arco rock formation by boat
Florida
Sunshine State, Endless Adventure
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐊 Spot alligators on an airboat tour in the Everglades
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Miami Beach
  • 🎠 Experience the magic of Walt Disney World in Orlando
Jamaica
Vibrant culture meets pristine beaches
7.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🎶 Visit Bob Marley’s home and museum in Kingston
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Seven Mile Beach in Negril
  • 💦 Climb up the cascading waters of Dunn’s River Falls
Saint Lucia
Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains
7.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel the colorful reefs of Anse Chastanet
  • 🫧 Soak in the volcanic Sulphur Springs mud baths
  • ⛰️ Climb the majestic Pitons for breathtaking island views
Great Exuma Island
Crystal clear waters and tranquility
7.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto from the James Bond film
  • ⛵ Sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Exuma Cays
  • 🐷 Swim with the famous Exuma pigs at Pig Beach
Bermuda
Pink sands and turquoise waters
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel around vibrant coral reefs in Tobacco Bay
  • 🕳️ Explore the Crystal Caves and marvel at limestone formations
  • 🌸 Relax on the stunning pink sands of Horseshoe Bay Beach
Guadeloupe
Caribbean Gem with French Flair
7.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim on the pristine beaches of Sainte-Anne
  • 🤿 Snorkel or dive at the Réserve Cousteau marine park
  • 🏞️ Hike to the stunning waterfalls in Guadeloupe National Park
Saint Barthélemy
Luxury Island with Caribbean Charm
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Discover marine life in the Nature Reserve marine zone
  • ⛰️ Hike to the summit of Morne du Vitet
  • 🏖️ Relax on the idyllic Colombier Beach
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
One destination, 32 islands, countless possibilities
7.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore Fort Charlotte with panoramic Kingstown views
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Tobago Cays
  • 🌋 Hike to the crater of La Soufrière volcano
U.S. Virgin Islands
Caribbean Paradise with U.S. Convenience
8.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Reef Bay Trail and visit ruins
  • 🤿 Snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at Trunk Bay
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Magens Bay Beach
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
8.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
  • 🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
  • 🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Belize
Tropical paradise with diverse ecosystems
7.0
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail between tropical cayes across the Belize Barrier Reef
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Caracol
  • 🤿 Dive or snorkel the breathtaking Great Blue Hole
Miami
Vibrant City of Sun and Fun
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌴 Relax on sunny South Beach’s iconic shoreline
  • 🏰 Tour lavish Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
  • 🎨 Explore vibrant street art at Wynwood Walls
Yucatán
Gateway to the Mayan world
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Visit the ancient ruins at Uxmal Archaeological Zone
  • 💧 Swim in the beautiful, crystal-clear Cenote Ik Kil
  • 🏯 Explore the iconic El Castillo pyramid at Chichén Itzá
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐢 Swim and snorkel with sea turtles nearby
  • 🌅 Enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise along the coast
  • 🏄‍♂️ Take a surfing lesson on iconic Waikiki Beach
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