Selling Mountains, Coast, Town & Country
La Digue, Republic of Seychelles
Its towering cliffs and pink sand make it one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
Bonus: La Digue, specifically its Veuve Nature Reserve, is the last place on earth where you can find the rare black paradise flycatcher bird, of which there are only about 100 left.
Piha, New Zealand
Auckland has never been confused for a “beach town,” but one of the most enduring images of the place comes from this beach about 25 miles north of the city. It’s home to Lion Rock, a massive 16-million-year-old stone that’s made appearances on both the Auckland phone book and postage stamps. Green hills line the shore, with streams and tributaries running out into the Tasman Sea.
Bonus: Piha is a black sand beach, formed by volcanic minerals, and the harsh breaks make it one of the top surfing spots in the Pacific.
Maluku, Indonesia
While Bali gets the bulk of the Indonesian beach hype, the most jaw-dropping beach in the country is in Maluku. The actual stretch of sand isn’t particularly large, but the overall setting of emerald ocean flowing through jungle islands is the stuff of South Pacific fantasies. And since it doesn’t get a ton of hype, you can often float face up in the perfectly clear water without anyone else around.
Bonus: It’s called the Maldives of Indonesia, mostly because here too you can rent little tiki huts that sit on stilts in the water, making your patio a de facto private beach.
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
There’s a reason this plush tropical beach was used as the backdrop for the cult movie The Beach, and that reason is probably that they wanted one of the world’s most gorgeous tropical beaches in the film. Or, it could just be cheaper to shoot a movie in Thailand.
Bonus: Once you get there you might be tempted to make it a full-time vacation; Ko Phi Phi is one of the world’s most best beach cities where you can live comfortably for dirt cheap.
Tulum, Mexico
With Mayan ruins in the background, this white sand paradise is accented by clear water and colorful fishing boats; meanwhile, festive locals salsa dance on nearby Playa Esperanza.
Bonus: Climbing pyramids, swimming in cenotes, kitesurfing, and eating fish tacos — you will not get bored.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
When you think of crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and unparalleled surfing, only one place comes to mind: Canada! Or not… but that’s what makes this unexpected surf town on the west coast of Vancouver Island such a pleasant surprise. It has all that plus towering mountain views that, if you dress accordingly, can make for one of the most scenic beach days of your life.
Bonus: Bears sometimes enjoy this beach, too. That may or may not be a bonus: Just make sure you bring your camera and an air horn.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
TripAdvisor’s hands down best beach in the world, this Brazilian escape — with its turquoise waters and coral reefs — is super secluded and really, really difficult to get to; as in, down a dirt road, a few rickety ladders, steep stairs, and through a tight crevasse — you get the idea.
Bonus: It’s a must for divers and snorkelers, with impressive reefs and tons of sea creatures to spot.
Siesta Key, Florida
It’s tough to pick just one from America’s best beach state, but this gem on the Gulf Coast is the kind of beach that gives you a sunburn because you can’t pull yourself away. The calm, azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico lap up on a powdered-sugar shoreline with minimal development and spectacular sunsets.
Bonus: It’s not uncommon to see dolphins swimming just a few yards offshore. In the summer you might also spot some manatees if you venture out in a kayak.
Española Island, Galapagos
If these approximately 4-million-year-old volcanic islands were good enough for Charles Darwin, they’re good enough for us.
Bonus: Famous for their many endemic species, Bahia Gardner is packed with sea lions, red lava lizards, and Española mockingbirds. The entire world population of waved albatrosses breeds here, as does the fun-to-say blue-footed booby.
Lagoa, Portugal
Take in the view from atop the golden cliffs that line this postcard beach. Then forego the stairs and take the walking path to the right of the parking lot for even more “holy shit” vistas. Head into the turquoise water and swim through the twin arches that stand as the beach’s iconic symbol. Or take a boat out and explore the grottos and caves nearby.
Bonus: Marinha is just one of several beaches in Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, vying to be named the most beautiful in the country. There is quite literally “more where that came from” so rent a car and make an adventure of it.
Fraser Island, Australia
There’s no salt to sting your eyes, as this all-silica beach is on a crystal clear, freshwater lake — considered one of the cleanest in the world. Fraser Island’s also one of the largest sand islands and features an ancient rainforest.
Bonus: Dingo sightings are perfect for yelling, “a dingo ate my baby!”
Lampedusa, Italy
A stunning and secluded nature reserve accessed only by boat, Rabbit Beach (which, ironically, has no rabbits) is consistently rated one of the top four beaches in the world on TripAdvisor.
Bonus: Dolphins frolicking in the water and the nearby volcanic isle of Linosa, which has an incredible black-and-red beach.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara might just be the most perfect place in America. It’s got all the warm, sunny weather Southern California’s famous for — but without the millions of people that ruin it in LA. East Beach epitomizes that quintessential Cali scenery that caused early settlers’ jaws to hit the sand: the deep blue Pacific, a long meandering beachfront drive lined with palm trees, and the Santa Ynez Mountains standing tall in the background.
Bonus: Beachgoers, Rollerbladers, and runners who are every bit the picture of Southern California beauty, making this one of the best spots in America for all kinds of scenery.
The Gaetano Group 