North America's Top 50+ Beaches

  • Pensacola Beach // USA

    Pensacola Beach
    © Fede Casanova

    Stretching for several miles along the state's Gulf of Mexico coastline, Pensacola Beach forms the main proportion of Santa Rosa Island. A barrier island approximately 40 miles in length but just a couple of hundred yards wide, it can be subdivided into a number of different beaches and conservation areas. It is connected by road bridges to mainland Florida at… read more »

  • Brandons Beach // The Caribbean

    Brandons Beach
    Barry haynes

    Located just outside the Barbadian capital, Bridgetown, Brandons Beach is a peaceful stretch of soft white sand. With calm, clear waters make it is ideal for swimming, and the gentle waves are great for beginner paddleboarders or those looking to relax in the sea. The beach is spacious enough that there is usually a quiet spot, even on busier days.

    read more »
  • Harrismith Beach // The Caribbean

    Harrismith Beach
    Jim.Milbourne

    Running towards a rocky promontory, Harrismith Beach (or Harry Smith's Beach) is one of the quieter stretches of sand that can be found in south-eastern Barbados. It's sloping near-white sands are narrow compared to its near neighbours such as the better-known Bottom Bay. However, its position with a blend of coconut palms and local vegetation to one side and… read more »

  • St Lawrence Beach // The Caribbean

    St Lawrence Beach
    Postdlf

    St Lawrence Beach is an arching ribbon of pale sand which greets the shallow clear waters of St Lawrence Bay (also known as Little Bay) on the southwest coast of Barbados. Amid urbanization reaching south from the heart of Bridgetown at the entrance to the ever-lively St Lawrence Gap, St Lawrence Beach may not be the most secluded of island… read more »

  • Welches Beach // The Caribbean

    Welches Beach
    Berit

    Welches Beach is a long stretch of soft off-white sand running along the middle reaches of Oistin Bay in southwest Barbados. More than half a kilometre in length, the beach has undergone significant work in recent years to create a broad expanse of beachfront free of rocks both above and below the water line.

    A great place to swim as a… read more »

  • Maxwell Beach // The Caribbean

    Maxwell Beach
    Loozrboy

    A charming if relatively small area of sand, Maxwell Beach lies at the western end of Oistin Bay. Approximately 200 metres in total length, its pale coral sand faces roughly south. Immediately east of the popular area of St Lawrence Gap, Maxwell Beach has rich blue waters and plenty of options for enjoying them.

    Swimming is safe on all but… read more »

  • Mullins Beach // The Caribbean

    Mullins Beach
    Brett Spangler

    Mullins Beach lies directly off the island's Highway 1B. Located in the northwest of Barbados, it forms the majority of the gently curving coastline of Mullins Bay.

    Sloping slightly into the bay's turquoise waters, much of Mullins Beach is backed by a wall of vegetation, separating from the main road and its well-sized car park. However, it's southern end meets a… read more »

  • Palm Beach // The Caribbean

    Palm Beach
    Atilin

    Palm Beach is one of Aruba's most popular beaches. This lively, two-mile stretch of soft white sand and clear, calm waters is located on the island’s northwest coast. The gentle waves and warm Caribbean waters make it perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while the steady breeze creates good conditions for sailing.

    The beachfront is lined with high-rise resorts, beach bars,… read more »

  • Boca Catalina // The Caribbean

    Boca Catalina
    Dan Souza

    This small, quiet beach on Aruba, is known for its excellent snorkelling. The clear, shallow waters of Boca Catalina make it easy to spot colourful fish, and sea turtles are sometimes seen near the reef. The rocky outcrops near the shore create a further natural habitat for marine life, while the soft sand between is comfortable on the feet.

    Unlike… read more »

  • Flamingo Beach // The Caribbean

    Flamingo Beach
    vgan

    Located on the private barrier island of Renaissance Island, Flamingo Beach is known for its white sand, clear water, and of course, the famous pink flamingos that roam freely along the shore. The beach is part of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, and access is limited to resort guests although it is possible to get a day-pass.

    The calm, shallow… read more »

  • Grapefield Beach // The Caribbean

    Grapefield Beach
    Serge Melki

    Set on a quiet, windswept stretch of coastline on the Aruba's eastern side is Grapefield Beach. Unlike the calm waters of Aruba’s popular resort beaches, this area is more rugged, with stronger waves and a wild, untouched feel. The sand is soft and white, but the shore is scattered with rocks and driftwood, adding to its wilderness feel.

    This beach… read more »

  • Mangel Halto Beach // The Caribbean

    Mangel Halto Beach
    alljengi

    Mangel Halto Beach is a quiet, secluded spot known for its shallow, clear waters and some of the best snorkeling in Aruba. Located on the island’s southern coast, it is surrounded by mangroves, creating a peaceful and sheltered feel. The water here is calm, making it perfect for swimming, while the nearby coral reefs are home to colourful fish and… read more »

  • Rodgers Beach // The Caribbean

    Rodgers Beach
    Juan Camilo Trujillo

    Rodgers Beach is a quiet, unspoiled stretch of white sand on the Aruba's southern coast, not far from the town of San Nicolas. It has calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, and the lack of large crowds making it something of a hidden gem. The beach is lined with cacti and palm trees, which offer some natural shade,… read more »

  • Dickenson Bay // The Caribbean

    Dickenson Bay
    Paul Kowalow

    Northwest Antigua's Dickenson Bay combines the white sands of its beach with a mile-long coral reef offshore to create the perfect Caribbean escape. No wonder there are so many hotels and resorts flanking it, alongside concessions for renting out water sports gear, arranging tours on glass-bottomed boats, and hiring out sun loungers and umbrellas.

    Being perhaps the most developed beach anywhere… read more »

  • Eden Beach // The Caribbean

    Eden Beach
    Roger Green

    If you're looking for Eden, you've found it! Eden Beach is a wide expanse of gently sloping sand which runs for roughly a kilometre. Situated on the island's west coast, it's around 20 minutes from St John's, and is reached by passing through the Hawksbill Resort, but remains relatively secluded.

    This is important because Eden Beach is Antigua's only clothing optional… read more »