North America's Top 50+ Beaches

  • Jolly Beach // The Caribbean

    Jolly Beach
    Tim Sandell

    Dominated by the resort of the same name, Jolly Beach is made up of a mile of stunning white sand lining crystal clear shallows, making it the perfect spot for a swim. On Antigua's west coast, the beach is large enough to absorb all its visitors without ever feeling anything but spacious.

    When it comes to amenities, few beaches in the… read more »

  • Jabberwock Beach // The Caribbean

    Jabberwock Beach
    lam_chihang

    Just a quick drive from V C Bird International Airport, the northwest coast's Jabberwock Beach sits with Judge's Bay to its seaward side and a lagoon occupying much of its landward side. Almost disappearing with the highest tides, leaving just enough space to lie down without the Caribbean sun being blocked by native foliage, Jabberwock Beach has a length of… read more »

  • Pigeon Point Beach // The Caribbean

    Pigeon Point Beach
    Ian D. Keating

    Approximately five minutes by road from English Harbour, Pigeon Point Beach has calm shallow waters that make it ideal for splashing about with the kids. Snorkelling is another option, although the sandy bottom means you shouldn't expect huge numbers of fish.

    The sands of Pigeon Point Beach are fine and golden. At low tide, the beach has attractive dimensions, which are… read more »

  • Playa Damajayabo // The Caribbean

    Playa Damajayabo
    Christian Pirkl

    A short distance east of the city of Santiago de Cuba on the island's southern Caribbean coastline, Playa Damajayabo is an uncrowded virgin beach comprising greyish sand and smooth pebbles. On its sands natural shade is cast by the trees and plant cover which edge the beach. This slips gently into rich blue waters arching across a wide bay.

    Surrounded by… read more »

  • El Francés // The Caribbean

    El Francés
    Christian Pirkl

    Playa El Francés can be found on Cuba's southern Caribbean coastline a short distance west of the city of Santiago. Stretching back from warm waters to Highway 20, it is easily reached by road, allowing locals and visitors to spend time on this pristine piece of golden sand.

    Approximately 500 metres long, Playa El Francés curves ever so slightly around its… read more »

  • Playa Larga // The Caribbean

    Playa Larga
    © Kaldari

    Since Playa Larga is the name of a small resort-free community at the end of the Bay of Pigs as well as its main beach, the sands are sometimes also known as Playa de Playa Larga. Beyond the slightly unusual nomenclature, Playa Larga provides visitors with plenty of space, being nearly a mile in length.

    Its position deep within the bay… read more »

  • Hapuna Beach // USA

    Hapuna Beach
    Polihale

    Situated on the Kohala Coast, Hapuna Beach is one of the Big Island's largest white sand beaches. A great choice for families with children, Hapuna is a reliable pick because of its range of attractions. These including sunbathing and sand castle building as well as swimming, snorkelling and bodyboarding thanks to a near-continuous shore break.

    Roughly 800 metres long and relatively… read more »

  • Keawakapu Beach // USA

    Keawakapu Beach
    Kirt Edblom

    Keawakapu Beach is situated on the west coast of Maui, south of Maalaea Bay. Over half a mile in length, the beach is made up of a rich orange sand which slips into shallow waters from banks of shrubs and palm trees. Its shallow entry into the waters of the Pacific Ocean make it a great choice for swimmers, bodyboarders… read more »

  • Kamaole Beach Park III // USA

    Kamaole Beach Park III
    dronepicr

    Kamaole Beach Park III is the southernmost of the trio of sandy beaches that make up Kamaole Beach in Kihei. It's the smallest of the three and has rocks at either end providing interest in contrast to the soft white sand.

    Like its neighbours, Kam III is beautiful with a backdrop of lush greenery and a large grassy park area which… read more »

  • Kamaole Beach Park II // USA

    Kamaole Beach Park II
    dronepicr

    Kamaole Beach Park II is the mid-section of a trio of beautiful beaches in central Kihei. Kam 2, as it is often referred to, stretches for about 1/3rd mile along the edge of the relatively calm waves. There are rocky outcrops at either end that separates it from Kam I and Kam III at high tide. 

    The beach is popular with… read more »

  • Kapalua Beach // USA

    Kapalua Beach
    Laila Goubran

    Kapalua Bay definitely lives up to its reputation as one of America's Best Beaches. The crystalline green-blue waters lap the golden sands which line this horseshoe shaped bay. With fairly calm sea and gently breaking waves Kapalua Bay is ideal for swimming, although there is no lifeguard on duty. You can also snorkel and scuba dive; you will see… read more »

  • Ha'ena Beach // USA

    Ha'ena Beach
    Christopher Michel

    After suffering historic floods in 2018, the highway access to Ha'ena Beach on North Shore Kauai reopened with new restrictions of just 900 visitors per day. This is intended to preserve the pristine natural beauty of this fragile and popular beach. You need to reserve your spot online up to 14 days ahead, pay for parking (currently $5 in 2023)… read more »

  • Hanakapi'ai Beach // USA

    Hanakapi'ai Beach
    cogdogblog

    Hanakapi'ai Beach is a remote and strikingly beautiful spot along Kauai’s rugged Nā Pali Coast. Accessible only by hiking the first two miles of the famous Kalalau Trail, this golden-sand beach is framed by steep, jungle-covered cliffs to one side and the expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the other. The journey to the beach takes visitors through lush valleys,… read more »

  • Kalihiwai Beach // USA

    Kalihiwai Beach
    Kyle Pearce

    Kalihiwai Beach is a North Shore beauty with a crescent-shaped sandy beach edged with ironwood trees. Even before you reach the beach it will entrance you with views from the scenic highway revealing idyllic green-clad cliffs and ocean vistas. The stunning setting and easy access to this drive-up beach make it a  popular spot for barefoot weddings.

    The western edge of… read more »

  • Wailua Beach // USA

    Wailua Beach
    Robert Linsdell

    Wailua Beach is a long, sandy stretch near the mouth of the Wailua River on Kauai’s east shore. Its golden sand and open ocean views make it a scenic spot, but the waves and currents can be strong, especially in winter. While it isn't the best beach for swimming, it's popular with experienced surfers and bodyboarders.

    While the beach is… read more »