What makes a great beach all depends on the traveler. Some prefer wide stretches of sand with ample activities and throngs of people to watch, while others desire deserted shorelines with calm waters. U.S. News took this and other factors – such as unique scenery, beach quality and overall accessibility – into consideration to determine the best beaches in the world. Want to put in your 2 cents? Cast your vote below to help determine next year's ranking. Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.
1. B O R A B O R A.
This French Polynesian island is small but mighty. Measuring only 6 miles long and less than 3 miles wide, Bore is packed with stunning beaches, green jungles and ritzy resorts featuring overwater bungalows. M A T I R A Beach is ideal for sunbathing and strolling along sandy shores, while the beach at the Four Seasons Resort Bore is where you should head for Mount O T E M A N U views and calm water. Snorkeling and shark-feeding excursions are also available if you enjoy adventurous pursuits.
Why Go To B O R A.
The small island of B O R A (just about 6 miles long and a little more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. A dormant volcano rises up at its center and fans out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michele, who wrote Tales of the South Pacific, called B O R A the most beautiful island in the world. The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the Pearl of the Pacific. The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful B O R A abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals.
And as you might've already guessed, the main industry on this petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny M O T U islands is tourism. To that end, you can snorkel, explore V A I T A P E B O R A main port hike Mount O T E M A N U and more. But there's a catch: B O R A is expensive – very expensive. In short visit, B O R A for natural beauty, visit for utter relaxation and visit if you have the money.
2. F I J I.
Boasting 333 islands, resplendent resorts, sparkling waters and endless stretches of pristine sand, Fiji is the perfect spot for paradise-seeking beach goers. Travelers who want to snorkel while on vacation should set their sights on Taverns diverse coral reefs. Meanwhile, those pining for the tropical beaches featured in the movie Cast Away and multiple seasons of the TV show Survivor can catch a ferry from Port D E N A R A U and head directly to one of the 20 islands that make up the M A M A N U C A Islands. Popular options include Q A L I T O Island known as C A S T A W A Y Island and V O M O Island.
3. M A U R I T I U S.
This scenic African island, which sits east of Madagascar, offers a multitude of beaches worth prioritizing. Visitors say the island's west coast is where you'll find the best strips of shoreline, including F L I C E N E F L A C and L E M O R N E beaches, which feature beautiful white sand and superb vantage points for sunsets. Those who appreciate beaches near amenities will prefer north coast shores like Grand B A I E, while those seeking a more remote beach experience will enjoy visiting spots like L I E A U X C E R F S and Blue Bay.
4 T A H I T I.
Tahiti should be high on your list if you like your beaches paired with gourmet French cuisine. The largest of French Polynesian's islands is known for offering top-notch fare, verdant jungles, lavish resorts and sandy shores. The smaller section of Tahiti known as Tahiti is more secluded than the larger Tahiti N U I, but both are worth seeing. Tahiti I T S famous beach, La P L A G E de M A U I is highly regarded for a reason (think: sparkling sand and crystal-clear water), but the popularity comes with crowds. Check out P A P E N O Beach on T A H I T I N U I for excellent surfing conditions and more breathing room.
5. M A L A D I V E S.
The M A L A D I V E S is unlike any beach destination you'll experience. This tropical paradise is made up of approximately 1,200 islands – and each beach is more beautiful than the last. You'll likely stick to the island where your resort is, but you can expect pearlescent sands, towering palm trees, incredibly blue waters and surreal sunsets wherever you choose to lay down your towel. Most public beaches require covering up, so if you do stray from your resort's sands, consider checking out the bikini-friendly beaches on R A S D H O and M A A F U S H I islands.
6. Whit Sunday Islands.
Located off the northeastern coast of Australia, the Whit Sunday Islands feel like an entirely different world. The archipelago sits adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and offers an incredibly unique, albeit fragile, ecosystem. Some of the best beaches on this collection of 74 islands include Betty's Beach, White haven Beach and Chalkier Beach, but there are plenty of stunning spots to choose from. When you're not sunbathing on pearl-white sand or snorkeling through turquoise water, unwind at one of the bungalows or luxury eco resorts situated on Hamilton Island or Long Island.
7. M A U T I.
If you're looking for a taste of Hawaii's beautiful beaches without the crowds on Oahu, retreat to Maui. The island boasts impressive beaches both big and small, adult- and family-friendly, as well as the black sand shores at W A I A N A P A N A P A State Park. South Maui is especially popular with families, as it is home to W A I L E A Beach, which is known for its mostly calm water, bustling resorts and highly regarded restaurants. Meanwhile, the North Shore attracts active travelers keen on taking advantage of the superb windsurfing conditions at H O O K I P A Beach Park and K A N A H A Beach Park
8. St. L U C I A.
St. Lucia's beaches may be smaller than others on this list, but they're no less beautiful. Visitors won't find many lengthy stretches of sand here, but they'll have their pick of charming coves and private shorelines backed by lush mountains. M A R I G O T Bay is a solid option for watching boats and yachts, while R E D U I T Beach attracts families keen on snorkeling or splashing in the gentle waves. Adventurous travelers who don't mind a hike should plan a visit to Grande A N S E, a more secluded beach that's frequented by nesting leatherback sea turtles
9. B A H A M A S.
With countless beaches to choose from on 700 islands, it's easy for you to find your perfect spot in the Bahamas. From massive resorts like Atlantis, Paradise Island to privately owned islands, the variety of beaches here run the gamut. The Pink Sand Beach on Harbor Island will wow you with its rosy hue, while The E X U M A S will delight you with their wild swimming pigs. If you're after underwater caves, diving excursions and a stretch of sand featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, look no further than Gold Rock Beach in Lucian National Park on Grand Bahama Island.
10. R A I L A Y Beach.
R A I L A Y Beach also knows abuts the Andaman Sea from its location in Thailand's K R A B I province. The region is composed of four main beaches and is home to pillow sand, crystal-clear water, staggering yet climbable cliffs (for the experienced climber) and lush jungles. For a truly spectacular beach experience, head to Beach, where you'll find caves, islands and coral reefs to explore. Another must-visit R A I L A Y Beach shoreline is beautiful R A I L A Y West, which sits within walking distance of a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and resorts.
11. U.S. Virgin Islands.
A trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands will charm just about any type of traveler, as St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix islands cater to different categories of beach goers. Beach lovers who want to get away from the crowds should head straight to St. John, where the quieter sands of Honeymoon and Salomon beaches appeal to privacy-seeking couples. St. Thomas' photogenic Mages Bay is perfect for photo-ops (though other tourists might get in your shot), and St. Croix's Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is ideal for vacationers wanting to share the sand and surf with leatherback sea turtles
12. K A U A I.
Adventurous travelers flock here in droves for the many heart-pumping excursions this Hawaiian island has to offer (think: helicopter tours and thrilling zip line rides). However, Kauai's beaches should not be overlooked. Take a trip to P O L I H A L E State Park to check out the secluded shorelines that overlook the island's jaw-dropping N A P A L I Coast cliffs. Or, relax on an easily accessible stretch of sand like P O I P U Beach Park. Separated into two halves by a large sandbar, this beach is popular with families because kids can wade in the shallow waters left of the sandbar, while more advanced swimmers can practice bodyboarding on the right.
13. P H U K E T.
Trust us, you're going to want to go the extra miles for a vacation on Phuket's captivating beaches. That's because this Thai island is home to multiple natural wonders, such as P A T O N G, K A R O N and K A M A L A beaches. These stunning shorelines lead to striking teal water, which you can explore on a traditional long tail boat. N A I H A R N Beach is another popular spot among tourists and locals because of its pristine sand and clear water.
14. B E L I Z E.
One of the reasons travelers love Belize is because of its pristine P L A C E N C I A Peninsula. Many think this area looks like an island, but the nearly 20-mile stretch of shoreline is actually part of the mainland and is easily accessible by car. The water is typically calm, making it a family-friendly beach spot. The peninsula is also home to three villages, giving beach goers easy access to plenty of shops and restaurants when they need a break from the sand. For additional beaches, head to one of the islands off the coast of Belize. Noteworthy options include scenic Ambergris C A Y E and tiny Goff's C A Y E.
15. C A N C U N.
Whether you're visiting Cancun, Mexico, for a family trip, spring break or a romantic getaway, you'll discover a selection of stunning beaches. While you could spend the bulk of your vacation lounging at a beachfront resort's stretch of sand, it's worth venturing off-site to other beaches in the area. Visitors say Play M aroma is a must-see option thanks to its crystal-clear water and prime snorkeling conditions. Many also rave about P L A Y A Defines, which provides countless opportunities to catch a glimpse of frolicking dolphins. For a quiet escape from the Cancun crowds, head to the beaches on nearby I S L A M U J E R E S.
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