Santa Monica Beach, California
Perhaps one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in the United States, and definitely one of the world’s best beaches, is Santa Monica Beach! All along the scenic California coastline, the beachfront stretches over 3.5 miles, and hundreds, if not thousands, of tourists can be seen visiting it all year round. “In fact, Santa Monica Beach is so iconic that it conjures images of skateboarders, rollerbladers, bicyclists, runners, workout junkies, and beach bums who come to the beach shore in search of fun and sun to just mention the word” beach. There are plenty of food vendors that line the streets, whether in the form of food trucks, food carts, or restaurants. If food isn’t your thing, there’s, of course, a popular boardwalk on a wide wooden platform that juts out of the beach. Carnival sports, small swings, and the ever-famous Ferris wheel are part of the boardwalk. Of course, visiting this popular beach can’t go wrong, given how there is practically an infinite supply of fun to have while out there!
Renaissance Island, Aruba
The man-made private island of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is the only place in Aruba to take a selfie with the flamboyance of flamingos who are delighted to oblige from a vending machine (bring quarters) in exchange for kibble. The island is open to resort guests only, although each morning a limited number of day passes are sold. Flamingo Beach is for adults only, but on Ren Island’s family-friendly beach, children can spy on sunbathing iguanas.
Waikiki – Honolulu Hawaii
Here’s one that’s still technically in the U.S., but if you’re in the U.S., getting to this place takes a lot more than a weekend drive to get through. Waikiki, taking into account the magnificent view it commands, is the very image of what it takes to be called a Popular Beach. From the mountains that cover the entire island state, to the vast city of soaring skyscrapers that reach up to touch the sky that spans behind it. Not only that, but its location keeps it warm all year round as well, so there’s always a crowd of people coming to bask in Hawaii’s warm air and warm blue waters. Tanning, swimming, surfing, and relaxing are the usual beach activities, but apart from that, any beach enthusiast will enjoy the plethora of night clubs, stores, and the multitude of live music events that seem to go on at the beach.
Mosquito Bay – Vieques Puerto Rico
This is one beach you can’t swim at (as some time ago it was forbidden), but don’t let that trick you into thinking there’s nothing to do out here. There is actually a valid reason for the no-swimming rule. That’s because one of the few locations in the world where the water actually lights up at night is Mosquito Bay, making a stunning patchwork of sparkling blue algae lighting the night. Heralded as one of the brightest beaches in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, it leaves little to the imagination as to WHY it is that way. Not only that, but Mosquito Bay is often considered one of the most romantic locations in the world, which is why it is considered one of the most popular beaches in the world. Plus, for those who want to see more than just a light show, there are quite a lot of other things that one can do while on the Island of Vieques. For those who wait for the right time at night to see what nature’s gifts look like, picnic areas nestling along the shoreline, small villages, and a nature preserve, and more provide sufficient entertainment.
Bondi Beach – Sydney Australia
Some people think Australia is one huge beach, but it can’t be any further from reality. While in Australia there is a lot of beachfront lands, a lot of it is in areas that are only inhabitable. It has the world’s most gorgeous beaches. In reality, Bondi Beach is one such beach that, mostly because of its sheer beauty and atmosphere, deserves its position on the Most Popular Beaches list. Many other beaches that have been seen so far appear to be a draw for parties more or less, and it’s not difficult to see why. Stroll to Coogee Coastal Walk through the beautiful Bondi; eat like a hipster in a local restaurant along the Campbell Parade; take a surf lesson; browse the farmers market on Saturday; or swim in the popular Bondi Icebergs Pool, the oldest swimming club in Australia. Retreat to QT Bondi Beach, a luxurious boutique hotel located just behind the Bondi Pavilion.
