#beaches

#beaches

I've traveled to more than 20 countries, but Mexico continues to be one of my favorite destinations to visit. One Mexican city in particular has stolen my heart: Puerto Vallarta. Located on the country's west coast, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a classic resort town. It offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, a bustling downtown scene, and plenty of outdoor adventure.

I'm a New Yorker, so my summer weekends are usually chock full of trying the latest restaurants, hitting the beach, and taking strolls in the park right within my own vibrant city. However, this summer I decided to venture a little further from home and explore a beachside escape a few hours away: Atlantic City, New Jersey. I've been to Atlantic City just once before, to attend a concert at Ocean Casino Resort in Ovation Hall.

Coopers Beach is... shielded from the cold Labrador currents in the beautiful village of Southampton. Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand.

Indiana Dunes National Park offers a beautiful blend of sandy beaches and the Chicago skyline, making it a unique beach destination in the Midwest.

Wailea features cabana-skirted shores that provide a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, while Hana offers hidden coves ideal for low-key relaxation.

Britain's best beaches curve and cradle the coastline of North Wales, where Snowdonia's mountains cascade down into cliffs, dunes and the rolling Irish sea.

Kefalonia, located in the Ionian Islands, is an undercover gem with 755,929 international visitors in 2024, far fewer than the more famous Santorini.

Anglesey beaches are among not just the prettiest beaches in Wales, but the best beaches in the UK, crafted daily by the tides, revealing stunning landscapes.

Akti Vouliagmeni Beach provides an ideal blend of relaxation and activity, with well-maintained facilities and stunning views, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

Bell Wharf Beach in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex is Time Out's best beach within an hour of London for summer 2025. The quaint stretch of sand is a quick 10 minute walk from Leigh's train station and offers a much quieter alternative to the likes of Brighton Beach and Camber Sands, which tend to get packed with Londoners come summertime.

Hawaii's beaches dominated Dr. Beach's 2025 list with four entries, including Wailea, Poipu, Kaunaoa, and Lanikai, affirming the islands' beauty and desirability.

Crete's floury beaches and cerulean seas make it a beloved escape, with endless discoveries of secret coves, galleries, and culinary gems awaiting travelers.

"As with every year, visitors may see sections of beach closed off for swimming/capacity restrictions based on daily lifeguard staffing," a Parks Department spokesperson told Brooklyn Paper.

Cyprus has a diverse selection of beaches, from family-friendly to party-centric, making it an ideal year-round destination for sunseekers.

In Sri Lanka, trains chug up misty mountains, mopeds weave past peacocks in paddy fields, and men in colourful sarongs pedal along dusty beach roads.

Whatever you're after, pack some sunscreen and keep these tips in your back pocket for assured fun in the sun.

Jacques Pépin has lived here for decades and can be spotted dining around town, highlighting Madison's vibrant culinary scene.

30A stands out as a beautiful and luxurious spot in Florida, offering pristine beaches and charming towns, distinct from the typical touristy feel.

Antigua is the perfect island for travelers who want a relaxed and chilled authentic experience, with 365 beaches offering a private retreat every day of the year.

The city sits at the edge of the third-largest Great Lake, earning Chicago its Third Coast nickname. And 26 miles of lakeside land is owned by the park district.

As Scousers look ahead to summer, they appreciate the stunning beaches near Liverpool, making it a prime spot for seaside day trips.