Beaches - Islands

Aerial view of Fred Howard Park at sunset in Tarpon Springs, Florida

By C. M. Ramsburg 2 hours ago

Forget Tampa's Award-Winning Beaches, This Unsung Gulf Coast Park Is A White Sand Paradise Just An Hour Away

This county park offers a spectacular beach surrounded by clear water, perfect for swimming on hot days or just soaking in the Florida sunshine.

An aerial shot of West Bay, a seaside town in Dorest with a long beach, piers, harbor, houses, and distant green fields

By Ben M Stower 10 hours ago

Between Bournemouth And Exeter Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, Beaches, And A Scenic Pier

England's Jurassic Coast is one of the country's most magnificent natural areas, and this charming village is one of its finest destinations.

Boats, a beach, and thatched cottages in Cadgwith Cove, a fishing village in Cornwall

By Heather Cole 13 hours ago

Two Hours Away From Plymouth Is A Scenic Peninsula With Gorgeous Beaches, Quiet Vibes, And Rare Natural Beauty

Surf, swim in secluded coves, and walk across clifftops on this quintessential Cornish peninsula -- then stop for crab soup in a quaint fishing village.

A waterfront pier lined with palm trees at Kelsey Park in Lake Park, Florida.

By Karla Demery 16 hours ago

Near Palm Beach Is Florida's Day Trip Town With Coastline Views, Tasty Restaurants, And Nearby Beaches

For a tropical-feel vacation that's not quite so remote, this Florida town boasts sandy beaches and a downtown district that's perfect for a day trip.

Runswick Bay beach in North York Moors National Park

By Heather Cole 2 days ago

Between Middlesbrough And Scarborough Is A National Park Escape With A Sandy Beach And Scenic Coastal Cliffs

Named one of the prettiest coastal villages in the U.K., this cliffside hideaway retains its timeless feel through preserved cottages and an unspoiled beach.

Beachgoers swimming and sunbathing on West Wittering Beach with huts and treeline in background.

By Ben M Stower 3 days ago

Between Portsmouth And Worthing Is A Historic Village Known For Its Award-Winning Beach And Endless Outdoor Fun

Steeped in centuries of diverse history, this village enjoys a warm and sunny microclimate and a family-friendly beach with prime conditions for water sports.

A red boat on the sands at Littlehampton, U.K.

By Nick Nomi 3 days ago

Between Worthing And Bognor Regis Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, Gorgeous Beaches, And Shops

A lighthouse, beach huts, and wild dunes home to rare wildlife line this seaside town near Brighton, which also has fort ruins, galleries, and indie cafés.

St. Simons Island lighthouse with a gazebo in the foreground

By Christine Dulion 4 days ago

Georgia's Highly-Rated East Coast Retirement Hideaway Is A Southeast Gem With Beaches, Golfing, And Fishing

For a great spot to retire near Georgia's beaches and golf courses, head to this county known for its access to outdoor activities and charming Southern towns.

Green hills, white sand beach, and turquoise waters of Sado Island in Japan

By Shannon Smith 4 days ago

Forget The Bahamas, This Asian Island Has Gorgeous Sandy Beaches, A Vibrant Culture, And Crystal-Clear Waters

The Bahamas isn't the only beachy island with colorful culture and clear waters. This under the radar Asian gem has all of that, plus less foreign tourists.

An aerial view of Tynemouth Priory and castle ruins on a rocky plateau at sunset

By Marta Benigni 4 days ago

Nestled Between Edinburgh And Leeds Is A Coastal Town With Beaches, Fresh Seafood, And A Scenic Castle

Want to surf at an award-winning beach, explore a priory and castle, or feast at on-trend seafood spots? Then visit this town in the North East of England.

Rock bluffs with trees along the rim at Kingsland Bay State Park, Lake Champlain, Vermont

By Anahid Akkam 4 days ago

Vermont's Historic State Park On Lake Champlain Features Easy Trails, A Swim Beach, And Water Recreation

Vermont may be small, but it is home to a lot of natural beauty, including at this state park, where you can go for a pleasant hike or get out on the water.

A row of colorful beach huts at sunrise in Minster on Sea on the Isle of Sheppey in England

By Makayla Maxwell 5 days ago

Between London And Margate Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, An Award-Winning Beach, And History

Windsurf on an award-winning beach, eat fish and chips, then explore a nature reserve and ancient church in this island town near Margate.

Cleethorpes' pier and beach on a sunny day, with people on the sand

By Rene Bennett 5 days ago

Between Hull And Mablethorpe Is A Charming Coastal Town With Shops, A Sandy Beach, And A Scenic Pier

Immerse yourself in England's Victorian-era coastal culture in this beach town with sandy shores, historical sites, and charming local boutiques and pubs.

By Heather Cole 5 days ago

Between Ipswich And Clacton-On-Sea Is A Charming Coastal Resort Town With A Clean Sandy Beach And Top-Notch Eats

A fashionable resort destination in the 1930s, this town has long resisted the pressure of modernization and has retained its sophisticated, old-world feel.

Aerial view of Lyme Regis, England on a sunny day

By Kristin Conard 6 days ago

Between Exeter And Poole Is A Jurassic Coast Resort Town Called 'The Pearl Of Dorset' With Gorgeous Beaches

This charming seaside town in Dorset is known for its beaches and offers visitors the chance to find fossils on the beach — which they can legally take home.

Peering between palm trees to the sand and turquoise waters in Bimini, Bahamas

By Kristin Conard 7 days ago

Forget Nassau — This Tropical Bahamas Beachy Oasis Will Be One Of The Trendiest Destinations For 2027

There's more to the Bahamas than Nassau. Visit this uncrowded beach paradise famous for sportfishing before its trending destination status takes off in 2027.

Sunset over the water in Voyageurs National Park behind the Ash River Visitor Center

By Stephen Hanson 7 days ago

Not Grand Canyon, Not Yosemite: These Two National Parks Are The Least Likely To Disappoint In The US

If you want to avoid disappointment, skip the more popular U.S. national parks and head to these two underrated parks with scenic water adventures.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge sits over the bay, with the sun setting to the left

By Garrett Martin 8 days ago

Maryland's Newest Waterfront Park In Annapolis Has Gorgeous Beaches, Scenic Fishing Spots, And Woodland Trails

Open to reservations from November 2026, this new Maryland park offers beaches with Chesapeake Bay views plus fishing, hiking, and birding in small groups.

Charming houses with personal docks line the coast of Hayling Island

By Will Suphan 10 days ago

Just Outside Portsmouth Is A Scenic Island With A Charming Town, Beaches, And Trails

Situated where The Solent opens to the English Channel, this island combines biodiversity and gentle outdoor activities with character-filled town life.

The La Pescara fountain in front of the Palazzo del Governo in Pescara, Italy

By Nikolai Arto 11 days ago

Forget Rome — this Charming Italian City 2.5 Hours Away Will Be One Of The Trendiest Destinations Of 2027

This under-the-radar city on Italy's Adriatic Coast showcases delicious culinary specialties, dramatic mountain backdrops, and Blue Flag beaches.

People enjoying Sidmouth's long esplanade, beaches, and calm water, with Regency-era buildings and ancient red cliffs nearby

By Ben M Stower 13 days ago

Between Exeter And Seaton Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, A Vibrant Culture, And Lovely Beaches

This Jurassic Coast town is regarded as a relaxing spot for a seaside getaway, with two beaches plus local art, a folk festival, and seafood restaurants.

Bridge crossing Boca de Cangrejos and dense green mangroves into Loíza, Puerto Rico

By Dami Kim 14 days ago

This Puerto Rican Coastal Town Is A Day Trip With Vibrant Culture, Bomba Music, And Sandy Beaches

Branch out of San Juan on your Puerto Rico trip by making a stop at this beachy town with a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, including bomba music.

The Town Green park and community outdoor bandshell on the lake in Maple Grove, Minnesota

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 15 days ago

Near Minneapolis Is A Charming City With Scenic Lakes, Vibrant Shopping, And Local Eats

This small Minnesota city boasts seven lakes, approximately 150 different restaurants, and numerous shops to keep you busy during a day trip or vacation.

An aerial shot of Withernsea, with its beach, water, houses, promenade, and distant fields

By Ben M Stower 15 days ago

Between Middlesbrough And Skegness Is A Charming Coastal Town With Laid-Back Family Fun And A Blue Flag Beach

Experience an authentic English seaside vacation in this town known for its accessible Blue Flag beach plus game arcades, lighthouse, and gardens.

Fishing boats bobbing in the harbor in Mevagissey in Cornwall

By Heather Cole 16 days ago

This Fishing Paradise On The Cornwall Coast Is A Picturesque Village With Rolling Hills And Ocean Views

Swim, fish, or hike on cliff paths over this quintessential village in Cornwall, which has whitewashed stone cottages, a working harbour, and rock pools.

A purple flag flying near a beach entrance with sand dunes and the ocean in the background

By Danno Wise 17 days ago

What Does A Purple Flag Mean On A Beach?

Purple flags flying above the beach have a distinctive meaning that might keep you from swimming in the ocean on your next vacation to the coast.

An aerial view of the Atlantic, a pier, and Vero Beach's white sand lined with palm trees and condos

By Melanie Johnson 17 days ago

Goodbye Orlando, So Long Miami: Florida's Lovely Coastal City Was Named America's Trendiest Destination For 2027

What with its manatees, cute cafés, farmer’s market, and theater, it’s no wonder this beachside city in Florida has been voted No. 1 for US travelers.