I’ve compiled a short list of all of my personal favorite sandy getaways. There are tons more that I plan to see, but for now, here we go.
PhraNang Cave Beach
Ao Nang, Thailand
I can’t say enough about this gorgeous little paradise. It’s just stunning. The calm and warm turquoise water is the perfect temperature. It’s accompanied by soft sand, limestone cliffs, and an overhang that you can explore and swim under. I recommend arriving early in the morning to experience the tranquility before the crowds arrive, and to choose a nice spot to station yourself and your belongings (It’s a popular beach and kind of small). I’m not quite sure if a lot of monkeys are still around but there will likely be a sighting here and there.
TIP: check out Railay View Point for a nearby hike with great views
Tayrona National Park
Magdalena, Colombia
Tayrona National Park is utopia of beaches, and truly wonderous. It’s the only place I’ve ever been where I felt completely one with nature; I explored a restricted and abandoned beach with monstrous waves (not suitable for swimming). The experience was surreal, witnessing the shear power of the ocean beside a jungle, all alone, screaming “I’m the king of the world” at the top of my lungs.
Generally considered some most beautiful swimmable beaches are:
- La Arenilla
- Punta Las Gaviotas
- La Piscina (ideal for snorkeling)
- Cabo San Juan
- Bahia Neguanje
- Gayraca
- Playa Cristal
- Bahia Cinto
Coconut Beach
Port Barton, Phillipines
The best part about this beach is getting there. In Port Barton, you can rent a kayak and from the main beach and cruise the quiet waters to coconut beach, which is lined with swaying coconut trees. It’s a true rural and rustic experience, free of major tourism. You can also walk through the jungle or take a scooter here, but I prefer the kayak method especially as the sun begins to set.
The sand is very soft, probably the softest I’ve ever felt. To top it off, there are friendly pigs and some stray dogs that roam the beach. They aren’t invasive at all, rather they add character to the entire atmosphere.
Praia Vermelha
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
I love city beaches that aren’t overly crowded. Praia Da Vermelha (Red Beach) fits the mold. It’s situated next to Sugarloaf Mountain, one of Rio De Janeiro’s most popular tourist attractions. Visiting the mountain and then hitting the beach afterwards could be a nice combo for visitors.
The views here are beautiful, and I particularly like the deep sand. The vendors aren’t bothersome, but you can still purchase some local drinks and snacks if you wish. in comparison to Copacabana and Ipanema, it’s much less turistic. Generally speaking, the waves off the coast of Rio De Janeiro are strong, so it’s not the best place to swim if you’d like to spend a lot of time in the water. If you’re a fan of just laying down and listening to the waves though, it’s the place for you.
Cancun (north-facing beach)
Quintana Roo, Mexico
The circled blue section of the photo is the beach to which I’m referring –
In this particular part of Cancun, the sand is original to the land. Much of the sand in the other part of the hotel zone going from north to south was imported after a hurricane years ago. The water here is very calm due to Isla Mujeres blocking all the incoming waves. The water is a gorgeous turquoise color and the sand in very soft. The area is exceptionally maintained, partly because many the beaches are private. I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel, which is why I had access. I imagine you could sneak in somehow but in general most of the people on the beach are guests of the hotels alongside it. Many of you are probably wondering why Isla Mujeres is not on my list. Sadly I’ve never been there, which the reason for its absence.
Miami Beach (29th street)
Florida, USA
I lived in Miami Beach for about a year and I enjoyed the beaches. They are generally clean and well maintained, and an excellent place to view the sunrise. South Beach is fun for people looking for more of a party/social vibe, but it’s a bit too fake and ‘instagrammy’ for me.
Instead, I visited a location just a few blocks outside of South Beach that I really liked – 29th street. Access to this cute chill spot is through a driveway in between a Condominium and Hotel. The beach curves outward/eastward a bit, which gives you nice views of the skyline in the distance. On days when the water is calm, it’s a nice spot to swim and clear your head. I particularly enjoy secluded places in metropolitan areas like this that are in walking distance of restaurants and public transportation.
