The world’s 10 best beaches (we’ve ever been to)…

OK…we certainly haven’t been everywhere…and our bucket list is pages long with beautiful destinations at the waters edge that we long to explore.

That said, we’ve been blessed to see a few that hold memories of spectacular beauty. This is just one list of some that we’ve been to, and wanted to share.

Please add your favorites to the list…comment below…and together we’ll inspire each other to never stop exploring.

1. Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii

This marvel of nature, a spectacular wonder carved by erosion, is the definition of tropical paradise. The views from the water are the most dramatic, but hiking the steep and narrow trails are a must experience. Known for the towering Pali, or sea cliffs that stretch as far as 4,000 feet above the Pacific.

Waterfalls, sea caves, and lush tropical foliage carpets the impossibly carved hills. At either end of the coast, the black rocks just past Princeville provide the most beautiful sunsets…and on the far southern end, ride through the sugar cane fields to Polihale to see where the waves crash against the immense sheer rock walls.

2. Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Yes, the crowds can be daunting, but to arrive by longboat into the ‘room’ created by towering spires and crystal clear waters is an experience not to be missed. This stunningly beautiful bay is sheltered by 100-meter cliffs on three sides.

Made famous by the movie ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the beach can get up to 5,000 visitors a day. That said, the beach will close from June to September to allow the coral reef time to recover, so plan accordingly. Explore the must-see main attraction, but then pull away to snorkel and find a more private piece of paradise in the island chain. 

3. Moorings Beach, Islamorada, Florida

Midway between Miami and Key West at  mile marker 82.1 along the Overseas highway, is a stretch of paradise you’ll never want to leave. An 18-acre beachfront oasis with over 800 palms, tranquil and untouched on a former coconut plantation. Though not a great swimming beach, due to the rocky coral bottom, staying at one of the charming cottages and lying in a hammock is all you need to recharge body and soul.

Spend some time in the hammock at the end of the dock to enjoy views both back to the shore and out to sea.

3) Ruby Beach, Olympic Peninnsula, Washington State

We didn’t just say tropical…this rugged stretch of rock strewn beach will take your breath away. The massive ‘sea stacks’ (rock formations jutting straight up from the grey, churning ocean are among the most dramatic landscapes anywhere.

Located in the coastal section of Washington State’s Olympic National Park. Take in the sweet smell of salt air and feel the spray wash over you. Find a nice driftwood log, bring a picnic lunch and marvel at nature’s beauty.

4. Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I.

This absolute perfect crescent of white sand meeting turquoise water, rivals anywhere on earth. Views from the road above beckon, and the unique underwater snorkeling ‘trail’ is paradise found. St. John is blessed with many spectacular beaches, protected as part of the Virgin Islands National Park. The beach is divided into two halves, the main Trunk Bay beach and swim area, and Burgesman Cove, located on the west End near Jumby Bay…be sure to explore it all.and has amenities including a snack bar, showers and and spectacular snrokeling. I’ll never forget swimming through the swirling schools of fish, and stretching out on the perfect white coral sand. To learn more about St. John, check out our blog ‘Fall in Love with St. John, U.S.V.I.’

5. Red Beach, Santorini, Greece

We climbed over a rock outcropping, past the tiny, picture perfect blue roof church to find this unforgettable spot (though it c. Located near the village and ancient site of Akritori.

Though the amenities are sparse, the course red sand and volcanic stone along the deep blue Aegean Sea invites a stay to remember. Do be warned that we have read several warnings of rockslide danger in recent articles, so if planning a trip, check the most up-to-date reviews and postings before venturing down the trail.

6. Laguna and Newport Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, California

The entire California Coast spans incredible diversity. From the soft sands at La Jolla and Malibu to the rugged rocky Carmel, you can go from bikini to gore-tex. With so much development, this protected stretch of paradise is completely unspoiled, peaceful, sunny and rugged, a photographers dream. 3.2 miles of beach, 2400 acres of backcountry wilderness and a federally listed historic district consisting of 46 rustic coastal cottages from the 30’s and 40’s give vistors more than enough to explore.

7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

An absolutely perfect meeting of powder white sand and a turquoise color of water to freeze in your memory and call it up to brighten any rainy day. No wonder why it wand recently named ‘The Caribbean’s best beach’ by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine. Plenty to do, from whatever hotel you may stay at, dive shops, restaurants…or maybe best of all, just a lounge chair. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim with the Rays at ‘Stingray City’.

8. Boothbay Harbor, Maine

The rocky coast, and cold, clear water, and spray of salt as waves relentlessly pound the shore. I can hear the crash and sound of gulls…whether the shy is azure blue or slate gray. Explore the entire peninnsula, crossing the footbridge and walking the quaint village and bay dotted with fishing boats as well as the many trails, including the spectacular coast. Of course, lobster in any way shape or form is essential to the experience.

9. Pink Sands, Harbour Island, Bahamas

An impossibly perfect stretch of beach, stretching for 3 miles, ranging from 50 to 100 feet wide on an incredible charming, laid back island only accessible by boat from Eleuthera, without any building more that two stories high. This is the meaning of a getaway.

Rent a golf cart (there are no cars on the island), stock your beach house with a few cases of Carib (the local beer) and forget about the rest of the world for as long as you can. Yes, the sand is really pink, due to the microscopic Foraminifera, which have a bright pink or red shell.

10. The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI

Climb and crawled over and under the giant carmel colored granite boulders or batholiths to perhaps one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Along the way, we scampered up ladders, and back down to secret grottoes where light streams in from above.

Emerge to Devil’s bay, where you can wade, snorkel, swim, sit in the natural pools and ponder how incredibly amazing our planet is.

Honorable mention, Wildwood Crest, The Jersey Shore

Home Sweet Home, how can we not give a sentimental nod to our own truly beautiful beach. Holding memories of Summer that span our entire lives. Gorgeous dunes protect an incredibly wide beach, where the water stays shallow for kids (ours as they grew) to splash all day, dig and make sand castles. I can close my eyes and see the 4th of July fireworks, ride the ‘Great White’ roller coaster on the longest boardwalk in the U.S., and imagine being surrounded by my family and friends as we laugh, drink, nap, and simply enjoy life.

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So…what are you favorite beaches??? Please leave us a comment or two!