The soft aroma of salt in the air, white sand crunching beneath your toes, the soft cry of seagulls in the distance – nothing beats a beach experience. Exploring the best white sandy beaches provides the perfect backdrop to every kind of adventure.
The fun beach activities and relaxing scenery are a treat during the day. Later on, the setting sun over the waves is the perfect honey-dripped addition to sundowners and slow nights of endless laughter.
With the correct beach trip essentials and a sense of seaside adventure, the ultimate beach vacation awaits.
Need some inspiration? Read more and become captivated by our top picks of idyllic golden beaches of the world to kickstart your warm summer vacation daydreams.
15 Best White Sandy Beaches to Visit
From the turquoise tapestry of Matira Beach seas to the humble sandy haven of Myrtle Beach, there are an endless number of beautiful beaches to get lost in. Dip your toes into the sea of possible paradise spots and discover your next tropical beach fantasy.
1. Playa Flamenco, Puerto Rico
Nestled on the island of Culebra, Playa Flamenco is a pristine beach trimmed with lush and swaying palms. Equipped with amenities and camping spots, this slice of paradise is a great place to explore and experience.
Also known as Flamenco Beach, Playa Flamenco is a popular destination due to its soft white sand and warm waters. Although during vacation periods and even weekends, this blissful shore turns into a sand trap for tourists and locals alike.
There are picnic tables, outdoor showers, restrooms, lockers, a parking lot and kiosks selling food and drink. Lifeguards are on duty at peak times, making this a perfect spot for families.
2. Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
If you’re looking for a classic tropical experience, this famous beach is the cornerstone of capturing a glimpse of serene island living. The turquoise waters in Turks and Caicos Islands look almost unreal.
Situated on the island of Providenciales (also known as Provo) and within Princess Alexandra National Park, this beach boasts a wide variety of activities. From adrenaline-fuelled water sports to a luxurious catamaran champagne sunset cruise, adventure lies hidden within its every fold.
3. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Famous for its white silica sand and beautiful water, Whitehaven Beach can be found on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park. Only boats and small aircraft are allowed access, making this Australian beach extremely unspoiled.
Hike up Tongue Point Lookout Track for a panoramic view of Hill Inlet. Part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Whitehaven teems with coral, fish, molluscs and turtles.
4. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands provide coasts lined with beaches surrounded by coral reefs. The Grand Cayman, the biggest island of the bunch, is where the wondrous Seven Mile Beach lies.
The coral sand and crystal clear waters will be sure to convince you why this sandy beach is so popular. There are picnic areas, washrooms and playgrounds close by.
With some of Cayman Islands most opulent resorts in its surroundings, you’ll find great bars and restaurants to enjoy these tropical sceneries.
5. Myrtle Beach, United States
While much more a city than a singular beach destination, Myrtle Beach is a seaside playground dedicated to family-fun vacation experiences. From amusement parks to serene boardwalk strolls, this South Carolina gem has got you covered.
With the city nuzzled along the shores of The Grand Strand, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.
6. White Bay, British Virgin Islands
White Bay offers iridescent waters for underwater adventures and provides stunning landscapes when you come up for air.
Known as one of the major islands of the British Virgin Islands, Jost van Dyke is home to the finest and tranquil Caribbean experiences.
The calm crystal clear sea seamlessly transitions to the smooth sands of White Bay, offering a spectacle for the senses.
7. Orange Beach, United States
If you’re looking to embark on an extended beach day experience, the seaside community of Orange Beach is our top pick.
Situated on the Alabama Gulf Coast, this popular vacation spot will entice you with its local charm and zesty vibrance. From outdoor activities to spending your days under a beach tent, you’ll have plenty to add to the vacation itinerary.
8. Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Bora Bora in the South Pacific is known for hosting some classic island retreats and it’s easy to see why. With dreamlike settings dotted with beach bungalows, Matira Beach takes island escapism to the next level.
Encapsulated in a palm-fringed outline, the idyllic Matira Beach is an 18 mile sliver of sun-drenched solitude.
During low tide, the calm waters are very shallow and you can wade out quite a distance from Matira Point to see tropical fish.
9. Varadero Beach, Cuba
Rated the best beach in Cuba by TripAdvisor, Varadero is also sometimes known as Blue Beach or Playa Azul. Located on the Hicacos Peninsula, 87 miles from Havana, the area receives more than 1 million tourists annually.
Scuba diving is a popular activity here, with over 30 dive sites. Ojo de Mégano has an underwater cave and Parque Marino Cayo Piedras del Norte has a submerged military aircraft.
10. Perdido Key, United States
With its name meaning “Lost Key”, this sleepy seaside haven is sure to unlock a rich tapestry of coastal delights.
The Perdido Key State Park boasts a 247-acre stretch of pearl-hued coasts and provides a blank canvas to fill with endless beachside activities. Experience the powdery white sand and laid-back energy of this town for the ultimate summer vacation spot.
11. Shoal Bay, Australia
Pack your beach bag and sunny dispositions to visit a seaside treasure of the land down under. Shoal Bay reigns in the southern part of paradise-like Port Stephens in New South Wales, Australia.
This beachy neighborhood is embellished with quaint structures, such as the town’s staple lighthouse and charming snow-white beaches, that give it that real coastal town feel.
12. Clearwater Beach, United States
With a name that certainly does not disappoint, this seaside sensation is easily one of the best beaches in the USA. The shallow waters and warm sand of Clearwater Beach make the perfect combination for any seaside adventure.
The easy-going atmosphere mixed with the sea breeze will be sure to transport you to a relaxed and restful mindset.
13. Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
As one of the main attractions of Punta Cana, Bavaro Beach allows you to experience a tropical castaway fantasy in style. The seemingly endless fields of glittering white sand dazzle with a summerlike brilliance, making this beach a great spot for a vacation.
14. Bondi Beach, Australia
Whether you’re a surfer, jogger or sunbather, Bondi Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Australia. Less than 5 miles from the center of Sydney, this white sand beach is a great day trip.
There are two popular coastal paths: the Bondi to Coogee walk and Bondi to Bronte walk. You’ll find changing rooms at Bondi Pavilion.
15. South Beach, United States
Forming part of the iconic Miami Beach in Florida, experience a Hollywood take on the traditional summer vacation in South Beach.
The exciting experience of the trendy culture and vibrant nightlife are perfectly paired with the relaxed finesse of the fine beaches of the area. Get ready to showcase your best summer style as South Beach is the place to see and be seen.
Ready to Discover Your Next Beach Destination?
Stressful situations, unpleasant encounters, and frustrating circumstances – this is where people often advise you should go to your ‘happy place’. These popular beaches are the epitome of rest and relaxation, a care-free existence becomes possible once more.
Clear blue skies, a glittering sea, and a cocktail in hand. What if you could experience these imagined terrains in real life? These powdery white beaches offer more than magical landscapes and restful spirits, but memorable experiences you won’t be able to forget.
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You should check out Boracay Beach in the Philippines… 🇵🇭😊🏖️
Thanks for the suggestion Julian, we will! We’ve been to Palawan but not Boracay yet.