Most Relaxing Beaches
There are beaches with amusement park rides, casinos, pick-up volleyball games and even airport landing strips in the background -- but are there any more spots to just go for a little peace and quiet? Our analysis finds there is: You just have to know where to look and when to travel. Let this list guide you to the most relaxing beaches in the United States and the Caribbean.
Why go: Kauai has quite a few opportunities for a quiet day at the beach. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Hanakapi'ai Beach, or catch the sunset along Lumahai. For swimming, it's hard to compete with the calm summertime waves of Hanalei Bay, on the northern coast.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Kauai»
Why go: The many British Virgin Islands boast quiet beaches, or "bays," as they're commonly known in the area. Standouts include Brewer's Bay or Long Bay on Tortola and Mahoe Bay or Savannah Bay on Virgin Gorda. But the truth is, just about any BVI stretch of sand will bolster the "get away from it all" mentality.
Why go: Big Island is less crowded and potentially cheaper to visit than the other Hawaiian islands. Hapuna Beach is one of Big Island's most popular beaches (and some of the best and only white sand you'll find on Big Island), but experts and travelers suggest you catch a sunset for some peace, quiet, and a can't-be-beat view. Also worth a visit? Kiholo Beach, located on Hawai'i's Kona side. Described as "The Blue Lagoon" by many, Kiholo's perks are its wildlife and scenery, not soft sunbathing sand.
Why go: Anguilla offers seclusion to the extreme, best evidenced by its sandy edges. Shoal Bay East is one of the most famous beaches on the island, but for a more remote shore day, head to Barnes Bay or Rendezvous Bay in the southwest.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Anguilla»
Why go: Naples beaches are backed by high-rise hotels and condominiums, but that doesn't take away from their serenity. Families might enjoy the shores of Vanderbilt Beach and others more than singles and young couples, but of our other destinations, Naples is one of the most affordable for those looking to unwind. You'll find more peace and quiet if you visit in the off-peak season, during the late spring or summer.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Naples»
Why go: Beaches are the main draw of Corfu and it’s easy to see why. Clear waters, lush surroundings and brilliant rock formations can be found all over the island. If you’re seeking relaxation, your best bet probably lies on the beaches in the remote -- but accessible -- south. But even the more popular spots like Glyfada Beach have plenty of long stretches of shoreline where you can find some peace and isolation.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Corfu»
Why go: Most find the beaches of Barbados some of the best of the Caribbean and not to be missed. Like the other Caribbean picks, this isn't one of the islands that cruise ships frequent a lot, so you'll most likely have to make an effort to get there. Once you've arrived, head to the east coasts to picnic along Foul Bay (don't let the name fool you) or swim in the waters of a Bajan favorite -- Bath.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Barbados»
Why go: Many of the beaches of San Diego are popular, and therefore, not ideal for those who don't want to be disturbed. But there are still some shore-musts in the area. Go fish at Imperial Beach way down south, or hit up a nighttime bonfire at the central shores of Ocean Beach. For a special treat for winter travelers, go to Coronado Municipal Beach to catch a glimpse of the migrating whales.
Read on: Top Things to Do in San Diego»
Why go: Some spots of North Carolina's Outer Banks are not meant for do-nothing vacationers; but other areas of the coast are ideal secluded spots. Use the quiet time to cast a rod in some of the best fishing spots of the East Coast, or walk the shoreline to view abandoned shipwrecks.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Outer Banks»
Why Go: On Lanai, you're bound to adopt Hawaii's laissez-faire lifestyle. This is made much easier by the two resorts (both Four Seasons properties) and the numerous isolated beaches. While Hulopoe Bay is certainly impressive, Polihua and Shipwreck Beaches offer more seclusion. With intimate coves, you'll find your own tiny patch of tropical heaven on these shores.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Lanai»
Why Go: Bali and its neighboring islands, like Java, host countless shores with soft sands and cerulean waves. But the secret to the serenity may lie in the local culture. Several ancient temples preside over the coastline and create awe-inspiring silhouettes at dusk. Speaking of sunsets, Bali's are the things of dreams. So when you get here, let the waves lull you to sleep and then sail off into the twilight.
Why Go: "Relaxing" doesn't even begin to describe the Fijian sands. "Unreal" and "to-die-for" are much more accurate terms. From many of Fiji's beaches, you'll behold lush green terrain in one direction and crystal blue water in the other. Look beneath the waves, and you'll spy colorful reefs and their underwater residents.
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