When it comes to being able to provide a source of relaxation and excitement at the same time, very few locations compare to beaches. However, if working on your tan and surfing huge waves isn’t enough for your visit, then you’ll be happy to know that the world is full of beaches that can provide a more memorable experience. We’ve talked about the best Caribbean beaches, off the beaten path beaches, and top family beaches.
The spots on the list below provide different locations for you to get great views of the ocean and surrounding areas. Some bring you closer to nature, while others make sure to keep you close enough to civilization for other activities. Here are some unique beaches around the world that you should make time to visit at least once in your life.
1. Shell Beach, Western Australia
Some beaches serve as natural attractions in addition to being places to unwind and play on. One example is Shell beach, a spot in Western Australia that is covered in cockle shells that you would mistake for sand if you were looking down from a plane.
The shells go down as far as 10 meters, so it would be a while before you get to the ground if you decide to do some digging. This beach is also located in the Shark Bay region, giving you an opportunity for a safe spotting of one of the world’s most dangerous predators.
2. Glass Beach, California
Speaking of beaches covered by interested items, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, CA will make sure you don’t end your visit without a long list of photos. While this option is the result of local residents dumping trash, the constant surf and tides pounded the garbage into the sand to create a unique appearance.
The sea glass comes in all shapes and colors, giving the area a tie dye-like appearance from different angles. With protection from California State Parks, Glass Beach is able to get thousands of visitors every day and still maintain its appeal.
3. Clifton, South Africa
If you’re looking for a beach that’s easy to get to and keeps you close to the main tourist area, Clifton in Cape Town, South Africa is the way to go. The hotels on the beach allow you to walk to the sand from your room, and the waves vary, which suits both surfers and people just looking to enjoy some cool water.
The mountains in the background makes for beautiful views, especially when the sun is rising and setting. You can enjoy these views on the cliffs overlooking the ocean or from the beach looking back up at mountains.
4. Bioluminescent Beach, Maldives
Organisms of different species can make a big difference in the tourist areas that bring us closer to nature. When it comes to beaches, the Bioluminescent Beach in the Maldives is able to draw in visitors thanks to the phytoplankton, which produce a chemical reaction that creates a beautiful light show.
The reaction, which is due to agitation from the surf, results in a glowing blue color that covers the shore. This color makes the beach among the options that are best to visit at night than during the day.
5. Hidden Beach, Mexico
Some of the most amazing places to explore are those that have seen as little human activity as possible. While not exactly a secret anymore, the “Hidden” Beach in the Marietas Islands of Mexico is only accessible through a water tunnel but provides peace and serenity that is hard to come by.
Having earned the nickname “Love Beach,” or “Playa del Amor” in Spanish, this spot is popular among honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway. While it used to be a volcanic crater, the hidden beach is safe for a visit at the moment.
6. Pig Beach, Bahamas
Another beach made popular by the species that inhabit it is Pig Beach in Exuma, the Bahamas. In addition to give you a warm place to work on your tan and enjoy cool water, this beach is home to pigs for which the breed has yet to be determined.
Visitors can not only catch these feral animals rest and play with each other around the island, but they can also swim with the pigs, with tours letting you feed them as well. Other animals you might spot include starfish, stingrays and rock iguanas.
7. Moeraki Boulders Beach, New Zealand
Some beaches are able to stand out because of the geographical objects that make up the area. That’s why locations such as Koekohe Beach in New Zealand have gotten tourists over the years, as the large Moeraki Boulders make for a unique sight.
These boulders are also known as Dinosaur’s Eggs and Dragon’s Eggs due to their size and shape, and they got their appearance from the constant crashing of waves. Sitting on top of these boulders gives you a beautiful view of the area.
8. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Back to the Bahamas, and speaking of beaches that get their popularity from features, the Pink Sands Beach stands out thanks to the broken shells, coral remnants and shell animals that are scattered throughout the sand and along the shoreline.
The water at Pink Sands is calm, so you’ll have an easy time taking a nap while you’re working on your tan. The hills and cliffs by the water add to the scenery and provide a place to go cliff diving, and the restaurants in the area are within walking distance in case you want to have dinner right after your beach break.
Be sure to visit these beautiful beaches so you don’t miss out on fun and scenery.
