Beach bucket list

Do you know which U.S. beach has sand that’s 99% pure quartz?

A peaceful, stunning beach can stay with you long after the vacation ends. Maybe it’s the sound of waves rolling onto the shore, a colorful boardwalk lined with old-fashioned amusement rides, or a quiet stretch of sand where you can watch the sun disappear over the water. Across the United States, beach destinations offer all these experiences and more, each with its own character, history, and natural beauty. From Hawaii’s tropical shores to New England’s charming seaside towns, these memorable beach destinations are worth adding to your travel list.

Waikiki Beach is famous for its warm turquoise water, golden sand, and views of Diamond Head, a volcanic crater and one of Hawaii’s most recognizable landmarks. Once a quiet wetland, taro field, and private retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki transformed into the epicenter of Hawaiian tourism, combining rich history with a lively beachfront atmosphere.

Its gentle, beginner-friendly waves make it an ideal place to try surfing for the first time. You don't even need a car to enjoy the area: hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance. April through June and September through early November are especially good times to visit, with warm weather and often fewer crowds than during peak holiday periods.

On Siesta Key near Sarasota, Siesta Beach draws visitors with its remarkably fine, white sand, composed of 99% pure quartz, which doesn't heat as much as other beaches. The Gulf Coast creates relatively gentle waters that are inviting for a swim or a paddle along the shallows.

For comfortable beach weather, consider visiting between March and May, before Florida's summer heat and humidity peak. Early fall is another option for those seeking a more peaceful atmosphere, although tropical storms are a possibility. When you're ready for a break from the sand, nearby Siesta Key Village offers a laid-back mix of restaurants, shops, and other places to enjoy a casual meal.

Just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado Beach is known for its broad shoreline and golden sand that glimmers in the sunlight thanks to tiny mineral flakes. Its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great place for swimming, beach walks, and building sandcastles. At the northern end, dogs can even enjoy the shore off-leash in a designated area.

A major landmark is the Hotel del Coronado, a grand Victorian-era resort built in 1888 that stands right beside the beach. Its distinctive red roof and turrets have made it a local icon, even appearing in many films, such as Marilyn Monroe’s Some Like It Hot (1959). September and October are lovely months to visit, when warm weather often lingers, and summer crowds begin to ease.

About 80 miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is celebrated for Haystack Rock, an enormous sea stack rising from the Pacific. At low tide, visitors can explore nearby tide pools, while the broad sandy shoreline and dramatic coastal scenery make the area a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.

Unlike tropical beaches, this Oregon destination is more about scenery than swimming, since the ocean stays cold. June through September generally offers the driest weather for exploring the coast, visiting art galleries, and enjoying the small town's independent shops and cozy restaurants.

On Maui's western coast, Ka'anapali Beach stretches for about three miles, surrounded by turquoise water, palm trees, and oceanfront resorts. Black Rock, a volcanic outcrop at the northern end, is a popular snorkeling spot when conditions are safe. A beachfront walking path also makes it easy to enjoy the scenery without spending the entire day on the sand.

April through May and September through October often bring warm weather and fewer crowds than peak travel periods. Winter offers another attraction: migrating humpback whales can frequently be spotted offshore from December through April. Ocean conditions change throughout the year, so it's important to check local advisories before swimming or snorkeling.

At the southern end of Miami Beach, South Beach combines sandy shores with colorful Art Deco architecture and a lively dining scene. Visitors can relax beside the Atlantic, walk through Lummus Park, or explore the historic buildings, cafés, and shops along Ocean Drive.

November through April generally brings comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, making it an appealing escape from colder parts of the country. Winter is also a busy season, especially around holidays and major events. May can offer a useful compromise, with warm weather and fewer visitors before the summer heat and rainy season intensify.

Old Orchard Beach, south of Portland, combines seven miles of sandy shoreline with the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional American seaside town. Its historic pier, amusement rides, and casual seafood restaurants make it a memorable destination for travelers who enjoy a little entertainment alongside their ocean views.

Summer is the main attraction here, with late June through August offering the warmest weather and the liveliest atmosphere. Early September can be a lovely alternative, with fewer visitors and pleasant conditions for walking along the shore, although some seasonal attractions begin reducing their hours.

Cape Cod, a hook-shaped peninsula in southeastern Massachusetts, offers a remarkable variety of coastal scenery, with more than 559 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Buzzards Bay. Each side has its own character: the Atlantic coast features bigger waves and dramatic dunes, while the bays and sheltered waters offer calmer spots for swimming. Charming villages, historic lighthouses, and seafood restaurants add to its appeal.

July and August are the busiest months, ideal for warm-weather beach days and swimming. If you'd rather explore without the peak-season crowds, September brings a more relaxed atmosphere and pleasant conditions for cycling, coastal walks, and visiting towns such as Chatham and Provincetown.

Myrtle Beach anchors the Grand Strand, a popular stretch of Atlantic coastline known for sandy beaches, golf courses, and family attractions. Its lively boardwalk features amusement rides, shops, and the SkyWheel, while seafood restaurants and oceanfront resorts contribute to its classic American vacation atmosphere.

May and September are particularly good choices for visitors who want warm weather without the summer crowds. June through August is the busiest season, with hot days and generally inviting water for swimming. Spring and fall can also be ideal for golfing and exploring the surrounding area.

Located in Southampton in the Hamptons on Long Island, Cooper's Beach stands out for its expansive stretch of soft, white sand, giving visitors plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the Atlantic coastline. The scenery is especially unique for its elegant mansions visible behind the dunes, a reminder of the area's long-standing reputation as a summer retreat for the wealthy.

June and September are appealing months for a visit if you prefer pleasant weather without the height of the summer crowds. July and August bring the liveliest beach atmosphere, but they're also the busiest and most expensive period in the Hamptons. After a few hours by the water, explore Southampton's boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants for a taste of local life.

At the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May pairs sandy beaches with beautifully preserved Victorian houses and a charming historic downtown. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, visitors can explore the lighthouse, browse independent shops, or enjoy the area's reputation for birdwatching and coastal wildlife.

June through September is the main beach season, with July and August offering the warmest conditions. September is particularly interesting for a quieter getaway, when the summer crowds begin to fade, but the weather can remain pleasant. Spring and fall are also rewarding for architecture walks and birdwatching.

The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off North Carolina, known for wide beaches, shifting dunes, and historic lighthouses. Visitors can explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore, discover the Wright Brothers National Memorial, or enjoy fishing and wildlife watching along this distinctive stretch of coastline.

May, June, and September are excellent months for combining warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August suit traditional summer beach vacations, although the heat and humidity can be intense. Because the islands are exposed to tropical storms and hurricanes, checking forecasts and local travel advisories is especially important in late summer and fall.

Ocean City is a classic East Coast beach destination known for its long sandy shoreline and bustling wooden boardwalk. Arcades, amusement rides, food stands, and local seafood give the town a nostalgic feel, while nearby Assateague Island offers a contrasting experience with protected natural landscapes and its famous wild horses.

June through August brings the full summer experience, with warm water and seasonal attractions in operation. Early September is a good alternative for a quieter visit, often with pleasant beach weather and fewer crowds.

Severely restricted

These are some of the hardest places to visit in the world

Different destinations around the world are more or less difficult to visit, but some places are nearly impossible, at least for the average layperson. The reasons behind it vary: religious customs, geographical isolation, security issues, or cultural differences. Here are 10 places that are extremely hard to access.

If you want to enter America’s most famous (alleged) alien facility, your only option is to join the U.S. Air Force. Even then, your chances are quite slim, as only authorized personnel can access the site. As a common citizen, your only option is to drive up to the facility’s perimeter, about 150 miles north of Las Vegas, and enjoy the alien-themed shops in the area.

Are tourists allowed to visit this Central Asian country? Yes, but only if they are invited to do so. Independent travel is restricted in Turkmenistan, so your best chance of experiencing the country is by securing an official letter of invitation through a licensed tourism agency, which in turn allows you to apply for a visa. Once you are allowed into the country, you can explore Ashgabat, the capital city, on your own, but traveling through the rest of the country can only be done with a registered driver and an official tour guide.

While some parts of Antarctica are restricted due to the presence of military bases, most of inland Antarctica is difficult to visit because it requires specialized gear, costly flights, and severe cold survival training. Tourist flights into Antarctica depart from a few locations across the Southern Hemisphere, and they are considered dangerous due to weather conditions.

This small South Asian nation takes pride in safeguarding its wonderful Himalayan landscapes and its culture, and travel restrictions play an important part in this. On top of restricting independent tourism and requiring pre-booked licensed tours, Bhutan charges foreign visitors a daily Sustainable Development Fee (about USD $100), and requires licensed guides to accompany tourists in certain areas of the country.

The sacred city of Mecca has two levels of restrictions when it comes to visitors. The first level is religious, as the city can only be accessed by Muslims. On a second level, Muslims around the world who wish to perform Hajj —the annual pilgrimage to Mecca— have to obtain a specialized visa, go through security checkpoints where their Muslim faith is verified, and follow strict traditions and rules throughout their stay.

The least visited nation in the world, this isolated Pacific island nation receives only about 200 visitors annually. The reason behind this? In addition to strict visa requirements, the island is served by very limited flight routes and possesses a very limited tourism infrastructure.

A millennia-old Greek Orthodox monastery, access to Mount Athos is severely restricted. Dedicated to the Mother of God, no other woman is allowed to enter, a ban that also extends to female animals, with the exception of female cats for pest control. But male visitors can’t enter at will either (especially if they aren’t Orthodox Greek), as they need to apply for a special permit called diamonitirion, with limited daily numbers available.

Popularly known as the "Isle of the cobras", this Brazilian island is not only difficult to access, but it’s also mainly inhabited by extremely venomous snakes. The only visitors allowed are members of the Brazilian Navy and scientists carrying a special government permit.

The alleged resting place of Genghis Khan, who died in 1227, the Mongolian mountain of Burkhan Khaldun is not only difficult to access, but has also been a restricted area for centuries. Visitors wanting to pay respects and observe religious traditions need to apply for a special permit, be accompanied by a guide, and respect strict local customs.

Visiting New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands is difficult for two reasons. First, the islands can only be visited from November to March, as weather conditions outside that time window render the islands inaccessible. In addition to this, the islands are a natural sanctuary, so the number of visitors allowed is limited, and the islands can only be accessed through authorized tours.