Summer's 25 Most Relaxing Beaches

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated:: 10:00 AM ET, Tue April 24, 2018

PHOTO: Stunning tropical island with palm trees, white sand, turquoise ocean water and blue sky in the Cook Islands, South Pacific. (photo via shalamov/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Empty hammock in the shade of palm trees on tropical Fiji Islands. (photo via mvaligursky/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (mvaligursky / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Couple walking on the beach in the Maldives. (photo via haveseen/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Crystal clear waters of tropical Bora Bora in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. (photo via senaiaksoy/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (senaiaksoy / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Lanai, a Hawaiian Island off of Maui. (photo by Noreen Kompanik)

PHOTO: Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Nags Head, North Carolina. (photo via Eric Peterson/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Shoreline at Long Point Light in Provincetown, Massachusetts. (Photo via danlogan/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Anglin's Fishing Pier; Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida. (photo via felixmizioznikov/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Beautiful beach in Dominica (photo via gydyt0jas / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Makena Beach in Maui, Hawaii. (photo via SMJoness/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (photo via eugenesergeev/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Mangawhai, New Zealand. (photo via brians101/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Thailand's Chao Lao Beach. (photo via Exsodus/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: A beach on Bantayan Island, Philippines. (photo via mustafaerden/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Shore of Oxnard State Beach in Ventura County, California. (photo via Richard Par/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Sunset in Monterrico, Guatemala. (photo via Simon Dannhauer/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: A lagoon and beach in Goa, India. (photo via saiko3p/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Petite Anse Beach, Seychelles. (photo via znm/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

An aerial view of Tunnels Beach, Kauai. (photo via aghezzi/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Smuggler's Cove Beach on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. (photo via Wirepec/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Gardenos Beach in Corfu, Greece. (photo via tupungato/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Boardwalk to the beach in Bonita Springs, Florida. (photo via dosecreative/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Barnes Bay, Anguilla. (photo via daniloforcellini/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Isla Holbox, Mexico. (photo via DarrenTierney/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Turkey's Kabak Bay. (photo via 79mtk/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Stunning tropical island with palm trees, white sand, turquoise ocean water and blue sky in the Cook Islands, South Pacific. (photo via shalamov/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Calming Coastline

1/26

There's not much to dislike about a warm, summer day at the beach with the exception of unwelcome crowds. Surprisingly, there are plenty of amazing, quiet shorelines where travelers can unwind this summer.

Fiji

2/26

Visitors to Fiji really can't go wrong when it comes to finding a relaxing beach. However, the shorelines on Castaway Island and the Yasawa Islands certainly stand out from the pack.

The Maldives

3/26

In addition to boasting some of the world's best snorkeling opportunities, The Maldives is home to some of the most serene beaches on the planet. You won't need much more than a chair and towel to find peace here.

Matira Beach, Bora Bora

4/26

Secluded beaches are Bora Bora's specialty and Matira Beach is second to none as it features soothing white sand and calm waters that are guaranteed to put your mind at ease.

Polihua Beach, Lanai, Hawaii

5/26

This off-the-beaten-path beach on Lanai's northwest shore is home to two miles of serene coastal landscape and is even popular with Hawaii's green sea turtles.

Nags Head, Outer Banks, North Carolina

6/26

If you're looking to avoid the crowds in Ocean City, Maryland and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, consider Nags Head in North Carolina's Outer Banks. The quiet beach town offers tremendous views of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Long Point Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

7/26

The peninsula at the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts is perhaps best known for the Long Point Light Station that was built nearly two centuries ago. Today, the isolated beach is among the most picturesque in America.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida

8/26

Located just north of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a sensational beach town that offers plenty to see and do without the overwhelming crowds. Plus, the beach here is as pleasant as any stretch of coastline in the Sunshine State.

Secret Beach, Dominica

9/26

Dominica's Secret Beach has it all regardless of whether you're into swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or simply lying back under the sun. This hidden beach is tucked into a cove near Portsmouth and can be easily accessed by boat.

Makena Beach, Maui, Hawaii

10/26

If you find yourself in Maui and needing to unwind, head over to Makena Beach where you'll find plenty of spacious shore and the occasional food truck. Pristine doesn't even begin to describe this stretch of waterfront.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

11/26

The recently-renovated El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is the perfect basecamp for a summer escape to the Dominican Republic's capital, Santo Domingo. Lagoon lovers will fall head over heels for Boca Chica while those shade seekers will prefer the quieter Guayacanes Beach.

Mangawhai, New Zealand

12/26

Once you've had your fill in Auckland, head north to Mangawhai to experience one of the world's most underrated beaches. This New Zealand attraction offers a variety of experiences, whether you covet the exposure of the ocean or the shelter of the harbor.

Chao Lao Beach, Thailand

13/26

Tourists who want to avoid other tourists will love Chao Lao Beach in Thailand. The locals flock here and for good reason. After all, there's little more to do than sit back and relax.

Santa Fe, Philippines

14/26

The beaches of Santa Fe on Bantayan Island in the Philippines aren't easily accessible but they are certainly worth the journey. The lack of crowds makes this destination super relaxing and stress-free.

Oxnard, California

15/26

There's no shortage of world-class beaches in California. However, one of the Golden State's most relaxing spots can be found northwest of Los Angeles in Oxnard. The seaside city's sprawling beaches are ideal for picnics and other relaxing activities.

Monterrico, Guatemala

16/26

Situated along Guatemala's Pacific Coast, Monterrico is a peaceful former fishing village that is beginning to catch on with tourists. The volcanic black sand beaches here are renowned for their sea turtles.

Varca, India

17/26

Don't be surprised if you encounter more fishing boats than tourists in Varca Beach. This coastal destination in Goa, India is among the most beautiful around and is also home to plenty of comfortable accommodations.

Petite Anse Beach, Seychelles

18/26

You don't have to stay at the Four Seasons to enjoy the Seychelles' Petite Anse beach but you'll most likely consider booking a room once you've had a taste of this unrivaled destination.

Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

19/26

Kauai is well known for its off-the-beaten-path treasures and Tunnels Beach is undoubtedly one of them. A dream destination for snorkelers and scuba divers, the beach is enhanced by scenic jungle and mountain landscape that are sure to remind visitors of scenes from Jurassic Park.

Smuggler's Cove, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

20/26

The beautiful beaches along the coast of the British Virgin Islands can get awfully crowded but Smuggler's Cove along Tortola's western coast isn't overrun with tourists. This beach is also free to access and a beloved snorkeling destination.

Gardenos Beach, Corfu, Greece

21/26

A beach vacation in the Mediterranean doesn't get much better than Gardenos Beach in Corfu, Greece. This destination combines crystal-clear waters, golden sands and scenic mountains to make for one of the more unique and tranquil paradises.

Barefoot Beach, Naples, Florida

22/26

Visitors to Florida's Gulf Coast shouldn't sleep on Barefoot Beach County Preserve near Naples. The park features more than 340 acres of natural land and more than 8,000 feet of serene beach.

Barnes Bay, Anguilla

23/26

Despite its beauty and world-class beaches, Anguilla is among the least crowded Caribbean destinations. While you'll find stellar hotels, resorts and restaurants and bars here, there's plenty of room to spread your wings in beautiful Barnes Bay.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

24/26

Isla Holbox has been flying under the radar for quite some time but is quickly catching on as more and more visitors uncover this gem of an island north of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Located near popular resort cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Isla Holbox only has about 2,000 full-time residents.

Kabak Bay, Turkey

25/26

In search of a gorgeous Mediterranean beach without all of the tourists? Consider the small Turkish village of Kabak. The coastline here is as laid-back as they come and it doesn't hurt that it's easy on the eyes.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

26/26

Aitutaki in the Cook Islands is home to a turquoise lagoon that's easily among the world's most beautiful and an equally stunning coral reef. With a population of roughly 2,000, visitors can expect plenty of peace and quiet while enjoying all the natural beauty Aitutaki has to offer.

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Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher