Under the Radar Beaches to Add to Your Travel List

Nothing signals the start of summer quite like a beach trip. Nonetheless, travelers can expect to battle plenty of crowds when heading to the shore. Therefore, sometimes it pays to venture off of the beaten path to experience an overlooked stretch of coastline. Here are 20 to consider for your next getaway.

Uncrowded West Bay Beach boasts inviting white sand and calm waters ideal for snorkeling. The beach is no stranger to accolades and has been named among the top in the world for its beauty and tranquility. However, it's easy to overlook given the number of remarkable shorelines throughout the Caribbean.

Get a taste of the Caribbean with no passport required in Marathon, Florida. Located in the Florida Keys, stunning Sombrero Beach is just an hour from Key West and less than three hours from Miami.

Located outside of the hurricane belt, Curacao is among the Caribbean's most underrated destinations and the beaches here are a big reason why. Not only are they some of the most picturesque you'll come across but you'll find stretches of coastline that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and lounging. Grote Knip and Playa Lagun should be at the top of visitors' lists.

Pyla-sur-Mer, France is home to a legendary sand dune that's a hit with hikers but the beach here shouldn't be overlooked either as it's among the world's most unique. Fly into Bordeaux and you'll be lounging in paradise in no time.

Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island boasts undeveloped beaches so don't expect to find any high-rise resorts. The National Seashore is protected by the National Park Service and requires a ferry to access from nearby St. Marys, Georgia.

A must for visitors to Washington's Olympic National Park, Second Beach is worth the effort it takes to experience as you won't find hordes of tourists lounging around although it does get more popular in the summer. In addition to unbeatable ocean views, travelers will discover eye-popping sea stacks and even have the chance to spot majestic bald eagles and seals.

Windansea Beach is a surfer's paradise located in San Diego's La Jolla community. The beach's rocky shoreline makes for stunning scenery but is more ideal for sunbathing than swimming. But that should be no issue for the beach bums out there.

Some of the world's most photogenic beaches await visitors venturing off the beaten path to Italy's Elba Island. Here, you'll find pristine turquoise waters but far fewer crowds compared to nearby Sardinia.

Agonda Beach is located a few minutes away from the popular Palolem Beach so visitors to South Goa looking for a relaxing experience can't go wrong here. Dig your toes into the sand and let your worries melt away.

Scotland isn't exactly renowned for pristine beaches but the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris is home to some tremendous stretches of coastline, including Luskentyre Beach, the ideal place to unplug as the crashing waves put you in a state of trance.

Beach lovers will have no complaints on Florida's Emerald Coast, which includes the often overlooked Okaloosa Island, a three-mile island located between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. The Boardwalk and Fishing Pier also means visitors aren't limited to spending time in the sand or sea.

Located in Virginia Beach south of the more popular resort area, Sandbridge Beach offers visitors to the mid-Atlantic some coveted seclusion. It's also an ideal stop for nature lovers thanks to its close proximity to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.

The Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach in the Outer Banks was named the second-best beach in America this year by Dr. Beach. It flies under the radar because it's only accessible by boat. Nonetheless, laid-back beach bums will find it's well worth the trip.

Hawaii is renowned for its incredible beaches but with so many screensaver-worthy coastlines to choose from, it's inevitable that some gems will be overlooked. Lumahai Beach on the island of Kauai is one such beach that will blow you and your Instagram followers away.

Located in Oregon's Ecola State Park, Indian Beach offers not only an unrivaled landscape but a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts as it features scenic hiking trails for those seeking more spectacular views.

You'll find Folly Beach or the "Edge of America" just south of Charleston. The underrated island town is as charming as they come and offers visitors tons of different experiences, whether it's a boat charter, pier fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding, camping, picnicking or simply lying out on the beach.

This hidden cove in Maui gets its name from its rust-red sand. The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and met by some of the bluest water you're likely to ever come across. Hiking down to this beach can be treacherous, however, so it's not for everyone.

Visitors to the Bahamas are likely familiar with Nassau Paradise Island, however, the lesser known Hope Town offers equally impressive coastline ideal for snorkeling, sea glass hunting and, of course, relaxing.

When you think of gorgeous beaches in South America you don't likely think of Uruguay but travelers seeking isolation in their happy place will find it in Rocha. The coastal city is home to an array of amazing beaches, from La Paloma to Punta del Diablo.

South Florida's Surfside Beach is overshadowed by nearby Miami Beach but beach bums looking to escape the crowds will be pleasantly surprised here. In addition to beautiful beaches, visitors will be close to stellar restaurants, shopping, art and much more.