best beaches

Miami, FL,Why it made our list One bikinis skimpier than the next (and some girls dont even bother with them) making this an excellent spot to people wach. Just dont people stare. While alcohols not technically allowed on the beach, youd have to do something pretty outrageous to have anyone bother you about it. Plus with pool parties going on at beachfront hotels, clubs across the street from the ocean, and spring breaky spots like Mangos Tropical Bar, the party doesnt stop once you step off the sand.

Koh PhaNgan, Thailand,Why it made our list World famous Full Moon Party. When the lunar cycle isnt on your side, there are nightly fire shows on the beach.

Espanola Island, Galapagos,Why it made our list If these approximately four millionyearold volcanic islands were good enough for Charles Darwin, theyre good enough for us. Famous for their many endemic species, Bahia Gardner is packed with sea lions, red lava lizards, and Espanola mockingbirds. The entire world population of Waved Albatrosses breeds here, as does the funtosay Bluefooted Boobie. Again, more giggling.

Vieques, Puerto RicoWhy it made our list Not dubbed Bioluminescent Bay for nothing, Mosquito Bays the worlds best example of this natural light show, which takes place when dinoflagellates are disturbed and emit a trail of neon blue like a leaking glow stick. Rent a clear polycarbonate canoe to see it up close. The food truck trend has reached Americas 51st State (just kidding) check out Pastelillos de Alcapurrias for fried meat fritters, or No Name for homestyle Puerto Rican fare on wheels.

Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands,Why it made our list The smallest of the four main British Virgin Islands, the sand is white, the water is clear, and everyone speaks English, so theres that. Head to the Soggy Dollar bar, which invented the Painkiller.

Cabarete, Dominican RepublicWhy it made our list On a windy day, the sky above Kite Beach will be filled with, get this, kites One of the worlds top kite surfing spots, it hosts a giant competition every June. The Extreme Hotel is ideal for active travelers and features everything from a crossfit gym and yoga loft, to a flying trapeze and circus school.

Raglan, New Zealand,Why it made our list Manu Bay is a worldfamous surf break, and even made an appearance in the cult movie The Endless Summer in 1966. Grab a board or watch the pros do their thing. The sand is black. And its so fine, it squeaks with every step.

Kauai, Hawaii,Why it made our list Because we hate getting sand in our. swim trunks. The clear, blue, and brown glass pebbles that cover this beach are a sight to behold. According to science, it takes the ocean about 10 to 30 years to create them. They make cheap souvenirs.

Fraser Island, Australia,Why it made our list Theres no salt to sting your eyes, as this allsilica beach is on a crystal clear, freshwater lake considered one of the cleanest in the world. Fraser Islands also one of the largest sand islands and features an ancient rainforest. Dingo sightings are perfect for yelling, a dingo ate my baby

Lampedusa, Italy,Why it made our list A stunning and secluded nature reserve accessed only by boat, Rabbit Beach (which, ironically, has no rabbits) is consistently rated one of the top four beaches in the world on TripAdvisor. Dolphins frolicking in the water and the nearby volcanic isle of Linosa, which has an incredible black and red beach.