best beaches

With surfing, canoeing, volcanic backdrops, luaus and offshore shark dives, Waikiki Beach is indisputably the most popular Hawaiian destination.

Experience the thermal hot springs that are heated by underground volcanoes throughout Ischia Island, which is one of the Phlegraean Islands. Set among soaring mountains, the area has a unique character thats evident in everything from its delightful dishes and thirst quenching drinks to its rich history and refined architecture.

At Silver Mine Bay Beach on the Hong Kong island of Lantau, you can find some of the spiciest fresh seafood and stay in a hidden resort that was once a jailhouse. This small fishing town is an ideal launching pad to explore other parts of Lantau Island, including the famous Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery and the stilt houses of Tai O village.

A hidden beach oasis just an hour from Manhattan, Fire Island has no paved roads and limited Internet access. Visit the 40 acre Sunken Forest, one of the last remaining maritime forests on the eastern seaboard.

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz features a vibrant blend of the beach cultures of the West Coast and Hawaii. After an appetite building day on the sand, head to the boardwalk for some mouthwatering California beach specialties, such as deep fried artichoke slathered in garlic butter, homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, caramel apples and crispy sweet chocolate covered bacon.

Kourion Beach in Limassol, Cyprus, is slightly off the beaten path, but it boasts 5 star hotels, the ancient Tombs of the Kings and superb scuba diving in a massive shipwreck. Romantic cliffs and turquoise water make this a stunning sand and surf destination, while in the town square, local performers put on a fantastic show of traditional dancing and bouzouki playing.

Come to Negril for the beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, and take a trip to the biggest hot spot in all of Jamaica, Ricks Caf? on the West End Cliffs. Situated on a rugged cliff jutting out over the sea, this bar is the ultimate dining destination. Become spoiled with amazing local food and drink, or hang out in the bars pool, with unimaginable views as you watch the sun melt behind the horizon.

Key West is one of the many small Florida islands famous for their amazing beaches, crystal clear water and the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US. The Keys span 110 miles and are connected through bridges, waterways and airports, making these islands easily accessible by land, sea and air.

Rolling hills, submerged volcanoes, breathtaking rain forests and picturesque waterfalls make up Buccament Bay on St. Vincent. Amid its 150 square miles of real estate, this Caribbean island which has been continuously inhabited for centuries has black and white sand beaches, as well as many ancient and colonial ruins.

South Padre Island is a 34 mile stretch of sandy bliss in the Gulf of Mexico and is considered to be the hottest destination in Texas for spring break partiers. Most of the year, this small island is a serene beach oasis, but when summer hits, it morphs into a wild beach bash with thousands of college students.