best beaches

Tel Aviv, Israel,Why it made our list Young, hip people drinking at young, hip restaurants, doing young, hip things like smoking hookahs on the beach. For some reason, Israelis are super into paddle ball, so expect to watch dozens of heated games before returning to the US and telling anyone who will listen about how much you love paddle ball, or matkot as its referred to there. Did you know some consider matkot Israels national sport? Of course, you did.

Hvar, Croatia,Why it made our list Because the best beaches are those that are only accessible by private yacht, right Right This chain of 21 isles (known as

Santa Barbara, CaliforniaWhy it made our list Because its the birthplace of American beach culture and is known as Americas Riviera. That seemed like reason enough. Hot girls playing beach volleyball.

Queens, New York City,Why it made our list Admittedly, its not a particularly scenic or even clean beach, but for millions of subway bound, naturedeprived New Yorkers, its the best theyve got. Also, nothing beats mocking a pale, outofplace hipster worried about getting sand in his custom messenger tote. Rockaway Taco makes pretty much the best tacos ever. And theyre totally worth an hour sweating on the subway.

One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source dArgent unfurls across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the oceans waves by a reef.

Whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a four star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands where either or both can come true. Straddling the Equator southwest of Sri Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm fringed haze.

This is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long, this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname the Romantic Island, a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches, intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.

One of the hip spots for the air kissing, well heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the Atlantic Ocean.

Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaiis most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep green and postcard perfect.

The most popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and Childrens. The waters here are relatively calm, and theres plenty of sand to use for sunbathing or castle building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher surf and not to be missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of Sankaty Head lighthouse.