Best Beaches – Hidden Gems and Old Favorites

If you’re looking for a seaside holiday, say no more. This list of best beaches, hidden gems and old favorites, includes some of the most popular beaches around the world. Already have a favorite beach? Use the Getaway Map to find the cheapest days to fly there.

Best Beaches – Hidden Gems

First, some beaches you may not be totally familiar with; the hidden gems. Information links have useful travel tips and fun suggestions.

North America

Ogunquit, Maine: A beautiful, quiet coastal town south of Kennebunkport features a lovely beach and walking paths by the sea. There is also a summer playhouse, a museum of American art, plus splendid shops and restaurants. More information.

Find flights to Portland, Maine

Seal Beach, California: It’s a beach and a city – with a nice, small-town vibe. While not particularly hidden – there are too many fun things to do nearby for that – you may not have heard of its National Wildlife Refuge with snowy egrets, pelicans, turtles and rays. If you’re looking for noisier fun, check out Huntington Beach right next door or Venice to the north. Plus Disneyland is just down the road. More information.

Find flights to Los Angeles

Europe

Fanad Head, Ireland: Not a beach but a peninsula although there are plenty of beaches nearby. See the historic lighthouse and spectacular rocky cliffs; you may even spy some seals or even a whale. All part of Ireland’s ruggedly beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. More information.

Find flights to Dublin

Hvar, Croatia: This island off the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia boasts medieval buildings, modern resorts and plenty of beautiful beaches. Suggestion: Drive along the beautiful coast road from Dubrovnik to Split, then take a water taxi. More information.

Find flights to Dubrovnik

Australia

Wineglass Bay: This Tasmanian beach is no secret to Australian adventurers but you could call the sheltered turquoise beach with its gorgeous white sand fairly secluded. It’s part of Freycinet National Park so after you enjoy the beach, explore the pink granite peaks surrounding the bay, and maybe even see a kangaroo. More information.

Find flights to Launceston

Asia

Nai Harn Beach: You’ve heard of Phuket but are you familiar with Nai Harn? Find it on the southern end of Phuket; look for a forest-lined shore, fewer hotels, and fewer tourists. It’s also close to Ya Nui, described as a sandy cove popular with snorkelers. More information.

Find flights to Phuket

Best Beaches – Old Favorites

These are some of FareCompare‘s most searched-for beaches, the popular favorites. Click the name to find a cheap flight.

• Aruba
• Bali
• Barbados
• Belize City
• Cancun
• Ft. Lauderdale
• Honolulu
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• Nadi/Fiji
• Palma de Mallorca
• Puerto Vallarta
• St. Maarten

Best Beaches – Finding the Cheapest Flights

Rule number one: Always compare airfares. If you only go to one or two airline sites, you could miss out on big savings. Two ways to compare:

• If you know exactly where and when you want to go: FareCompare
• If you just want to fly to a great beach when it’s cheap: Getaway Map

Now go have a wonderful trip, and don’t forget the sunscreen.