Beach Vacations

The beach holiday is the platonic ideal of vacations: what nearly every traveler, whether active or armchair, dreams of. Soft sand, shady palms, a cold drink, a warm surf—what more could you want? It's no wonder so many ad campaigns hang their hook (and their products) on this seaside ideal: brands of beer, lines of clothes, models of cars. Travel + Leisure writers and editors are no strangers to the allure of the shore, and so search the world for the best beach vacations it can offer.

Most Recent

The Best Beaches on Hilton Head Island for Family Time, Romantic Strolls, Scenic Bike Rides, and More

There's a beach for every type of traveler on Hilton Head Island.

5 Best Family-friendly Hotels on Hilton Head Island

Whether you're planning your first multi-generational trip or Hilton Head Island is your longtime family vacation tradition, here's where to stay to keep everyone happy.

Best Private Boat Charters on Hilton Head Island

There's nothing better than a day out on the water.

The Best Family-friendly Restaurants on Hilton Head Island

Here's where to eat and have fun as a family.

This North Carolina Destination Is Home to Charming Small Towns, Beautiful Sailing, and Retro-chic Hotels

Read on for the perfect four-day itinerary for North Carolina's Inner Banks region.

This Coastal California Town Has Unreal Whale Watching and Outdoor Hot Spring Tubs You Can Rent by the Hour

A coastal hike followed by a hot spring soak? Yes, please.

More Beach Vacations

12 Packable Sun Hats That Are Stylish and Loved by Dermatologists

Our choice for the best packable sun hat is the Coolibar Women's Aubrey Wide Brim Beach Hat

12 Best Tropical Vacations in the U.S. for Stunning Islands, Charming Beach Towns, and Beautiful Resorts

These U.S. destination prove you don't need to travel far for a tropical vacation.

This Caribbean Island You've Never Heard Of Has Luxury Hotels, Stunning Blue Waters, and Some of the Best Snorkeling in the World

This Laid-back California Beach Town Has a Stunning Luxury Hotel With Ocean Views

15 Best Things to Do on Cape Cod — Including Whale Watching, Beach Combing, and Wine Tasting

5 Floating Bars in the Caribbean for the Ultimate Tropical Cocktail

Where to Eat on Nevis, One of the Caribbean's Most Exciting Food Destinations

On a long-awaited return trip, one writer finds that the island’s homegrown cuisine — shaped over centuries, rooted in the verdant land — is as enticing as ever.