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.

The Most Affordable Destination to Buy a Beach House in the U.S.

It boasts beautiful sandy beaches, plenty of entertainment options, and the world's longest boardwalk.

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.

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More Beach Vacations

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.

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

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

The watering hole goes out on the water.

All Beach Vacations

This Miami Street Feels Like a European Village — and It Just Got a Stylish New Hotel

This Hidden Gem Resort in California Has a Secret Beach, Stunning Hiking Trails, and Incredible Sunset Views

This Lesser-known Caribbean Island Is Just 13 Square Miles — and Has a National Marine Park With Underwater Shipwrecks

This Beach Destination Is Florida's Most Underrated Seaside City

This Often-overlooked Island in Alabama Has Beautiful Beaches, Historic Attractions, and Charming Small-town Vibes

Seychelles Is the Perfect Beach Escape — and It's Easier to Get to Than You Think

This Miami Hotspot Was a Members-only Social Club in the 1930s — Here's Why It Still Hosts A-listers Today

This Georgia Island Has One of the Best Beaches in the U.S. — Known for Its Unique and Beautiful Backdrop

This Little-known Coastal Town in California Has One of the Best Beaches in the U.S.

10 Best Mexico Surf Towns for Beautiful Views and Relaxed Vibes

Here's Why Your Next Family Vacation Should to Be in Los Cabos

This Florida Town Has One of the Best Beaches in the U.S. — Known for Its Incredible White-quartz Sand

13 Coolest Surf Towns for Sunshine and Epic Waves

The Newest Four Seasons Hotel Hopes to Channel the Spirit of Fort Lauderdale

Tour the Urban Wineries, Street Art, and Funky Shops of Santa Barbara in This Episode of 'Walk With T+L'

Kauai Is Spearheading Hawaii's Regenerative Travel Movement — Meet the Locals Creating Change

15 Best Weekend Beach Getaways in the U.S.

The Prettiest Place on the Washington Coast Is a Town You've Probably Never Heard Of

Why Winter Is the Best Season to Surf at New York's Rockaway Beach

This Small Mexican Beach Town Is the Perfect Spot for a Family Vacation

French Polynesia Is Known for Its Stunning Beaches and Resorts — but a Younger Generation Is Working to Highlight Its Rich Traditions

7 Gorgeous Gulf Coast Beaches — From Texas to Florida

This New Caribbean Resort Has a Glass-bottom Pool, Swim-up Bar, and Massive Suites

This Caribbean Resort Is the Ultimate Girls Getaway — With Rum, Sushi, and Outdoor Adventures

Cancun or Cabo: Which Mexico Destination Is Better for You?

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