Buzz
From the best family-friendly beaches to the most unique and extraordinary ones, along with various other criteria, the winning beaches for the “Top 2014 Best Beaches” award have been carefully selected by Travel Channel's trustworthy experts.
Explore the exotic beach at Tavarua Island, Fiji
Few beaches around the world can offer travelers such diverse and unbelievable experiences as the tropical paradise at Tavarua Island, Fiji. “You can scuba dive, fish, snorkel, and surf in the crystal-clear waters around vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life,” stated Alison Teal, host of 'Alison's Adventures'. “As a passionate surfer, this is where dreams come true. You can lounge on the pristine white sand beach, then catch world-class waves. The moment I fell in love with this place was when I saw it from above: an island shaped like a heart.”
Experience the most enchanting beach: White Bay, British Virgin Islands
According to Tom Marchant, co-founder of Beach Tomato, White Bay stretches for 8 miles embracing the British Virgin Islands, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. The beach boasts an ideal balance of white sand and emerald waters on one end and caves – where you can watch the sunset (with tempting cocktails in hand) on the other. “Head straight to the Soggy Dollar bar at night to stargaze with your loved ones before retiring to one of the stunning island resorts,” Marchant said. “What more could you want?”
Best Family Beach: Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach, Florida, situated in the famous Gulf of Mexico, is a paradise of white sands. The climate here is warm all year round. “The sand at Clearwater Beach is as soft as baby powder, and the gradual slope of the warm waters makes it an ideal beach for infants and toddlers to learn to walk,” said Corrine McDermott, founder of Have Baby Will Travel. “Parents will love the shaded fitness area, as well as the fully equipped infrastructure and the bars serving healthy food and drinks.” With plenty of dining options, food, and public transportation, this beach is a highly attractive and affordable destination for many families.
Ultimate Party Beach: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While Brazil's Maracanã Stadium may be the central stage for the 2014 World Cup, the real party scene happens on Ipanema Beach, where rows of vendors sell beer and Cachaça (a rum distilled from sugarcane). Rio has renovated and refurbished Post 9 (the area to the right of Rua Vinícius de Moraes) into a completely revamped space. Here you can watch Cariocas – native Rio residents – play volleyball, soccer, or surf, while enjoying Brazilian BBQ at Porcao or hitting up some of the world's best nightclubs like Baronneti right after sunset.
Most Romantic Beach: Maldives
The turquoise waters and shimmering white sands of the Maldives, a chain of 26 coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, are declared the most romantic beach by Travel Channel. “These perfectly picturesque islands are an incredibly unique retreat with wooden houses scattered over the water, offering a very private setting,” travel journalist Valerie Conners said. “Let emotions stir as you stroll to watch the sunset, or dive into the sea and admire the delicate coral reefs below, or you can also lose yourself under the shade of a painted umbrella in Maldives paradise with a cocktail in hand... a truly amazing feeling.
Best Adventure Beach: Leo Carrillo Beach, Malibu, California
For surfing enthusiasts, this is undoubtedly one of the ideal spots. It's one of the few beaches proud to offer both wind and waves depending on the weather, hence Leo Carrillo Beach attracts surfers and kite flyers, as well as kayakers or stand-up paddleboarders. Here, a plethora of marine creatures hide in caves and challenging trails offer breathtaking ocean views. Many have bravely biked along trails hugging cliffs, while others have astonishingly climbed steep cliffs.”
Best Beach Bars: Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica
Negril Beach stretches 7 miles on the western side, about 50 miles from Montego Bay. Here, visitors can go on boat cruises, windsurfing, fishing, or diving. Rick's Cafe, located at the westernmost point, is a favorite spot for celebrities in Jamaica as well as abroad. In the afternoon, guests can witness the stunning sunset along with experiencing unforgettable entertainment like watching locals cliff dive from 30-foot cliffs into the sea below. If you're daring, you can even... give it a try.
Most Unusual Beach: Vik, Iceland
Located in southern Iceland, 110 miles from the capital Reykjavik, the famous black sand beach south of this beach was created by volcanic ash flowing into the Myrdalsjokull glacier river for centuries. Surrounded by majestic highlands, towering cliffs, and mysterious basalt caves, Vik Beach was once recognized as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world in 1991. It's also considered a haven for millions of birds, including the famous puffins.
Most Beautiful Beach You Might Not Know: Don Pedro Island State Park, Florida
This exotic beach is located in Charlotte County on the southwest coast of Florida and can only be reached by private boat or ferry – but once you're here, you're treated to an amazing journey. The beach on this island stretches for a mile, adorned with numerous black seashells and fossilized shark teeth! Don Pedro is also a great spot for swimming in the crystal-clear waters and fishing either on the island or on the mainland of the park.
Most Scenic Boardwalk Beach: Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey
The Atlantic City Boardwalk, 20 meters wide and 6.63km long, is the longest wooden boardwalk in the world serving both as a promenade along the beach and a connecting pathway to beachfront buildings, entertainment centers, creating a unique allure: “walking the street while still enjoying the ocean view and smelling the sea breeze.” There are plenty of souvenir shops along the boardwalk, offering various items such as keychains, t-shirts, towels, hats... all with “Atlantic” printed on them for gifts to friends, family... at reasonable prices. Along the boardwalk are countless small wooden paths jutting out to the beach, providing a walkway for those wanting to admire the beach anytime they wish.
Overall, according to Travel Channel's vote, Clearwater Beach in Florida, USA is the best and most beloved beach. This demonstrates that it has the “most comfortable family atmosphere” with mesmerizing blue waters and snow-white sands...
As per Travelchannel.com
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
