9 Beach Towns to Pay a Visit in 2024

Hey, beach lovers and sun enthusiasts! It’s 2024, and things are getting back to normal. Forget busy cities and crowded streets; this year, it’s all about swapping the city for the beach. We’ve got 9 beach towns to pay a visit in 2024, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and have amazing adventures. Get ready for a beachy escape!

Here are the 9 beach towns to pay a visit in 2024:

1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

The sand here is super special because it’s made of 98% pure quartz, which means it stays cool even when the Australian sun is scorching.

The water is like a colorful painting, with shades of turquoise, blues, and greens. It gently touches the shore, inviting you to jump in and cool off.

But Whitehaven Beach is not just about looks. There are many things to do. You can take a boat tour to see the Whitsunday Islands from a whole new angle. Or, if you just want to chill, lay on the sand, feel the sun, and let the waves relax you.

Whitehaven Beach is more than just a beach; it’s an experience. Whether you love exploring or just being a beach bum, Whitehaven Beach is the place for you. So, grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a curious mind—get ready to discover your own piece of paradise! 

How to reach: approximately 10 miles from Hamilton Island to Whitehaven Beach.

Hotel Recommendation: Qualia, Hayman Island, Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Reef. 

2. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio is more than just a cool beach spot; it’s like heaven for nature lovers. The big deal here is Manuel Antonio National Park. You can walk on trails in the thick forest, see monkeys swinging around, and spot sloths chilling upside down like cozy hammocks. Keep your eyes open for iguanas chilling on rocks, colorful birds flying around, and maybe even a tapir or anteater.

But wait, there’s more than just trees and animals. The beaches in Manuel Antonio are fantastic, too. Manuel Antonio Beach is like a perfect postcard, with soft sand, gentle waves, and loads of fun stuff like swimming and building sandcastles. There’s another cool beach nearby called Espadilla Sur Beach. It’s known for its calm waters and colorful coral reefs just below the surface.

How to reach: approximately 4 miles from Quepos La Managua Airport to Manuel Antonio.

Hotel Recommendation: El Faro at Manuel Antonio, La Mansion Inn, Parador Resort & Spa. 

Suggested Read: 15 Best Solo Female Travel Destinations in the USA

3. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

El Nido in the Philippines is more than just a beach; it’s like a huge playground full of adventures. Imagine going kayaking through cool tunnels in big cliffs, finding secret lagoons that only tiny boats can reach, and snorkeling in reefs full of colorful fish.

But El Nido isn’t only about excitement. You can also relax on quiet beaches with super soft sand and gentle waves—perfect for getting a tan or building sandcastles. Take a boat and see these amazing rock formations that took millions of years to shape into crazy cool designs. When it gets dark, the town becomes lively with tasty seafood at fun restaurants and bars playing island music under the stars.

Whether you’re an adventurer looking for hidden spots and turquoise waters, a beach lover wanting paradise, or just someone who enjoys awesome views, El Nido has everything you could wish for.

How to reach: approximately 3 miles from El Nido Airport to El Nido town.

Hotel Recommendation: Miniloc Island Resort, El Nido Pangulasian Island Resort, Seahorse Resort El Nido. 

4. Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is a surfer’s dream. It has fantastic beaches with perfect waves for all levels, like Praia da Batata and Praia Dona Ana. And if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, try out hidden coves like Praia do Camilo and Praia da Luz for sunbathing and swimming.

But Lagos isn’t just about the beach. Take a walk in the old part of town, with its stone streets and old walls. Don’t forget to see Ponta da Bandeira Fort; it’s really cool. There’s also the Igreja de Santo António, a beautiful church with fancy tiles where you can learn about Lagos’s history during the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

How to reach: approximately 45 miles from Faro Airport to Lagos.

Hotel Recommendation: Martinhal Sagres, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lagos, Vivenda Miranda. 

Suggested Read: 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns in Alabama 2024

5. Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is a mix of cool history, beauty, and a laid-back vibe. Check out the awesome Cobá ruins, a big deal from Mayan times. Climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid for amazing views of the jungle and coastline. And don’t miss the chance to swim in cenotes—these are natural sinkholes hidden in the jungle—or snorkel with colorful fish in the coral reefs by the shore.

But Tulum is not just about old stuff and nature. Hang out on amazing beaches like Playa Paraíso and Playa Akumal. You might even see sea turtles chilling or swimming around. Walk around the town center, where there are cool shops, trendy cafes, and art galleries with a relaxed  vibe. When it gets dark, try yummy local food at beachfront restaurants, have cocktails at rooftop bars, and groove to live music under the starry sky.

So, whether you love history, dream about perfect beaches, or just want to eat good food, Tulum is the place for you.

How to reach: approximately 80 miles from Cancun International Airport to Tulum.

Hotel Recommendation: Be Tulum, Papaya Playa Private Residences, Azulik Tulum. 

6. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a place that makes you feel happy with its old-fashioned charm and real Vietnamese atmosphere. But Hoi An isn’t just about looking nice. Try yummy local food like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings while checking out lots of silk shops and places where they make clothes. You can even get clothes made just for you, a special thing to remember your time in Hoi An.

Outside the old town, Hoi An has awesome beaches like Cua Dai and An Bang, perfect for relaxing, swimming, and surfing. Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, going past rice fields and little fishing villages, to feel the calm of rural Vietnam. When it gets dark, enjoy a sunset cruise on the river, sipping tasty drinks and soaking in the magic of Hoi An. Whether you like history, food, or just hanging out at the beach, Hoi An has everything you could want.

How to reach: approximately 18 miles from Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An.

Hotel Recommendation: Hoi An Anantara, Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa, Nam Hai.  

Suggested Read: The Best Family-friendly Beach Resorts in the Caribbean

7. Hvar Island, Croatia

Hvar Island is not just really pretty; it’s like a fun place for all your senses. Walk through green vineyards and old olive groves and breathe in the fresh sea air, mixing with their scents. Jump into the clear waters of cool hidden spots like Milna Bay and Malo More—awesome for snorkeling and swimming.

But there’s more to Hvar Island than just nature. Climb the Spanish Fortress for awesome views of the island and the shiny sea. When the sun goes down, treat yourself to fresh seafood at restaurants by the harbor and have cocktails at cool rooftop bars, enjoying the fiery sunset sky. 

How to reach: approximately 42 miles from Split Airport to Hvar.

Hotel Recommendation: Adriana Luxury Hvar Spa Hotel, Villa Stella Maris, Senses Resort & Spa.

8. Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is not just a place with pretty views; it’s like a dream for people who love to surf. Ride awesome waves at Waikiki Beach, where surfing started, or try your luck at Banzai Pipeline, a super famous spot for big waves. If you want something calmer, go snorkeling with colorful fish at Hanauma Bay or paddleboarding in the calm waters of Kailua Beach.

Take a hike in the cool rainforests of Kualoa Ranch, the place where they filmed Jurassic Park. Find hidden waterfalls like Waimea Falls, dropping into bright green pools.

As the evening comes, Oahu becomes lively, especially in Honolulu, the capital city. Walk around the busy markets, cool shops, and awesome restaurants in Waikiki. Have cocktails at rooftop bars with a view of the city lights, or dance the night away at fun clubs.

How to reach: approximately 6 to 20 miles from Oahu airport.

Hotel Recommendation: Kahala Hotel & Resort, Turtle Bay Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. 

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9. Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira, also called Mogador, is a cool mix of history, beauty, and chill vibes. Walk through the walled medina, a bunch of narrow streets with colorful shops selling spices, carpets, and handmade souvenirs. Go up the Skala de la Ville, an old Portuguese fortress from the 17th century, for awesome views of the busy harbor and the long beaches.

But Essaouira is not just about old stuff. You can learn to windsurf or kitesurf, or just hang out on the beach and enjoy the sun.

Check out the lively fish market, watch local artists make cool woodwork and jewelry, and listen to the rhythmic sounds of Gnaoua music in the evenings. Whether you’re into history, surfing, or just soaking in the local scene, Essaouira has everything you need.

How to reach: approximately 9 miles from Essaouira-Mogador Airport to Essaouira town.

Hotel Recommendation: Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa, Villa Sidi Baba, Essaouira Palace. 

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