Once the days start getting really long, the sun starts hanging high up in the sky, and the weather gets really warm, there’s one place that everyone thinks about going… To the beach, of course! There’s something about feeling the press of sand between your toes and hearing the slow undulation of the waves that creates a mood of tranquility that’s hard to beat. Oh, and then there’s the excitement of actually swimming out into those waves too!
If you’re like most, you probably already have a few preferred beach destinations that you like to hit up during the summer months. But, shouldn’t things be different this year? Haven’t the past few months been a bit rough? Don’t you deserve to go on a beach vacation that’s got a touch of the uncommon to it?
We can already hear you answering “yes” to the above questions, which is why we’ve put this list together. On it, you’ll find out picks for the 20 best summer beach vacation destinations for 2017. Simply put, if you’re looking to have fun in the sand and surf, then these are the places you’ll want to check out.
1. Miami Beach, Florida
Art deco styling, pastel colors, and stretches of beautiful beach filled with beautiful people… What’s not to love about Miami Beach?
2. Maui, Hawaii
When people talk about Hawaii being a beach paradise, they’re most often talking about Maui.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Those who think that the West Coast has all of the best beaches have clearly never been to Myrtle Beach.
4. San Diego, California
If you ask us, “San Diego” is Spanish for one of the best and most beautiful beach communities in the world.
5. Maldives
If you’re willing to spend a bit of coin, then the luxury beach vacation experience you can get in the Maldives is pretty much second to none.
6. The French Riviera
There’s just something classic and luxurious about a beach vacation in the French Riviera that few can resist.
7. Dominican Republic
Here’s a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean without having to get out your passport… If you’re from the U.S., that is.
8. U.S. Virgin Islands
The same could be said for the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are among the finest places to visit in all the Caribbean.
9. Bali
Those who want to get their surf on while taking their beach vacation would be well advices to check out Bali.
10. Bora Bora
Does the idea of a beach vacation that includes overwater bungalows sound appealing to you? Bora Bora might be the answer.
11. Sydney
You might not think of beaches when you think of Sydney, and do you know what? Australians might prefer for it to stay that way…
12. Santorini
Living the Club Med lifestyle? That’s what it’s all about, and that’s what you can do in Santorini.
13. Aruba
In the eyes of many who love the Caribbean, Aruba is the crown jewel. We’re not sure we agree, but we wouldn’t necessarily argue…
14. Jamaica
With beautiful resorts lining the beaches of this island nation, there’s no shortage of places to have an amazing beach vacation here.
15. Barbados
How about sipping fine rum while the tropical air washes over the waves? That’s what Barbados is all about!
16. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
It’s no secret that the beaches in Mexico are some of the most beautiful in the world. Playa del Carmen is arguably the tops there.
17. Cancun, Mexico
Prefer to have more of a party atmosphere on your Mexican beach vacation? If so, Cancun is the answer.
18. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
How could we possibly mention Playa del Carmen and Cancun and not include the famed Cabo? The answer… We couldn’t!
19. Corfu
Want to check out the Greek Isles without breaking your budget? Corfu is the place for you, then…
20. Phuket, Thailand
Just take a look at that picture… How could you not want to check out the beaches in Phuket?
