- bdebaca / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
As an avid traveler, you’ve no doubt visited many beaches, swum in umpteen salty waves and taken in your share of ocean views. Now that you’re a bit more experienced, you might be looking for a fantastic new beach to visit on your next trip. Look no further than this brief list of beautiful beaches in North and South America.
Ixtapa, Zihautanejo, Mexico
Made famous in the finale scene of the Academy Award-winning film “The Shawshank Redemption,” Zihautanejo is an oasis of pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. There are more resorts here now, but natural beauty still abounds—plus there are ample places for visitors to stay on or near the beach.
Those who love the water will no doubt love it here; there are opportunities galore for activities like scuba diving, watersports and fishing. Animal and adventure lovers alike will also be happy: You can go for a horseback ride on the beach in Playa La Ropa and Playa Larga.
Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Cahuita is a tiny town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The town itself is relatively quiet, having remained largely undiscovered by tourists. Cahuita National Park protects the area’s beaches and lowlands, which means the shores in Cahuita are free from industrial development. Hire a boat to take you out on the clear blue water for a day of snorkeling; you’ll catch sight of some of the 35 species of coral and 123 species of fish—including brightly colored tropical ones—that inhabit the waters.
You might also head a few miles south to the next town, Puerto Viejo, to visit the beautiful and unusual black sand beach. The Playa Negra is known for its great surfing waves, and there’s a more exciting nightlife here than in Cahuita.
Assateague Island, Va. and Md.
For those who prefer to travel domestically, Assateague Island offers stunning beaches and opportunities for camping right here in the United States. As a designated National Seashore, Assateague Island—located off the East Coast alongside both Virginia and Maryland—is managed and cared for by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Natural Resources.
During your visit here you can enjoy a kayak tour, hiking, bird watching and other outdoor activities—or just spend your days swimming in the ocean and relaxing on the island’s untouched beaches. Wild horses roam the coast, but enjoy them from afar: Feeding or petting the equine wildlife is harmful for both you and them.
With a few common-sense safety precautions in mind and a list of great beach destinations, you’re more than ready to begin planning your next coastal getaway.
