Point Dume Beach, California

Point Dume Beach CA is a magificent wide sandy beach set at the heart of the Malibu coastline.  Behind the beach sit very expensive properties - fortunately these man-made intrusions cannot be seen from the sands.   To the north of the beach lies well-known Zuma beach, and to the south imposing Point Dume. 

The beach provides all kinds of leisure activities, from a lazy time for those pursuing some serious tannage, to an activity-filled day for surfers, hikers or scuba-divers.

Surfers will like the consistent break off the Point - though some prefer the busier vibe of Zuma.

Hikers will love the Zuma-Dume trail, which winds its way along the bluffs behind the beach before ending up at Point Dume.  The Point offers magnificent 360 degree views, taking in Santa Monica bay, the Santa Monical hills, and Catalina Island far out to sea.

The beach is a popular from-shore dive spot - the Dume submarine canyon runs just a couple of hundred yard offshore, giving exciting diving along the steep drop-off.

The beach is a State Beach, and equipped with the standard facilities - showers, restrooms, picnic table and bbq pits.  There is a lifeguard during the day.

To get to Point Dume take Pacific Coast Highway north-east out of Santa Monica.  After 19 miles turn left to Zuma beach.  Go past Zuma, continuing along the coast.  A mile later you’ll find the lot for Point Dume.

Best Beach’s rating : Wilderness feel 1 stars out of 5, Warm water 2 out of 5, Facilities 4 out of 5. Happy times 4 stars out of 5.

Corona Del Mar Beach, California

Corona Del Mar State Beach is the next beach down as you travel downwards from Balboa beach, but it has its own unique flavor because of tall rocky cliffs behind the southern end of the sands.

The beach has a real laid-back vibe, perfect for relaxing on a warm summer’s day.  Though it can get very busy at weekends and holidays.  There’s a whole range of facilities, from BBQ grills, picnic tables, volleyball nets, food concessions and showers/restrooms.

The beach forms a lovely curve of sand, between Newport breakwater to the north (very good fishing), and rocky Inspiration Point to the south (some forearm-pumping bouldering for climbers).

In the summer months, the water touches 70F, so is pretty reasonable for swimming. Lifeguards are normally on duty.  Don’t forget to bring your boogie board, as the surfing is great if the waves are anywhere near half-decent.

Best Beach’s rating : Wilderness feel 1 stars out of 5, Warm water 2 out of 5, Facilities 4 out of 5. Happy times 5 stars out of 5.

Makalawena Beach, Hawaii

To reach Makalena Beach requires a bit of a trek, which on hot days can be hard work. Before you set out to visit this magnificent beach, pack a backpack with plenty of food and water - there are no provisions available at this remote beauty spot.

In your car, take Route 19 northwards from Kailua-Kona, then turn left onto the rough access road for Kekaha Kai State Park (after mile 88). After a rough 1 mile, the road reaches a crossroads. Park your car on the small area available next to the intersection. Follow the path that leads right from the crossroads. (Straight on leads you to Mahaiula beach, left goes to Makolea beach - both are also worth a visit).

After a few minutes, you’ll arrive at the coast, where you can pick up the coastal trail. Turn right, to head north. The path now leaves the coast, across a rugged patch of black lava. It takes about 20 minutes to cross the lava, then you arrive at the southern end of Makalawena beach.

Phew! No wonder you’ll often have the beach to yourself. But the hike-in’s well worth it, because you’ve arrived at one of the most beautiful beaches on the Hawaiian islands.

Makalawena beach actually consists of 3 sweeps of sand, separated from each other by lava points. There’s lots of vegetation behind the sand, so if you want it’s easy to find a place out of the sun for your picnic.

The swimming and snorkeling are absolutely super. The water is pleasantly warm and, on calmer days, the underwater visibility excellent. Body and boogie-board surfers head for the last of the beaches - the surf is normally better there.

Best Beach’s rating : Wilderness feel 5 stars out of 5, Warm water 4 out of 5, Facilities 0 out of 5. Happy times 5 stars out of 5.

Fort De Soto, Florida

Fort DeSoto Florida is an island located in the center of Tampa Bay. To get there, take 679 off Hwy 682 which heads towards St Pete Beach from St Petersburg.  Fort De Soto is a busy state park - there’s lots to do, including camping, fishing, kayaking, and hiking.

Gorgeous white sandy beaches encircle the whole island.  Two areas are specifically set aside for swimming, with lifeguards during popular times.  One area is the East beach, which faces the Bay, and the other North beach, which faces the Gulf.  If you venture in to swim elsewhere, be careful, as seemingly calm waters may hide strong currents running between the Bay and open sea.

Fervent fishermen will love the two long piers - pick from either the 500′ long Bay pier on East Beach, or the 1000′ pier next to the old Fort.  Both are great fishing venues - you’ll have a great chance of catching a large Red or two.

If you’re camping at Fort De Soto, a good day out is the trip to nearby Egmont Key island.  A boat service operates from the Bay jetty.  On Egmont Key you’ll find the ruins of Fort Dade, a fort dating from the Spanish-American war (now with a fascinating reconstructed guard house).

Best Beach’s rating : Wilderness feel 2 stars out of 5, Warm water 4 out of 5, Facilities 3 out of 5. Happy times 4 stars out of 5.  Not surprisingly for many, it’s the Best Florida Beach.

Kua Bay, Hawaii

Many people reckon Kua Bay to be the most beautiful beach on the Big Island, and it’s hard to disagree. The soft white sand of the beach slopes gradually into the turquoise blue seawater. At both ends of the sandy crescent, rocky lava headlands jut out into the water (if you’re snorkelling check out these rocky points - you’ll often see large parrot fish, and even turtles, but take care as it gets a lot choppier out towards the rocks). When you’ve been out in the sun too long, there are a few trees behind the beach which provide shady refuge, but it can be hard to find a comfortable spot, so it’s wise to take a sunshade.

The water’s easily warm enough to make swimming a complete joy - the more energetic can boogie-board, or thrill themselves by jumping into the sea from the small offshore rocks.

Don’t hurry home from the beach in the evening - the sunsets are absolutely magnificent, as bright red and orange colors streak out from the sun and reflect in the clouds.

Best Beach’s rating : Wilderness feel 3 stars out of 5, Warm water 4 out of 5, Facilities 4 out of 5. Happy times 4 stars out of 5.

Hapuna Beach, Hawaii

Hapuna Beach Hawaii is a gorgeous ½ mile curve of fine white sand set between black lava points. The far (northern) end of the beach is in front of the swish Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. The hotel complex does tend to spoil the natural beauty of the beach (but if you’re actually staying in the hotel, you’ve a wonderful beach on your doorstep).

The public parking lot for the beach is just next to the sands at the southern end. A large sign on Hwy 19 marks the turn off. It can get very busy, so make sure you turn up early (or late) to be sure of a spot.

The seas off the beach are a water enthusiast’s dream. The swimming is enjoyable, the boogie-boarding exhilirating. Snorkellers will find the best sightings to be around the coral reef off the southern end of the beach.

If you’ve come to the public (State park) part of the beach, you’ll appreciate the useful facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables and snack concession. There are also a number of very rustic cabins - book well before your holiday to secure one of these.

Believe it or not, some people get bored of lounging at the beach. These types might enjoy venturing along the Ala Kahakai Coastal Trail which passes through Hapuna beach. An ambitious target would be the walk to wonderful Mauna Kea beach, about 2 miles north.

Best Beach’s rating : Wilderness feel 2 stars out of 5, Warm water 4 out of 5, Facilities 5 out of 5. Happy times 4 stars out of 5.

El Matador Beach, California

Park your car in the small lot at the top of the clifftop, and head down a steep footpath with several flights of steps to El Matador Beach.  It’s not the easiest beach to get to, but this is a good thing, because it’s normally fairly empty (except on summer weekends).

The beach is very beautiful, the soft golden sands are backed by impressive cliffs.  Go for a walk along the water’s edge, admiring the scenery.  In summer, don’t forget your swimming things, as it’s not too cold for an invigorating swim.  There can be heavy surf, so be cautious in rough conditions (a lifeguard only patrols on popular days).

Low tide exposes lots of small rock pools at either side of the beach - these are great for kids to explore and investigate.

As you lie on your beach towel soaking up the rays, keep half-an-eye open for a Hollywood celebrity - the beach is a mecca for the rich and famous.

El Matador beach is the most easterly of the three beaches that make up the Robert H Meyer State park. The other two, ‘La Piedra’ and ‘El Pescador’ are very similar, though not as wide. 

Green Sand Beach, Big Island, Hawaii

Green Sand Beach is located at South Point, the southernmost tip of the Big Island. Park your car at the end of the road. It’s a 2 1/2 mile walk to the beach (unless you’ve got a chunky 4×4). So put on some proper shoes (there’s plenty of coarse lava underfoot), and don’t forget to take lots of water, as there’s no concession at the beach.

After about 15 mins of walking the dramatic shape of the side rim of Puu Mahana cinder cone comes into view. The cone forms the curving sides of the bay. It’s well worth walking up to the highest part of the cone for the spectacular view.

Make your way back to the south side of the cliffs to climb down to the beach - take care with your footing.

And yes, the sand is green. It’s made up of grains of volcanic glass, tinted green by olivine. To cool down, go swimming (on calm days). The water is wonderful, with lots of marine life to see with a snorkel mask.