Beach Insights

Practical guides and expert advice to help you plan, book, and enjoy the perfect beach vacation.

Beach Insights Articles

• The Wharf in Orange Beach: Things to Do, Events, Restaurants & More — A complete visitor guide to The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama: Main Street shopping, the waterfront dining scene, nightlife, the 10,000-seat amphitheater, the Ferris wheel and SPECTRA light show, family activities, the marina, and the annual events worth planning a trip around.
• The Best Beaches in the Florida Panhandle — A regional guide to the Florida Panhandle's quartz-white sand and emerald water — from Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach east through Destin, 30A and Panama City Beach to Cape San Blas.
• Best Beaches in Africa: From Seychelles to Cape Town — A comprehensive guide to Africa's most spectacular coastlines, from the granite-framed coves of the Seychelles to the surf breaks of Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard.
• Cape Verde Beach Guide: Atlantic Islands, Culture & Coastal Beauty — Discover Cape Verde's volcanic Atlantic archipelago — from Sal's golden sands and wind sports to Santo Antão's dramatic coastal cliffs and Creole culture.
• Ultimate Guide to East Africa Beaches: Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar — From Kenya's Diani Beach to Zanzibar's Nungwi and Tanzania's hidden islands, a deep guide to East Africa's Indian Ocean coastline.
• Indian Ocean Island Escapes: Seychelles, Mauritius & Madagascar — Three Indian Ocean island nations compared — from the Seychelles' granite coves to Mauritius' reef lagoons and Madagascar's wild, untamed coastline.
• Mozambique & Bazaruto Archipelago: Africa's Hidden Beach Paradise — Dive into Mozambique's pristine coastline — from the Bazaruto Archipelago's coral reefs to Tofo Beach's whale sharks and Inhambane's coastal culture.
• South Africa Beach Travel Guide: Cape Town, Camps Bay & Beyond — Explore South Africa's dramatic coastline from Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard to the Garden Route, with expert advice on beaches, surf, and coastal experiences.
• Best Beaches in Southeast Asia — Discover the most stunning beaches in Southeast Asia from Bali to Phuket, Koh Samui to El Nido.
• Cultural Heritage and Temples of Southeast Asia — Explore the greatest cultural heritage sites and temples across Southeast Asia from Angkor Wat to Bagan.
• Southeast Asia Best Hidden Gems — Discover off-the-beaten-path destinations across Southeast Asia from secret beaches to untouched islands.
• Best Time to Visit South America Beaches — From Brazil's summer peak to the Pacific coast's year-round warmth — when to visit South America's beaches for the best weather, fewest crowds, and lowest prices.
• Best Beaches in Cabo San Lucas — From Medano Beach to Lover's Beach at Land's End, discover Cabo's most stunning Pacific and Sea of Cortez shores.
• Best Beaches in Cancún — From the Hotel Zone to Isla Mujeres, discover Cancún's most beautiful Caribbean beaches and hidden coves.
• Best Beaches in Destin, Florida — Discover the top-rated beaches in Destin, from crystal-clear emerald waters to quiet stretches of white sand perfect for families and couples.
• Best Beaches in Key West — From Fort Zachary Taylor to Smathers Beach, explore Key West's most beautiful stretches of tropical shoreline.
• Best Beaches in Miami Beach — From South Beach to North Beach, discover Miami's most iconic stretches of sand and turquoise Atlantic waters.
• Best Beaches in Myrtle Beach — Explore the Grand Strand's finest beaches from North Myrtle to Surfside, with tips on parking, crowds, and hidden gems.
• Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas — From Cable Beach to the pink sands of Harbour Island, explore Nassau's most stunning Bahamian beaches.
• Best Beaches in Panama City Beach — From Shell Island to St. Andrews State Park, explore the best beaches PCB has to offer for families, spring breakers, and nature lovers.
• Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas — Adventures & Nightlife — From whale watching to the famous Cabo nightlife scene, explore the best activities in Los Cabos.
• Things to Do in Cancún — Ruins, Reefs & Nightlife — Explore Cancún's blend of ancient Mayan ruins, world-class snorkeling, and legendary nightlife.
• Things to Do in Destin, Florida — Complete Activity Guide — From deep-sea fishing to dolphin cruises, explore the best activities and attractions in Destin for every type of traveler.
• Things to Do in Key West — Ultimate Island Activity Guide — Discover Key West's legendary sunsets, Duval Street nightlife, historic sites, and world-class water adventures.
• Things to Do in Miami Beach: Beaches, Art Deco, Nightlife & Events — From Art Deco walking tours to jet ski rentals, explore the best activities Miami Beach has to offer.
• Things to Do in Myrtle Beach: Best Attractions, Activities & Events — A practical planning guide to Myrtle Beach — Grand Strand beaches, the Boardwalk and SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, golf, fishing, family attractions, dining and the year's events.
• Things to Do in Nassau — Island Adventures & Culture — Explore Nassau's blend of colonial history, vibrant Junkanoo culture, and world-class water activities.
• Things to Do in Panama City Beach: Best Attractions, Activities & Events — A practical planning guide to Panama City Beach — beaches, St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, Pier Park, fishing, boat tours, family activities, nightlife and the year's events.
• Lama Monachile Beach Guide: Tours, Swimming & Visiting Polignano a Mare — Everything you need to know about visiting Lama Monachile — Puglia's most photographed beach cove. Boat tours, swimming conditions, nearby beaches, and essential tips for your trip to Polignano a Mare.
• Riding the Gulf Coast Rails: Your Complete Guide to Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service — Discover the new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service connecting New Orleans to Mobile. Experience scenic Gulf Coast rail travel with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula.
• Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka: Weather, Monsoons & Beach Seasons — Sri Lanka's unique dual-monsoon system means different coasts shine at different times. Learn exactly when to visit the south coast versus the east coast for ideal beach conditions, whale watching, and surfing.
• Southern California Coastal Tour: LA to San Diego Road Trip Guide — Drive California's iconic coastline from Los Angeles through Long Beach, Newport Beach, and on to San Diego. Complete itinerary with beaches, stops, and insider tips for the ultimate SoCal road trip.
• The Ultimate Puerto Rico Island-Hopping Itinerary: 10 Days from San Juan to Culebra — From the bioluminescent bays of Vieques to Flamenco Beach's legendary shores, this 10-day Puerto Rico itinerary connects seven stunning destinations for the ultimate Caribbean adventure—no passport required.
• Taiwan East Coast Road Trip — The Ultimate Hualien to Taitung Coastal Drive Guide — Discover Taiwan's most scenic coastal highway from Hualien to Taitung. Drive past dramatic Qingshui Cliffs, explore Taroko Gorge, surf in Dulan, and catch ferries to Green Island and Orchid Island for world-class diving.
• Taiwan Island Hopping — Planning Green Island, Orchid Island & Penghu — Plan your Taiwan island-hopping adventure with ferry routes, diving comparisons, and logistics for Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu. From world-class coral reefs to indigenous culture, discover Taiwan's best offshore islands.
• Algar Seco Guide: Carvoeiro's Legendary Rock Formations & A Boneca Cave — Explore Algar Seco's dramatic limestone formations and the famous A Boneca cave near Carvoeiro, Portugal. Discover the legend of Princess Alfanzina and plan your visit to this free coastal attraction.
• Best Spring Break Destinations for — Your ultimate guide to the top beach destinations for Spring Break 2026 — from classic hotspots to underrated gems across Florida, the Gulf Coast, Caribbean & Mexico.
• The Ultimate Beach Safety Guide: Essential Tips for Families — Learn essential beach safety tips to protect your family while enjoying the sun, sand, and surf. From riptides to sunburn prevention, we cover everything you need to know.
• Ultimate Tropical Beach Packing List: Everything You Need — Don't forget a thing! Our comprehensive tropical beach packing list covers clothing, gear, toiletries, tech, and beach essentials for perfect Caribbean and tropical getaways.
• Family Beach Vacation Packing Guide: Kids & Baby Essentials — Stress-free family beach packing made easy. From baby beach gear to entertainment for older kids, our comprehensive guide ensures you have everything needed.
• How to Photograph Beaches Like a Pro: Camera Settings & Composition Tips — Capture stunning beach photos with our expert guide to camera settings, lighting, composition, and editing techniques. Turn your beach vacation into a professional portfolio.
• Complete Snorkeling & Diving Packing Checklist — Essential gear guide for underwater adventures. From masks and fins to underwater cameras, ensure you have everything needed for incredible snorkeling and diving experiences.
• Sustainable Beach Travel: How to Minimize Your Environmental Impact — Discover how to enjoy beach destinations responsibly while protecting marine ecosystems, reducing waste, and supporting local communities. Your guide to eco-conscious coastal travel.
• Best Winter Beach Destinations: Warm Weather Escapes When You Need Them Most — Escape winter's chill at these perfect warm-weather beach destinations. From Caribbean islands to Southeast Asian paradises, find sunshine when it's coldest at home.
• Spring Break Beach Destinations: Best Picks for Families, Couples & Students — Find your perfect spring break beach getaway. From family-friendly Gulf Coast to party-central Cancun, our guide covers every spring break beach style.
• Hurricane Season Beach Vacations: Safe Destinations & Smart Planning — Plan safe beach vacations during hurricane season (June-November) at destinations outside hurricane zones, plus expert tips for weather monitoring and flexible booking.
• Mayan Ruins Near the Beach: A Complete Guide to Mexico's Ancient Coastal Wonders — From Tulum's clifftop temples overlooking the Caribbean to jungle pyramids you can still climb—discover the best Mayan archaeological sites near Mexico's stunning Riviera Maya beaches.
• Ultimate Guide to Gulf Coast Beaches — Florida's Gulf Coast anchors this guide, from the Emerald Coast's quartz-white sand to Sanibel's shelling — with Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas covered too.
• The ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao — The Ultimate Guide to the Caribbean's Sunniest, Most Colorful Beaches — Located in the southern Caribbean outside the hurricane belt, the ABC Islands offer year-round sunshine, vibrant Dutch-Caribbean culture, world-class diving, and some of the clearest water in the entire Caribbean.
• Fisherman's Trail: Zambujeira to Odeceixe Guide | Rota Vicentina — Complete guide to hiking the Fisherman's Trail from Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe—Portugal's wildest Atlantic cliff walk. Trail details, difficulty, highlights, accommodation, and practical tips for this stunning 18.5km Rota Vicentina coastal trek.
• Eastern vs. Western vs. Southern Caribbean: Which Region Has the Best Beaches for Your Island Vacation? — Compare the three major Caribbean regions for beach lovers. Discover which offers the clearest water, calmest beaches, best snorkeling, and ideal cruise itineraries for your 2026 vacation.
• Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Portugal's Most Scenic Coastal Walk — Hike the Algarve's legendary cliff-top trail connecting Benagil Cave, Praia da Marinha, and seven dramatic coastal valleys along Portugal's golden limestone coast.
• The Best Beaches for Golf in the USA — Where blue ocean meets world-class fairways — discover the ultimate coastal golf escapes from Pebble Beach to Kiawah Island, Myrtle Beach, and beyond.
• Top 20 Golf Courses With Ocean Views (Worldwide) — From volcanic islands to rugged cliffs, discover the world's most breathtaking oceanfront golf experiences outside the USA — including Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Portugal, and the Caribbean.
• Pensacola's Historic Downtown: A Walking Tour — Explore centuries of history while enjoying modern attractions in this charming coastal city.