10 Best Dream Beach Destinations Loved by Canadians

Cancun is a famous resort destination on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, its popularity proven by the fact that it has an entire neighbourhood devoted to hotels. The Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) is built on a sandy barrier island that forms part of the world’s second-largest coral reef. True to its name, high-rise hotels line the white-sand shore right along its length.

The main attraction of Cancun is undoubtedly its beautiful shoreline and crystal-clear sea. However, if you need a break from the beach, the Mayan ruins of the El Ray Archaeological Zone and the El Meco Archaeological Site offer a cultural diversion. The famous Chichén Itzá site is about 200 km inland but is worth the drive. READ MORE…

Miami is the star among Florida’s many great beach destinations, with an outstanding array of things to do away from the shore. The city itself is famous for its nightlife, boasting some of the most stylish nightclubs in the country. During the day, you’ll find a city with a fascinating blend of cultures, with the heavy note of Cuban influences especially evident in the dining scene.

But let’s face it, you go to Miami for the beaches, right? The best among them are found on the barrier islands that separate the downtown hub from the Atlantic Ocean. Haulover Beach and South Beach stand out from the crowd, but almost every option in between offers white sand, blue seas and convenient nearby amenities. READ MORE…

The island of Oahu is one of the world’s most famous surf destinations, with Waikiki Beach, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay all popular names in the sport. If you’re not quite up to professional standards on a board, don’t worry – there are beaches for pretty much every skill level around the island. Even if you don’t want to catch waves, it’s a great spot for catching rays.

While the volcanic Hawaiian islands have plenty of inland adventures to offer, Oahu is unique in being the home of the state capital – Honolulu – and the famous Pearl Harbor. While still an active military base, its pivotal place in history makes it a popular attraction for those with an interest in WWII. READ MORE…

Punta Cana is a stunning resort destination on the easternmost end of the Dominican Republic. The area has a total of 32 km of beaches, lapped by the crystal-clear waters of both the Caribbean and the Atlantic, with many a luxurious resort right by the fine white sand. Be sure to check out Bavaro Beach, Macao Beach and Juanillo Beach.

Away from the shore, Punta Cana has plenty to offer. There are world-class golf courses, adventure centres, water parks and even a few historical and natural attractions. In other words, there’s no reason for you to get bored here, regardless of how you like to spend your vacation. READ MORE…

Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian islands, with natural beauty in abundance both on the shore and inland. It’s perhaps best known for the Haleakala National Park and its dozens of hiking routes as well as the Hana Highway that skirts the park’s edge. The park is named after the striking crater at its heart, which you can drive to the top of for stunning sunset views.

Of course, being a Hawaiian island, Maui naturally has some fantastic beaches – about 30 miles of them. Some of them have black volcanic sand, like those in Wai'anapanapa State Park. Popular spots like Makena Beach, Ka'anapali Beach and Kapalua Beach vary from golden to white, with the turquoise seas ranging from surfer’s heaven to family-friendly flat. READ MORE…

Riviera Maya is a long stretch of stunning beaches along the northeastern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. A series of small towns dot the coastal highway, each gathered around little sandy coves – stunning oases of peace and paradise.

The main cities along this shoreline could not be more different. Playa del Carmen is known for its shops, restaurants and nightlife, especially along Quinta Avenida – the pedestrianized street that runs parallel to the beach. The smaller town of Tulum, by contrast, is famous for its Mayan ruins, beautiful cenotes and its laidback, spiritual atmosphere, with yoga schools and studios lining the main road. READ MORE…

Orange County is located just south of Los Angeles, providing a luxurious beach getaway from the urban sprawl. Aside from the famous Laguna Beach and many other sandy shores, the area’s also home to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and other theme parks, making it a popular destination for families.

When you’ve had enough of the rides and shows, the beachfront attractions to enjoy include the tide pools of Crystal Cove State Park, the surfing at Huntington Beach and the family-friendly waters of Dana Point Harbor, with plenty of options in between. READ MORE…

Key West is the very last of the Florida Keys – the idyllic island chain just south of the Sunshine State. It’s a popular stop for Caribbean cruises, but you can also drive there along the Overseas Highway. It is right at the end of the road, but it’s worth the drive for its stunning coral reefs, beautiful conch-style houses and gorgeous beaches in between.

Not being an especially big island, the number of beaches on Key West is pretty limited. However, it’s a place of quality over quantity and white-sand shores like Higgs Beach, Smathers Beach and Dog Beach. Each option is family-friendly, with the waves kept small by the barrier reefs. READ MORE…

Hawaii Big Island is officially known only as Hawaii Island, though the former helps to make it clear exactly which of the islands that make up the mid-Pacific state is meant. And it’s certainly an apt description, with 4 of Hawaii’s 5 active volcanoes, nature preserves, historical sites and spectacular waterfalls spread across its 4,028 square miles. All of that is ringed with some beautiful beaches.

Among the best of the beaches available on Hawaii Island are the wide Hapuna Beach, lively Magic Sands Beach and the black-sand Punalu’u Beach. While it lacks the soft sandy shoreline you’d normally want from a beach break, Carlsmith Beach Park is also worth checking out as the beautiful lagoons are great places for swimming and snorkelling, and you might even encounter one of the resident sea turtles. READ MORE…

The Greek island of Mykonos brings together the rich history and culture of the birthplace of civilization with some stunning beaches, making it a popular summer destination. Unlike a fair few of its neighbouring islands, the beaches here are mostly sandy instead of pebbly, with top spots including Psarou Beach, Ornos Beach and Paradise Beach.

If you want a break from the beach, Mykonos has no shortage of attractions. Go check out the iconic windmills, explore ancient ruins from as far back as Neolithic times and visit the supposed birthplaces of Greek gods. If you’re looking for something a little more modern, head to Paradise Beach for its famous nightlife. READ MORE…