It’s no question that narrowing down a list of the best beaches in the world is a Herculean task. Luckily, we at Traveler have the Readers’ Choice Awards, our annual survey of the hotels, resorts, cruises, spas, and destinations you, our readers, love the most. With the help of an eye-watering crowd 757,109, we’ve gathered a formidable bunch of beaches ranging from family-friendly crowd pleasers to romantically secluded boltholes, the always balmy Caribbean to Türkiye’s Aegean shores. Proud as we are of this list’s exciting geographic eclecticism, there’s no rule saying you can’t spend the day lounging around Meads Bay in Anguilla and heading to Shoal Bay the next. Embrace the por qué no los dos spirit by sunbathing, surfing, swimming, or doing absolutely nothing on the beaches in the world, as voted on by you. And if you prefer the convenience of sticking closer to home, read our guide to the best beaches around the United States according to the RCAs here.
15. Bondi Beach, Australia
Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach sports a sweeping, kilometer-long curve of golden sand, between two headlands, lashed by surf waves. What makes this Eastern Beaches wonder even more unusual is it’s an urban affair, combining swimming and surfing with big-city buzz. Locals love it, tourists flock here, and Bondi’s massive on Instagram. Even on crowded summer weekends, you’ll find a spot on the shore or lawns fringing the beach (there are barbecues at the northern reserve). People love jogging barefoot on the sand or along the street art-lined esplanade. Bondi’s hip boutiques, centered on Gould Street, offer stylish shopping; don’t miss nearby Aquabumps Gallery for surf photos (151 Curlewis Street). This is heaven for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. Fitness freaks love to flex at Bondi, while party people prefer the many beachside bars and pubs. It’s also the starting point for the scenic six-kilometer Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. —Sophie Davies, contributing writer
