Also known as La Pleasure Beach, you can enjoy here the ocean views and beach activities like horseback riding and beach sports. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially on weekends when live music and performances are common. Be prepared for entrance fees and vendors selling various goods. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious if swimming, as lifeguard coverage can vary.

This spot is part of Belongil beach at Byron Bay and is a good place for surfing. It’s named after the shipwreck of the Wollongbar that sunk in 1922, and you can see it peeking out of the water just offshore. We loved how raw and wild this spot felt, especially with the waves crashing over the wreck. We went there for snorkeling and we would definitely go again.

A beach with chunks of icebergs wash up on shore. If you don't get to see any huge ones, there are plenty of little ones out there that are super pretty. Absolutely love that spot. It is really cool to see the contrast between the ice and then just the sheer black sand.

A true hidden gem in the Bali island Nusa Penida. Unique geological formation with clear and turquoise water.

A black sand beach across from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs drift out, wash back in, and land on the shore. The ocean polishes the ice so it glitters like diamonds on jet black sand.

If you’re looking to surf on the Sunshine Coast, Kawana Beach is a fantastic choice. Known for its consistent waves, it’s a great spot for surfers of all levels. The long stretch of sandy beach provides plenty of space to catch some waves without feeling crowded. We spent the day here surfing and swimming and we ended our day watching the sunset here. Honestly, it was one of the most peaceful moments of our trip.

This beach totally surprised us. We stumbled on it while exploring and ended up loving how chill it was. It’s perfect if you’re into paddleboarding or just want to hang by the water without the big crowds. We brought a picnic, found a shady spot, and just relaxed for hours. It’s got this super local vibe that makes you feel like you’ve found a hidden gem. There are plenty of amenities nearby, including cafes, shops, and picnic areas. The best part: it’s the perfect spot to park your van and spend a comfortable night!

Reynisfjara is the most famous black volcanic sand beach in Iceland. It has tall basalt columns, unique rock formations, a cave in the cliffs, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the sea. The waves are very strong and dangerous, so it is important to stay well back from the water.

Diamond Beach has black sand with chunks of ice that have drifted from Jökulsárlón and washed ashore. The contrast of clear ice and dark volcanic sand is beautiful. It can get a little crowded, but walk a bit further along the beach for quiet spots.

Unique and pretty experience. Small glacier pieces washed ashore on the black sand, like diamonds in the waves. Even with tourists around it is worth it. Wildlife and ice together, incredible peacefulness, one of my favorite spots around the island.