Best Beaches in the World Gallery

The best beaches in the world offer beautiful vistas, exciting activities and wild parties. Find a new vacation destination on this visual trip around the world.

Conde Nast Traveler included South Padre Island in a list of America's best beaches. The island's 34 miles of coastline offer numerous public beaches with something for everyone. The magazine also made note of the northern sand dunes as an especially beautiful area.

Frommer's includes Shoal Bay in its list of the best beaches in the Caribbean, touting the beauty of its sand and numerous snorkeling opportunities. Nearby reefs not only add to the appeal of snorkeling, but keep the waters calm for a pleasant time at the beach.

Frommer's also names Negril's Seven Mile Beach one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, describing it as a place for those who are looking for a wild vacation. From anything-goes resorts to nude beaches, it's one of the best beaches in the world for cutting loose.

The beaches of Asia don't always get as much attention as their Caribbean or Mediterranean cousins. However, Koh Phangan offers beautiful beaches and a variety of activities for tourists. The beach's signature Full Moon Party brings large crowds for a night filled with drinking, dancing, entertainment and fireworks.

The Travel Channel considers Poipu Beach one of the world's best beaches, calling it a good family destination. More adventurous family members can take part in surfing and snorkeling, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of the area's three crescent-shaped beaches and safe swimming areas.

Turning to Europe, the Travel Channel lists Tarifa as a top beach. It's unique among most popular beaches because it's extremely windy. This makes kite-surfing a favorite activity. With fewer resorts than other locations, it's a good place to get away from crowds of tourists.

Dr. Stephen Leatherman, or "Dr. Beach" as he is more commonly known, devotes himself to the study of beach issues, including erosion, ecosystems, and beach quality. Each year, he selects a top beach in the United States, and Hanalei Bay was the 2009 winner. Key features of the two-mile beach include palm trees, a view of waterfalls and mountain bluffs and beautiful white coral sand.

In a "Best of Asia" feature, the Asian edition of Time named Havelock Island's Beaches number five and number seven the "best beaches you can get to". The island is a secluded getaway focusing on ecotourism.

Has this slideshow made you crave some beach time? Plan your own vacation getaway with the help of these articles:

• Best Beach Vacations
• Best Beaches in California
• Best Family Beaches on the East Coast