What comes to mind when you picture a peaceful beach? The quiet lull of the waves, the gentle breeze of the palm trees, and maybe a small cocktail in hand? When the mood strikes, a crowded, festive beach with music beaming through the air can make for a memorable experience.
But, for the most part, the soul-healing that we’re all searching for can only be found in quieter settings with fewer crowds and low-impact tourism. Together, let’s stroll down a few sandy shorelines that can offer you this type of peace.
Ormond Beach | Florida, USA
We all know about the heavy hitters in Florida, from the Keys to Miami, to St. Petersburg and St. Augustine. Daytona Beach is another one. Yet, just about ten minutes north of Daytona, you’d be surprised about the tranquility that exists on Ormond Beach. You can drive your car right onto the beach – assuming you have a four-wheel drive – and settle in for a peaceful day beside the waves. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay a night, Home2 Suites by Hilton is a lovely option, and every room is ocean-facing.
Tybee Island | Georgia, USA
Have you ever visited Savannah? Now, there’s a city that personifies a Southern Belle. When you need a reprieve from all the downtown hubbub, hop in your car and drive about 30 minutes to Tybee Island. Granted, it can be jam-packed in the summer, but there’s a secret: head all the way to the south end of the island and look for the Chatham Avenue Beach Access parking lot. There will still be crowds if you’re there on the weekend during the summer, but you’ll find it’s a lot quieter, and the waves are a lot gentler.
Ocracoke | North Carolina, USA
There’s the peace of the Outer Banks, with its wild horses and beautiful shoreline homes. Then, there’s the peace that inhabits Ocracoke, a small village on Ocracoke Island, a less-trafficked area. When you make it to this doorstep to paradise, you’ll find miles of pristine, undeveloped, and uncrowded beaches. Truth be told, you’ll feel like you’re on your very own private island. This is the perfect place to bring a kayak, a book, and a few snacks as you let the rest of the world melt away.
Woods Hole | Massachusetts, USA
Sure, you’ve heard of Cape Cod – a lovely, peaceful stretch of land all on its own. While most people love to nestle in for the summer, truthfully, it’s soul-healing any time of year. There’s one area of the Cape that sees slightly less traffic than the rest, and that’s Woods Hole. Be sure to stay a night at Woods Hole Inn for first-class treatment, wonderful harbor views, and easy access to some of the finest eateries on the Cape.
To no surprise, Woods Hole is also a chart-topper on our list of 30 charming places to visit on the East Coast.
Kaupoa Beach | Hawaii, USA
It’s impossible to write any sort of “best beaches” article without including Hawaii. To escape the crowds of Maui or Oahu, see if you can seek out a stay in Molokai. That’s where you’ll find this secret beach loaded with tranquility. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be in awe of the beautiful, golden sands and dark, mysterious waters. Like many of the beaches on this list, it’s a bit of a hike to get there. But you’ll quickly see why it was all worth it in the end.
Ventry Beach | County Kerry, Ireland
With its stunning sea cliffs, verdant green lands, and quiet coves, Ireland is packed to the gills with peaceful beaches. Many people love to visit County Kerry in the southwest, specifically Dingle. There’s always a festival going on and a welcoming group of locals who are happy to make you feel at home. But, when you’re ready for a quiet escape from all the lively noise and the crowds, head to Ventry Beach for some of the most beautiful sunsets, potential seal sightings, and a peaceful stroll of about one to two miles.
Nanjizal Beach | Cornwall, UK
The reason Nanjizal Beach is able to maintain its status as a peaceful oasis is because it’s a little bit tricky to access. For the most part, people come here to savor the coastal path. You also have to be aware of the tides when coming here because, sometimes, there are large stretches of sand for you to enjoy. Other times, the shoreline is too thin to stroll. Still, whether you take in the view from the coastal path or the shore, one thing you’ll never be able to forget is the unusually clear blue water for this corner of the earth.
Pwlldu Bay Beach | Wales, UK
Let’s continue our journey through Ireland and the UK. Pwlldu Bay is a small beach on the south Gower Peninsula coast in southern Wales. Pretty and pebbly, its placement at the bottom of a valley helps to create that feeling of safety and calm. Like Nanjizal Beach, it’s only accessible at low tide. But, when you arrive, you’ll immediately feel the romance floating through the air in this sacred space.
17 Mile Beach | Low Bay, Barbuda
Like Hawaii, no beach article can pass over certain corners of the Caribbean. Down in Barbuda, you’ll find 17 Mile Beach, a fascination with its soft, pink sands and baby blue waters. You’ll find the soft sands completely irresistible as you peel off your shoes and sink your toes in. The waters are warm enough to go for a swim and, in between all that, you’ll find yourself bending down to pick up a pink seashell or two as a memento from this special day.
South Friar’s Beach | St. Kitts
We’ve scoured the Caribbean in search of the most beautiful islands. And one thing we were careful to scout was a quiet, peaceful beach. St. Kitts and Nevis were definitely chart-toppers for those looking to avoid the crowds. If you make it to St Kitts, you’ll love South Friar’s Beach. The name alone sounds meditative and peaceful, right? Not only is this stretch of land clean and serene, it’s also loaded with a variety of sealife to befriend, including squid, sea urchins, and lionfish.
Anapai Bay | New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are also loaded with island adventures, so it was hard to narrow it down to just one. But, if you find yourself in Abel Tasman National Park, you’ll want to seek out Anapai Bay. Be forewarned: you won’t find any WiFi here, and the cell phone service will be spotty. But if you’re looking to switch off somewhere with a loved one by your side, this is your ticket to paradise.
Lazarus Island | Singapore
There’s so much to see in the Lion City. You’ll love every minute of your cultural immersion in this corner of the world. But, when you’re ready to lull the buzzing in your ears, see if you can find Lazarus Island. The trick is to take the first ferry of the day because, when you arrive, you’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself. Around noon, people with their own boats will start to speckle the shorelines. But, for a few precious hours in the morning, you’ll know you’ve found paradise.
Soul-Healing By the Sea
There we have it! Soul-healing can be found by the sea, especially if you seek out these secret shorelines. We hope you’ll venture to one or two because, any time of year, they’ll be your ticket to paradise.
Before you go, be sure to check out our long list of destination guides. We’ve covered every corner of the earth in an effort to help you craft the perfect itinerary, whether you’re in the mood for a little revelry or peace. And, if all goes well, we’ll give you a quiet wave from South Friar’s Beach, along with the sea urchin and lionfish.
More from Travel Reveal: