There's one destination that's always on trend. It's the beach.
People who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life seek tranquility along the picturesque beaches. Beach vacations are the second most popular leisure trip Americans want to take in 2024, after visiting family and friends. Beach vacations are the first choice for multigenerational travel.
Spending uninterrupted time at the beach has many health benefits. Research shows that being in such a stunning natural environment reduces stress and anxiety, increases self-esteem, and lifts your mood.
Watching big waves crashing is thrilling, but it's especially relaxing to be near calm waters that everyone can enjoy. Some beaches are calmer than others due to natural features such as coral reefs and bays.
People who go swimming in the sea should be aware of the following:Top 10 most crowded beaches in America
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The good news is that Americans don't have to travel far to enjoy beaches with calm waters that are easy to swim in. They are found in abundance in Hawaii and throughout the Caribbean, as well as on the coast of the mainland United States, such as Lewis Beach in Delaware and Cape Charles Beach in Virginia.
In October, Hawaii vacation information site HawaiianIslands.com analyzed more than 1.5 million English-language TripAdvisor reviews of the most popular beaches that mentioned “calm waters” and found that they ranked the most popular beaches in North America. We have created a list of beaches with calm waters.
“It's worth noting that Hawaii's beaches dominate the U.S. rankings for having the calmest waters, but on a global level, we also see that beaches across North and South America dominate the rankings.'' ,” Brittany Betts, marketing manager for HawaiianIslands.com, told USA TODAY. “This may come as a surprise to those who are not familiar with the many beaches in the Americas.”
Check out the list below to find beaches with the calmest waters accessible to everyone and start planning your next beach vacation.
Baby Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Taking the top spot for the world's calmest beaches is the aptly named Baby Beach on Maui, with 27.82% of reviews mentioning calm waters. Located along the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, this lagoon is protected by an offshore coral reef. “Baby Beach is an ideal beach for families with young children,” says Betts. “The sea is very calm and shallow, so it's a perfect opportunity for kids to splash around in the sea.”
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Ten Bay Beach, Eleuthera Island, Bahamas
With its turquoise waters and shallow sandy bottom, Ten Bay Beach in the Bahamas is the second quietest beach spot in North America. The spacious beach is popular with families with young children who want to play in the calm waters. At low tide, beachgoers can walk far into the ocean and meander along exposed sandbars.
Browns Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados
This famous half-mile stretch of white sand is known as one of Barbados' finest beaches, and its calm, crystal-clear waters draw crowds. In his 20.50% of reviews of the beach on TripAdvisor, bathers emphasize its calm sea. Brown's Beach is renowned for its natural beauty and historical importance, with nearby landmarks including the Barbados Yacht Club and the Barbados Cruising Club.
Bloody Bay, Negril, Jamaica
People who go swimming in the sea should be aware of the following:Top 10 most crowded beaches in America
Jamaica's Bloody Bay was a place where whalers slaughtered their catches in the 19th century. please do not worry. The beach is completely different now. It's a popular place for tourists to relax and is a quieter beach than the nearby iconic Seven Mile Beach. The bay's waters are protected by coral reefs, making it a tranquil yet vibrant snorkeling location.
Morne Rouge in Grenada
A local favorite, Morne Rouge is a popular spot for beach lovers to spend the day. Visitors can rent loungers and umbrellas, take advantage of the many beach bars along the sandy beach, or stop in the shade of a tree for a rest. According to his 18.95% of TripAdvisor reviews, the sea is particularly calm and shallow. This is due to the topography, with a natural bay and nearby hills blocking the wind.
Playa Las Ballenas, Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Located on the western edge of the Dominican Republic, Playa Las Ballenas is a picturesque beach named for three rocky islets that resemble humpback whales. Famous for its wide expanse of sand, this beach offers plenty of space for visitors to stretch their legs and soak up the sun, and its calm waters invite swimmers of all abilities.
Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown, Barbados
Carlisle Bay, a natural harbor, is a 10-minute walk from the center of Bridgetown, Barbados' capital (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Children and families can play in the calm waters, while adventurous enthusiasts can enjoy snorkeling and diving. Visit the bay's six shipwrecks and catch a glimpse of passing turtles.
Mauna Kea Beach, Big Island, Hawaii
Located in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii, Mauna Kea Beach is the perfect place to quietly enjoy the Pacific Ocean. According to his 14.08% of TripAdvisor reviews, its mild and clear climate makes it an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Also known as Kaunaoa Beach, this bay is protected from strong currents and waves by an offshore coral reef. Sloped sand also helps waves disappear before they reach the shore.
Playa Viesan, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
A short hike through the jungle brings you to the hidden Playa Viesan. Although the beach itself is relatively small, its soft golden sand and clear water provide a perfect environment for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The surrounding cliffs and trees transform the cove into a peaceful oasis.
Playa La Entrega, Oaxaca, Mexico
Located in a protected bay along the Oaxaca coastline, Playa La Entrega offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. This beach, which means “delivery” in English, was once a delivery point for goods during colonial times. It is a popular place for snorkeling on coral reefs that are full of marine life and also help reduce the energy of rough waves. Visitors can rent snorkel equipment or purchase fresh fruit from local vendors.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. Please contact kwong@usatoday.com..
