Picasso sunsets and Monet skies! When was the last time you've strolled along the beach, wind in your hair and soothing rays bathing your body? If it was too long ago to remember, let Fine Living take you on a journey to some of the best beaches on both American coasts and around the world. If it was recently, relive those fun made-in-the-sand memories.

Plus: Don't leave home without Fine Living's Beach Safety tips and miscellaneous fun-in-the-sun ideas — at the bottom of the page!

Laguna Beach is just one of California's countless sensational seashore treasures.

West Coast Beaches

From Laguna Beach to a drive along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy what California has to offer in the way of classic beaches.

Laguna Beach
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Cape Alava, Olympic National Park
Malibu
Manhattan Beach and La Jolla
Dana Point
Pacific Coast Highway: The Drive

Golfing on the beach at South Carolina's Kiawah Island — who could ask for anything more?

East Coast Beaches

Enjoy a stroll along the white-hot sand of South Beach, Miami, up north to the luxurious Oak Bluffs of Martha's Vineyard.

The Soul of South Beach
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Kiawah Island
Little Palm Island
Myrtle Beach
Island Beach State Park, New Jersey
Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard

Thrill to the joys of one of the greatest beaches in the world: Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

Hawaiian and International Beaches

Don't forget the pure poetic pleasure of the exotic beaches in Hawaii and around the world!

Waikiki Beach
Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Swan Island, Australia
Los Cabos, Mexico
Windward Islands, St. Lucia
Aitutaki, Cook Islands

You can't throw a beach party without including a lick-a-delicious lobster recipe and a thirst-quinching cocktail.

Beach Recipes

Get the most out of your beach experience with a few of Fine Living's best on-the-beach recipes.

John Dunn's Beach Camping Salmon Recipe
Succulent Beach Buffet
Lobster Bake
Sunset Cocktail
Key Lime Rickey (cocktail)
Chicken and Mango Kebabs
Fruit Kebabs

Learn how to make the most of your beach adventure by creating a stunning sandcastle!

Beach Safety and Fun Ideas

Enjoy the beach to the max with Fine Living's surf-'n-sand safety tips and fun activities.

Beach Safety
Perfect Beach Party
Sand Castles 101
Dune Buggies
Learn to Surf
Beach Volleyball for Fun

Bonus: Check out Fine Living's
Swimsuit Shopping Tips!

For more Fine Living beach fun, check out
10 Unspoiled U.S. Beaches!