White-sand beaches, calm clear water and a bountiful barrier reef make the Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales a hot spot for families, snorkelers and divers. Some call rock-free Grace Bay Beach the best in the world. For an unusual experience, divers can walk along the ocean floor at Smith's Reef, where underwater signs describe the reef's ecosystem. Additional destinations include Iguana Island (home of endangered rock iguanas), the country's only golf course, art galleries and a casino.

At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don't let its small size fool you—you'll have several excellent beaches to choose from. Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells; White Beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai Beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you'll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world.

Inhabited since the year 1000, Aruba is an island rich in history and culture. Eagle Beach is an idyllic Caribbean beach, with white sands and turquoise waters, and is frequented by water sports enthusiasts. Palm Beach, on the island's west side, offers perfect swimming conditions and powdery sand. Those more concerned with conditions under the waves won't want to miss the wreck of the torpedoed tanker Pedernales, a popular diving site. Aruba is only 20 miles long, thus easily explored by bike or moped.

Sure, you can leave the sunny sands in favor of a crocodile watch or horseback ride, but when the main strand is called Seven Mile Beach, it's clear what draws most visitors to Negril. Depending on how much sun you want, you're welcome to go topless or even sunbathe in the buff in some places.

Tulum is relaxation and romance with an ancient angle. Guests can enjoy modern takes on traditional Mayan massage and spa treatments, or sunbathe on gorgeous Yucatan beaches within site of well-preserved ancient ruins. A rare mix of beach, archeology and village, Tulum is a romantic getaway like no other.

Myrtle Beach boasts some of the best beaches on America's East Coast, which are distinguished by panoramic views of the Atlantic, calm waters and soft white sand. Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, Myrtle Beach also offers plenty of family attractions, making it perfect for beach-lovers with kids.

Situated on Grand Cayman’s west shore, Seven Mile Beach actually now measures only 5.5 miles. But its gorgeous clear waters and coral sands still lure visitors from around the world. Beach bars, such as the Royal Palms, provide drinks and a lively atmosphere, and restaurants abound. Swim with friendly stingrays at Stingray City, shop Seven Mile Shops, snorkel and scuba in the enticing waters around Cemetery Reef. Visit nearby Cayman capital George Town and the fascinating Cayman Turtle Farm.

This is what Caribbean postcards are made of: 25 miles of white sand, swaying coconut trees and crystal-clear water. An affordable tropical getaway, Punta Cana is known for its many all-inclusive resorts. Long a getaway for European tourists, Americans are now catching on to this Dominican Republic hotspot.

Yes, Cape May is, technically, on the Jersey Shore. But it’s the antithesis of the Jersey Shore you’ll see on TV—instead of nightclubs and tanning parlors, you’ll find Victorian mansions and a famous lighthouse.

Surf’s always up in the Costa Rican beach town of Santa Teresa. Bright sun and gleaming sands make the perfect backdrop to hang ten in the crystal-clear waters, and fishing, snorkeling and kite-surfing are popular among vacationers. Yoga and spa services are a must for the ultimate relaxation, and, at night, catch a glorious sunset on the same beach where earlier you caught a wave.

More than two dozens Indian Ocean atolls and thousands of islets comprise the Maldives. Idyllic beaches, such as South Ari Atoll on Nalaguraidhoo, the Sun Island, are a dream come true for sand lovers. Swim out to the barrier reef - or from some parts of the island, admire the reef right from the gorgeous white beach.

With more than 27 miles of white, sandy beaches, Panama City Beach describes itself as "The Beach Lovers Beach." Swim, snorkel, dolphin watch, jet ski, or parasail the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or sunbathe on the award-winning beaches for which it is famous.

At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan or simply watch the beautiful people, especially at South Beach, a favorite of models and celebrities.

The relatively small island of Bora Bora is an activity giant, offering visitors the chance to experience a 4x4 safari, sunbathe and swim at white sandy beaches, dive in a natural underwater park among fish and corals, experience thrilling shark feedings, or circle the turquoise lagoon by boat. And Bora Bora is a superlative romantic spot. Fall captive to this lush gem of a Polynesian island by sharing an intimate midnight dinner on the beach; visiting the Lagoonarium, the Diving Center, the Coral Gardens or the Leopard Rays Trench; or taking it all in from the lofty heights of 2,300-foot Mount Otemanu.

Isla Mujeres offers a wide variety of tempting options for beach lovers, and is a relative bargain. Snorkel with tropical fish amid coral reefs, skim the blue waters by kayak or boat, or windsurf along the shores of soft, sandy beaches. On land, you can sunbathe, dine on seafood, dance to Latin rhythms, tour on a moped or belly up to the bar for fresh, delicious drinks.

Saunter on the shell-speckled sands of tropical barrier island, Sanibel, on Florida's Gulf coast. Quiet, secluded White Beach, with its scurrying sandpipers, offers a respite from the holidaymaking hordes elsewhere, while Turner Beach lures those with their sights on shells or the day’s catch.

Playa, as locals call it, is located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, about 40 miles south of Cancun. Discovered by those craving white beaches, gentle surf and outdoors activities, this once sleepy fishing village has retained its small-town charm. Buildings are low-rise, and the atmosphere is still authentic. When the sun goes down, the temperature goes up. Bars get into full swing around midnight, and Avenida Quinta transforms from a family-friendly pedestrian way to a sizzling hot spot.

If you prefer your beaches without the accompanying commercial developments, Isla de Vieques is your tanning turf, with more than 40 beaches and not one traffic light. Visit Mosquito Bay when the moon is dim to see its famous glowing water (a tiny organism is responsible for the shining effect).

This resort town, with its great beaches, has a bit of a Spring Break atmosphere (the parties start in the late afternoon and go all night). If dancing in a bikini is not your thing, though, no worries—you can explore a medieval monastery or enjoy cruises on the lovely blue water. Families will want to visit Water World, the biggest theme waterpark in Europe.

It’s not just for spring-breakers. Cancun, with its golden beaches and perfect climate, is the premiere coastal destination in Mexico. And while there is certainly a 365-day party available for college students, resorts cater well to families and to those seeking solitude. This Yucatan paradise is also the gateway to the ruins of Tulum and Chichén Itzá.

Travelers come to this small island north of mainland Cuba to bask in the sun, swim in sparkling blue water, and be pampered at an all-inclusive resort. To explore Cuban culture, you’ll need to go farther afield (this is a planned resort development; employees are bused in), but if you’re simply looking for a stress-free tropical break, Cayo Santa Maria might be perfect for you.

Skiathos may be a small island, but it boasts more than 60 beaches. Koukounaries, the island’s most popular beach, offers great swimming, watersports equipment rentals, and lively tavernas. If the sun gets too strong, escape to the shade of the trees whose pine cones give the beach its name. But if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, try Lalaria Beach, which is reachable only by boat. Its natural rock arches are breathtaking.

Swimming in the warm blue waters on Clearwater's Gulf Coast is a refreshing pleasure for kids and grown-ups, and the wide shores here provide ample room for playing on the beach, too. Volleyball, parasailing and waterskiing are all great, but relaxing on the sand and sunbathing aren't bad either.

Honolulu is a legendary surfing destination. But even if you don’t know a boogie board from a surfboard, you’ll find a beach here that appeals to you (and, if you want to learn the difference, you can find a great instructor to teach you). Swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, outrigger canoeing or just sunbathing… it’s all available in Honolulu.

Located on the Gulf of Siam, Ko Phangan is a beautiful island of coconut trees and pristine, white sandy beaches. Every month on the full moon, thousands of people flock to the island to take part in the Full Moon Party's all-night festivities, featuring DJs and music on the beach. Three-quarters of the island is comprised of mountains covered by tropical jungle.