We think that many American and Indian beaches are missing from this list of the top 100 beaches in the world, developed by CNN International. But here are beaches from the USA, India and China that they ranked among the world top 100.
United States
#85. Bandon, Oregon, United States
It’s got beauty — the sun sets over the striking rock formations — it’s got good food — a long growing season and influx of ambitious chefs. It also has a safari game park to the south and spectacular, seaside Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to the north. Trivia: According to Native American folklore, the unusual formation of Face Rock represents the face of a princess who was drowned by an evil sea spirit.
#73. Venice Beach, California, United States
This beachfront district is a SoCal institution and a freak show free-for-all. Qi gong masseurs, hair braiders, fortune-tellers and artists jostle along the 2½-mile Venice Boardwalk. Highlight: Beachfront outdoor basketball courts — competition can be fierce on weekends and early evenings.
#70. Punalu’u, Hawaii, United States
No sugary sands and idyllic swimming conditions, but you will find a dramatic black basalt shore and might spot green and hawksbill turtles, as well as dolphins and whale sharks, if you snorkel off this Big Island beach. Highlight: Getting here involves a 20-minute trek through a wooded dirt trail, underlining the remote and undeveloped beach
#51. Panama City Beach, Florida, United States
It’s not the spring break capital of the world for no reason. Each year, more than 6 million college kids and sun seekers pour into Panama City Beach, lured by emerald waters, blinding white sand, colorful reefs, fishing and hard-core people-watching. And, OK, maybe a drink or two. Highlights: Historic wrecks off Panama City Beach’s shores make this a superb dive site. Goofy Golf, a mini-golf institution since 1959, has a kitschy, retro charm.
#27. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, United States
Mountains in the background, ocean in front and three miles of sand underfoot, Hanalei Bay on Kauai is a surfer’s and paddle boarder’s dream, with a reef to the right-hand side of the bay looking out to sea. Worth knowing: Storms and poor weather can turn the strip into a formidable beast, with choppy ocean conditions and beach runoff that’s best avoided.
India
#64. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman Islands, India
This popular but spacious beach largely escaped the effects of the 2004 tsunami that ruined many other beaches in the Indian Ocean. A tropical forest leans into crunchy sand, which slopes seamlessly into warm, calm water. Highlight: At the western edge of the beach you’ll find find a lagoon, often devoid of people.
#45. Patnem Beach, Goa, India
If the cacophony of flea markets and tourist raves at Anjuna beach aren’t your thing, smaller neighbor Patnem is less claustrophobic, with cheaper beach huts. Highlight: It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset while congratulating yourself on ducking the Goan tourist radar.
China
#60. Beidaihe, China
Beidaihe has been pleasing China’s upper crust for decades. A few hours from Beijing, Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping hashed out national policies in private villas here. The area remains popular among Russian tourists — a reminder of erstwhile Sino-Soviet ties.
Highlight: Beidaihe’s restaurants offer simple pleasures, mostly good seafood and cold beer.
