10 Stunning Beach Getaways That Combine Culture and Relaxation

While some travelers enjoy lounging on the beach with a book or a refreshing drink for days on end, others may find themselves restless. It can be a challenge to discover a beach destination that caters to various styles of travel, but globally, there are places that offer both ocean fun and cultural enrichment.

From Indonesia to Israel, these 10 sun-drenched locales provide picture-perfect beaches along with a vibrant dose of local art and culture.

1. Positano, Italy

The charming cliffside town of Positano evokes images of beautifully arranged blue and orange beach umbrellas lining the Mediterranean shore. While this picturesque scene is quite accurate, there's much more to discover, including the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its stunning majolica-tiled dome that enhances the landscape.

Trek the five-mile Path of the Gods, an ancient mule trail that weaves through the picturesque hillside villages of Amalfi—from Bomerano in the west to Nocelle in the east—offering breathtaking views. Day trips to Sorrento, which provides train access to Pompeii, and the enchanting island of Capri are also essential experiences.

Discover more: Amalfi Coast Travel Guide

2. Coronado, California

Just a short bridge from San Diego, Coronado Island boasts five shimmering beaches (the sand sparkles due to mica deposits in the area). The iconic Victorian-style Hotel del Coronado has welcomed presidents like William Taft and FDR, along with celebrities such as Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe during the filming of Some Like It Hot. This historic hotel even features its own museum (housed in the former ice house) showcasing various artifacts and memorabilia.

Spend your days surfing, kayaking, or crafting sandcastles, then wander the art galleries, bookstores, and cafés along the mile-long Orange Avenue. Don’t miss the chance to catch a live theater performance at the Coronado Playhouse or Lamb’s Players.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Relaxed Barcelona is perfectly situated along the Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Spain, featuring several sandy beaches. Visit the bustling Barceloneta Beach with its scenic esplanade, or the family-friendly Bogatell Beach in Poblenou, known for its bars. Alternatively, you might prefer to skip the beach and enjoy a catamaran cruise around the harbor.

Combine sunbathing with culture by exploring Antonio Gaudi’s enchanting modernist creations, such as Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, and Casa Batlló. Be sure to check out the Picasso Museum, which showcases 4,200 of his pieces in stunning Gothic buildings in the Ribera neighborhood, including the noteworthy Las Meninas series, a cubist interpretation of Diego Velázquez’s classic.

Learn more: The Essential Guide to Barcelona

4. Tel Aviv, Israel

With over a dozen stretches of golden sand, the vibrant and cosmopolitan Tel Aviv certainly knows how to enjoy leisure time by the sparkling Mediterranean waters. Some of the most popular beaches include Bograsha, Jerusalem, Mezizim, and Hilton Beach, named after the nearby seaside hotel.

No trip to Tel Aviv would be complete without exploring the charming cobblestone streets of Jaffa, the historic port city, or the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, known for its boutiques and upscale dining. Don’t miss the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Additionally, the historic and sacred sites of Jerusalem, such as the Temple Mount, Wailing Wall, and Tower of David citadel, are just an hour's drive away.

Discover more: The Essential Guide to Tel Aviv

5. Goa, India

This area along India’s western coast, particularly the resorts in North Goa, attracts a lively mix of international tourists and India’s growing middle class. (In contrast, South Goa’s beaches are generally more tranquil and secluded.)

In addition to leisurely days on stunning beaches like Palolem, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture shaped by the fusion of Portuguese and Indian influences. Make sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception churches, explore the vibrant Latin Quarter, or check out Moda Goa, a museum dedicated to history and costumes housed in a 450-year-old Goan villa envisioned by the late Indian fashion designer Wendell Rodricks.

Explore further: Goa Travel Guide

6. Nice, France

The city of Nice on the French Riviera is nearly synonymous with the spirit of joie de vivre. Relax on the beach and enjoy people-watching as visitors flock to the beautiful Promenade des Anglais for a scenic stroll.

After a day of swimming and sailing, delve into Nice’s Roman history or take a cooking class to master socca, the region's famous chickpea pancakes. Don’t forget to plan day trips to Toulon, home to the second largest opera house in France outside Paris, and the picturesque Provence region, known for its lavender fields and the studio of post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Explore open-air markets, historic churches, and ancient ruins, including UNESCO-listed Roman monuments and the stunning Albi Cathedral.

Discover more: French Riviera Travel Guide

7. San Juan, Puerto Rico

With its beaches, vibrant nightlife, the El Yunque tropical rainforest, and over 500 years of history, Puerto Rico has something for everyone. Bask in the sun, swim, snorkel, and paddleboard at the top three beaches: Condado, El Escambron, and Ocean Park.

After a few days soaking up the sun and enjoying the beaches, take a deeper dive into Puerto Rico’s rich history and culture. The Taino, the Indigenous people who inhabited the island for centuries before the arrival of Spanish explorers, referred to their home as “Borinquen”—meaning Land of the Valiant and Noble Lord. This is why Puerto Ricans often identify as boricuas. The Spanish named the island Puerto Rico, which translates to 'rich port', highlighting its abundant natural resources and strategic position. Experience this colonial heritage at the San Juan National Historic Site, featuring Castillo San Felipe del Morro (a fortification against sea attacks) and Castillo San Cristobal (a defense against land attacks), along with much of the city’s walls. Be sure to stroll through the vibrant cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.

Learn more: Puerto Rico Travel Guide

8. Denpasar, Indonesia

As the capital of Bali, vibrant Denpasar serves as the entry point to the island and the lively beach resort areas of Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. In southern Bali and the Bukit Peninsula, hotels like Four Seasons, Six Senses, Alila, and St. Regis are perfect for those who love the beach.

It's worth visiting some of the island's 20,000 Hindu temples, such as Tanah Lot, Goa Lamah, or the Saraswati Temple in Ubud. Engaging in a Balinese cooking class—where you can learn to prepare dishes like grilled satay—or attending a dance performance, like the Legong Dance or the Ramayana ballet at Ubud Palace, are excellent ways to immerse yourself in Indonesian culture.

Read more: Bali Travel Guide

9. Todos Santos, Mexico

Trendy Todos Santos, located along Baja California, is an underrated gem featuring pristine beaches, stylish hotels, and restaurants that highlight the region's fresh produce. This delightful town was named a Pueblo Magico in 2006 by the Mexican government, acknowledging its rich cultural and artistic heritage.

During the day, take surfing lessons with Mario Surf School or go whale watching with Todos Santos Eco Adventures. After a morning of beach fun, spend the afternoon exploring art galleries, chic boutiques, and the historic mission located across from the main square.

Discover more: The Perfect Weekend in Todos Santos

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

While Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are well-known globally (thanks to the famous song “The Girl from Ipanema”), there are other beautiful white-sand beaches in Rio worth exploring, such as Prainha, a crescent-shaped beach nestled in a nature reserve, and Joatinga, which is accessible only at low tide and beloved by surfers.

Beyond the beaches, don’t miss Rio’s extravagant Carnival, featuring five days of parades, floats, and samba dancers filling the streets before Lent. For breathtaking views, hike or take the train up to Corcovado mountain, home to the magnificent Christ the Redeemer monument. Alternatively, experience the excitement of a soccer match at the Maracanã Stadium, where legends like Pele and Ronaldo have showcased their talent.

Explore more: Rio De Janeiro Travel Guide