(BPT) - Any true beach lover knows that there is no such thing as the world's "best" beach. An avid surfer and a family with young kids are drawn to different coastlines, while a city dweller and a wilderness adventurer may each find beauty in their own stretches of shoreline. But that's the beauty of beaches: There's so much diversity in what one can be, from iconic sandy shores to inland beaches in landlocked places.
In 100 Beaches of a Lifetime we explore coastlines around the world, celebrating everything from wildlife to sports. And you might be surprised by what we found, including these remarkable beaches right here in the U.S.A.
Bowman's Beach
Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island in Florida is an undeveloped stretch of sand carpeted with shells: false angel wings, coquinas, conchs, whelks, junonias, cockles, sand dollars and banded tulips, to name a few. A quarter-mile walk from the main road gives the beach a hidden feel, but to beachcombers it's famous. In the early dawn, you'll find the most devoted beachcombers with flashlights in hand, bent in a crouched position - the so-called Sanibel stoop - fingers needling the water's edge. If you're fortunate enough to visit and spot one of the prized souvenirs, you may find yourself doing the stoop yourself.
Lake McDonald Beach
You might not think "Montana" when dreaming of a beach getaway, but one of the world's most striking shorelines sits in Glacier National Park. The shores of Lake McDonald offer an intriguing spin on the park's geological wonders: smooth stones in a spectacular array of seemingly unnatural colors, from reds and purples to greens and yellows. These brilliant hues are made more striking by exceptionally, almost bafflingly clear water. The mountains around the lake create a temperate climate that attracts wildlife, so your visit here might include spotting black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and elk.
Papakolea Beach
Hawaii is known for its beaches, but this one stands out with its prime coastline tinted olive green by volcanic forces. There are just four green-sand beaches in the world, and Papakolea, on the south point of the island of Hawaii, is by far the most popular. Formed around 49,000 years ago with the eruption of Pu'u Mahana, its hue comes from olivine, an element left behind in the eruption. Getting to this legendary cove is a challenge - it's a 2.5-mile hike from the parking lot. The payoff: panoramic views over Mahana Bay and the surrounding eroded cliffs. (Only swim if the water is calm.)
Ship Island Swim Beach
Located an hour east of New Orleans and 11 miles off the coast of Biloxi, Mississippi, Ship Island is a crescent-shaped barrier island bordered almost entirely by white sand. Now part of the expansive Gulf Islands National Seashore, the spot takes its name from its remarkably deep natural port, which played a key role in U.S. colonial history. Today, Ship Island is largely undeveloped except for historic Fort Massachusetts, a boardwalk, and a concession stand selling beach gear and snacks.
Ship Island Swim Beach in Biloxi, Mississippi
Sand Beach
Four miles south of Bar Harbor, Maine, the aptly named Sand Beach is the only, well, sandy beach in Acadia National Park. It's also a place so cinematically striking that significant scenes form the 1999 movie The Cider House Rules were filmed here. Tucked away in the Gulf of Maine on Mount Desert Island, the beach is just 300 yards wide and is made almost entirely of shell. Despite the cold ocean water here (generally ranging from 50 to 60° F) the beach is popular for swimmers and families.
Sand Beach in Acadia National Park, Maine
For more fabulous beaches, be sure to pick up a copy of National Geographic's 100 Beaches of a Lifetime.
