AFAR Search

The 10 Best Beaches in Southern California

From Santa Barbara to San Diego, we’ve narrowed down hundreds of miles to 10 magnificent beaches for your next sunny getaway.

November 7, 2022 01:06 PM

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Sarah Purkrabek

Make a Splash with Balinese Water Adventures

Packing Tips + Gear

Incredible Water Activities to Do in Bali

Hailed the world over as one of the best travel destinations, this Indonesian island offers invigorating aquatic outings for the young, the old, and everyone in between.

Sponsored by The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Card from Chase

Amtrak passenger diesel locomotive traveling along coastal railroad tracks under bridge, Torrey Pines State Park in back, La Jolla, California, USA

Trains

Not Every Amtrak Route Is Scenic—But These 8 Train Rides Are Truly Worth It

Slow down and soak up the beauty of the U.S. on these epic train trips.

April 24, 2025 02:23 PM

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Ellen Carpenter

Roseate spoonbills at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Where to Travel Next

Why Fort Myers Is an Epic Getaway for Outdoor Adventure

From island hopping and paddling to birdwatching and golfing, Southwest Florida is paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Sponsored by Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

Journey to Italy’s Amalfi coast, where Positano’s warren of alleyways and lanes invite exploration.

International Beaches

10 Beautiful Beach Destinations That Offer a Side of Culture

There’s more to these locations than sand, sun, and surf.

August 15, 2022 07:07 PM

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Tanvi Chheda

Road Trips

7 Coastal U.S. Road Trips With Incredible Views

Skip the views of seemingly endless interstate for an inspiring expanse of blue.

June 17, 2025 01:52 PM

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Chloe Arrojado

Hotel News + Openings

Far From Bali’s Crowds, a Remote Indonesian Island Resort Just Opened

Opened April 16, 2026, Indonesia’s 21-villa Nihi Rote has oceanfront pool villas, epic surf breaks, and a hospitality academy for local students.

April 16, 2026 11:21 AM

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Kathryn Romeyn

COOP_Rendering_Exterior_Level 4_Infinity Pool.jpg

Hotels

At This New Charleston Hotel, Travelers See the City From the River

The Cooper opened March 30, 2026, introducing the city’s first luxury waterfront hotel on the Cooper River, steps from the historic district.

April 16, 2026 06:55 PM

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Tim Chester

A glass-walled restaurant on a wildflower-covered hillside with rugged coast in the background

Restaurants + Cafés

10 U.S. Restaurants Where the Views Are as Amazing as the Food

While some restaurants with views coast on their good looks, these eateries across the country serve food as impressive as the scenery.

November 10, 2025 01:01 PM

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Alina Polishuk

The pool at sunset at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California.

Hotels We Love

The 19 Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles

In a city known for its luxury, these 19 hotels are standouts. Each offers a unique take on world-class hospitality and L.A. glamour.

June 9, 2025 10:58 AM

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Chris Dong

A turquoise and azure swimming hole surrounded by trees

Family Travel

Mexico’s Caribbean Coast Is Ideal for Kids. Here’s Where to Go and What to Do.

This stretch of Mexican beach paradise achieves what many destinations can only wish for: a family vacation that makes everyone happy.

December 2, 2025 12:06 PM

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Sophie Friedman

Hotels We Love

These Are the 11 Best Hotels in Thailand

The top hotels in Thailand offer picturesque beaches, meaningful cultural encounters, delicious food, and eye-catching design.

February 11, 2025 01:34 PM

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Chris Schalkx

Gulf State Pier, the longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico

U.S. Beaches

5 Ways Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Reward Nature Lovers

Home to one of the nation’s largest artificial reef systems and a maze of hiking trails, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a dreamy outdoor escape.

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