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Unique beaches attract visitors with their rare features and natural beauty. Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas is famous for its distinct pink hue. Hyams Beach in Australia holds the record for having the whitest sand. Schoolhouse Beach in Wisconsin stands out for its smooth limestone pebbles. Some of the unique beaches in the world include Jokulsarlon Beach in Iceland, famous for its ice fragments. These extraordinary coastlines offer visitors one-of-a-kind experiences beyond typical sandy shores.
Explore The Top 10 Unique Beaches
Explore unique beaches with distinctive surroundings, rich marine life, and unforgettable coastal experiences. Each destination promises something beyond the ordinary.
1. Pink Sand Beach
Photo Rüdiger Stehn / Wikimedia Commons
Pink Sand Beach is famous for its soft, rose-hued shoreline, which gets its colour from crushed red-shelled marine organisms mixing with white sand. The three-mile stretch along Harbour Island provides a striking contrast against the turquoise waters. The gentle waves make it an excellent location for swimming and wading. Visitors can explore nearby coral reefs through snorkelling or take a boat tour for a broader view of the coastline. With its scenic beauty and relaxing environment, this destination is a favourite for travellers seeking a distinct coastal experience.
Location: Harbour Island, Bahamas
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Nearest Airport: North Eleuthera Airport
Nearest Seaport: Nassau Cruise Port
2. White Sand Beach
Photo Kgbo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hyams Beach is widely recognised for its dazzling white sand, considered among the brightest in the world. Nestled along Jervis Bay, the beach features calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The surrounding coastal region offers rich marine life, including dolphins and whales visible during migration seasons. Visitors can enjoy beachside trails or explore the nearby Booderee National Park for additional outdoor activities. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, this location provides an ideal setting for various recreational activities.
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Nearest Airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
Nearest Seaport: Port Kembla
3. Schoolhouse Beach
Photo Ron Clausen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Unlike typical sandy beaches, Schoolhouse Beach stands out with its smooth, rounded limestone pebbles. These naturally polished stones result from thousands of years of erosion, creating a unique shoreline. The clear waters make it a sought-after location for snorkelling and diving. Protective measures prevent visitors from removing the pebbles. Kayakers and boaters often explore the surrounding areas, while picnickers enjoy the peaceful setting. This distinctive beach offers a rare geological wonder for those interested in natural formations and coastal beauty.
Location: Washington Island, Wisconsin, USA
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearest Airport: Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Port of Milwaukee
4. Jokulsarlon Beach
Photo DarwIn / Wikimedia Commons
Jokulsarlon Beach, commonly called Diamond Beach, features ice fragments scattered across black volcanic sand. These ice formations, breaking away from the nearby glacier lagoon, create a stark visual contrast. The beach serves as a prime location for photography, offering ever-changing scenery as ice chunks shift with the tides. Seals are frequently spotted resting on the ice, while seabirds circle overhead. Guided tours provide insight into the surrounding glacier, making this a must-visit site for those fascinated by nature’s raw beauty.
Location: Jokulsarlon, Iceland
Best Time To Visit: September to April
Nearest Airport: Keflavik International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Port of Reykjavik
5. Maho Beach
Photo Todd Neville / Wikimedia Commons
Maho Beach offers visitors a rare experience where planes fly just above the shoreline due to its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport. The low-altitude landings create an exhilarating atmosphere as beachgoers watch aircraft descend close overhead. Aside from plane spotting, the location provides clear waters for swimming and access to beachside dining options. The lively environment attracts both aviation enthusiasts and travellers looking for a one-of-a-kind coastal experience.
Location: Sint Maarten
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Nearest Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Philipsburg Cruise Terminal
6. Green Sand Beach
Photo Aren Elliott / Wikimedia Commons
Papakolea Beach is one of the rare beaches in the world with naturally green sand, a result of olivine crystals from volcanic activity. Accessible through a short coastal hike, the beach rewards visitors with striking scenery and a peaceful shoreline. Strong waves make swimming challenging, but the location is ideal for nature lovers who appreciate geological wonders. The surrounding cliffs offer a great vantage point for photography, making it a rewarding stop for travellers exploring Hawaii’s diverse surroundings.
Location: Hawaii, USA
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Nearest Airport: Hilo International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Hilo Harbor
7. Bioluminescent Beach
Photo Safa.daneshvar / Wikimedia Commons
Vaadhoo Island’s shoreline glows at night due to the presence of bioluminescent plankton. When disturbed by movement, these microorganisms emit a blue light, creating an almost magical effect on the water’s surface. Visitors often take night walks along the shore or wade into the glowing waters for an unforgettable experience. The phenomenon occurs seasonally, with the best displays happening on warmer nights. The island’s remote setting adds to the allure, making it a must-visit for those interested in natural wonders.
Location: Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Nearest Airport: Velana International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Male Seaport
8. Glass Beach
Photo Ggerdel / Wikimedia Commons
Glass Beach is a product of history, where discarded glass bottles and ceramics have been smoothed by ocean waves over decades. Today, these colourful fragments cover the shoreline, creating a striking visual display. Once an unofficial dumping ground, the site has transformed into a protected location where collecting the sea glass is prohibited. Visitors can enjoy coastal trails nearby or explore tide pools teeming with marine life. This beach offers a rare glimpse into how nature can reclaim and reshape discarded materials into something visually remarkable.
Location: Fort Bragg, California, USA
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Nearest Airport: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport
Nearest Seaport: San Francisco Seaport
9. Hot Water Beach
Photo Follash / Wikimedia Commons
Hot Water Beach provides visitors with the opportunity to dig their own natural hot tub by uncovering warm mineral water beneath the sand. The geothermal activity heats the water, making it an interesting natural feature. The best time to experience this phenomenon is during low tide when warm pools can be created. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic shoreline, surf in the nearby waves, or take in the coastal views along walking trails. The combination of natural hot springs and ocean waves makes this beach a unique attraction.
Location: Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Nearest Airport: Auckland International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Tauranga Port
10. Bowling Ball Beach
Photo Brocken Inaglory / Wikimedia Commons
Bowling Ball Beach features spherical boulders scattered along the shore, shaped over thousands of years by natural forces. During low tide, these large, rounded stones become fully visible, creating a remarkable scene. The location attracts geology enthusiasts, photographers, and those looking to experience something different from traditional sandy beaches. Coastal trails in the area allow for additional exploration, and the surrounding cliffs provide excellent vantage points for viewing the ocean. This destination offers an interesting combination of science and scenery.
Location: Schooner Gulch, California, USA
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearest Airport: San Francisco International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Oakland Seaport
Unique beaches provide extraordinary experiences with their rare natural features. With sands in unusual hues, bioluminescent waves, or rock formations shaped over centuries, these locations provide a setting that is both rare and memorable. Whether it’s the sight of a glowing shoreline at night or the feel of smooth, shell-covered ground beneath your feet, each visit leaves a lasting impression. Plan your next trip with TripXL to discover coastal destinations that offer something truly different from the usual seaside experience.
Cover Photo Vilphy Pulickan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
