Latest news with #secludedbeaches
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Forbes
South Carolina Ranks No. 1 In Top Hidden Beaches, A New Study Says
Two beaches on South Carolina's Edisto Island are cited as hidden, secluded beaches in a new study. (Photo by: Wolfgang Kaehler/Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images If you are looking for a hidden, secluded beach this summer, head to South Carolina, a new study says. Five South Carolina beaches rank in the top 10 of the top 20 hidden coastal spots throughout America, according to the study by BoatBooker, a website that books boating trips throughout the country. South Carolina's Vereen Memorial Park in Little River ranks No. 1, and the state's Driftwood Beach on Edisto Island is No. 2. Other South Carolina beaches in the top 10 are Morris Island near Charleston, Station 22—Public Beach Access on Sullivan's Island and Edisto Beach State Park Campground on Edisto Island. Morris Island is uninhabited, and the island and its lighthouse are accessible only by boat. BoatBooker found the best secluded beaches by using Google maps and the search terms "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches" and "quiet beaches." It focused on locations with fewer than 100 reviews, because they are more likely less visited and off the beaten path, BoatBooker says. Each beach was then ranked using a combined score based on its average rating and number of reviews. Vacationers, though, should be forewarned: U.S. beaches are often crowded in summertime, particularly on weekends. This journalist noticed online comments saying that some of the beaches in the BoatBooker study, particularly some near major cities, were crowded when the commenters visited. California's Dana Strands Beach is one of the nation's top hidden coastal spots, a new study says. (Photo by Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The study noted that 'there's nothing worse than planning the perfect beach getaway, only to find yourself elbow-to-elbow with crowds at America's most famous coastal destinations.' The most tranquil beach spots 'are not along the renowned resort communities but in state parks, nature reserves and little seashore towns.' Nine California beaches are in the top 20, which, because of ties in the ratings, included 22 beaches. The state's highest-ranking beach is No. 5 Torrey Pines City Beach in San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood. The beach. also known as Black's Beach, is famous among surfers for big winter swells, but it is better known as San Diego's nude beach, according to the San Diego Tourism Authority. The beach can be difficult to access because of its location beneath the Torrey Pines bluffs. 'Stately eight-figure mansions and state-of-the-art medical research labs now line the bluffs where pastures and the Black family horse farm once lay,' the tourism authority says. Another nude beach, Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, ranks No. 3 in the BoatBooker study. The beach is in the National Park Service's Gateway National Recreation Area. 'A portion of Area G (South Gunnison) on Sandy Hook is used by visitors as a clothing optional area,' the park service's website says. 'While this area is not designated as clothing optional, there is no prohibition against this activity. The park acknowledges the popularity and history of the use and advises unfamiliar visitors of this activity through signs. Nudity, outside the traditional use area, may be considered disorderly conduct.' The BoatBooker study ranks five North Carolina beaches in its top 20: Caswell, Ocean Isle, Carolina, Coquina and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Alabama (Gulf Shores Beach) and Texas (Beach Access #4—Beach Circle on Soth Padre Island) are the other states with beaches on the top 20 list. '2025 is all about escaping the noise and finding America's most peaceful, secret beaches,' says Vukan Simic, BoatBooker's founder. 'While everyone else is fighting for space at the famous beaches, savvy travelers can discover the authentic American coast that locals have cherished for generations."
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
Escape the crowds: 5 of the quietest UK beaches to enjoy this summer revealed
From hidden white-sand coves to dramatic cliffsides, the UK boasts 11,000 miles of breathtaking coastline. But with schools almost out for summer, where is the best beach away from the crowds? "As overtourism continues to impact popular destinations worldwide, many travellers are seeking alternatives that offer a more authentic and peaceful experience," says Laura Miller, Group Head of Marketing at Away Resorts. "England's quieter beaches provide the perfect solution, allowing visitors to unwind, explore unspoiled landscapes, and enjoy coastal charm without the hustle and bustle of crowded hotspots. "Whether you're after scenic walks, wildlife spotting, or simply some time to relax by the sea, these lesser-known beaches are ideal for a refreshing and stress-free summer getaway." On that note, get your picnic packed and take a look at the best secluded spots:"If you're seeking a tranquil and secluded beach in Dorset, Ringstead Bay stands out as a hidden gem," says Laura. "Nestled between Weymouth and Lulworth Cove, this quiet shingle and pebble beach offers clear waters, scenic coastal walks, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds."Over in Cornwall, Pedn Vounder Beach dazzles with its glittering turquoise waters and stunning rock formations. Only accessible by beach, this quiet sliver of sand is perfect for anyone looking to escape the summer below the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, Birling Gap beach is a popular coastal hub where the South Downs meet the sea. Keep an eye open for rare orchids, butterflies, and birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, and peregrine falcons. "Birling Gap beach in Sussex is backed by white cliffs and at low tide, visitors have the chance to spot sea creatures and hunt for fossils," says Laura."Bournemouth Beach is one of the UK's most popular beaches, known for its seven miles of pristine sand and beautiful coastal views," says Laura. "While Bournemouth Beach attracts many visitors, nearby Church Ope Cove on the Isle of Portland offers one of Dorset's quietest and most serene spots. "Surrounded by cliffs and ruins of a 13th-century church and a pirate's grave, this sheltered cove is ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers seeking a peaceful adventure. Access to the cove involves a steep descent, and currents can be strong outside the cove."Rugged cliffs, rock pools, and scenic views make Greenwich Bay the perfect place to come to escape the crowds. "For a hidden gem and quiet beach in Yorkshire, Greenwich Bay is highly recommended," says Laura. "It's a beautiful, peaceful spot with stunning natural scenery, less crowded than the more popular beaches like Scarborough or Bridlington. " You Might Also Like Emma Bridgewater partners with Russell Hobbs to create stunning kitchen range Everything you need to buy once and for all to eliminate single-use plastic from your life
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The UK's top secret beach bays without the crowds
Tired of jam-packed car parks, overpriced ice creams and never-ending toilet queues at some of the UK's most bustling beaches? Then it's time to ditch the crowds and head to the nation's most secluded bays instead. As Brits brace for a season of sunny spells and scorching temperatures, walking shoe experts, FitFlop, have shared the ultimate solution to the summer stampede. By analysing Google search data for 915 beaches across the UK, they've revealed the least searched - and most secluded - bays in Britain and Northern Ireland, perfect for a tranquil escape. The data highlights just how many Google searches there are each month per beach location, on average, to unveil the beach bays under the radar as the least researched online. Topping the charts are the likes of Abermawr Bay in Wales and Knockinelder Bay in Northern Ireland - all averaging just ten monthly searches, making them the least-known and most peaceful spots in the UK. For those seeking a destination with multiple secret spots, then Wales is the best region overall, with four of its bays making the top ten. Read on to discover the most secluded beaches in the UK that offer a secret, solitary summer escape: 1. Abermawr Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales Rated 4.5 on Tripadvisor and nestled on Pembrokeshire's north-west coast, Abermawr Bay is a true gem for beach walkers seeking peace, beauty, and connection with nature. This secluded shingle beach is framed by lush greenery, rugged cliffs and exposed tree stumps of a drowned forest. Ideal for reflective walks and birdwatching, its coastal path offers stunning views over St. George's Channel. Dog-friendly and rarely busy, it's a haven for nature lovers - and there's even a local woollen mill for cake and craft browsing after a long, scenic walk. 2. Kingsand Bay, Cornwall, England Tucked in Cornwall's 'Forgotten Corner', Kingsand Bay offers a quiet escape with historical charm. With just 100 Instagram tags and no TripAdvisor reviews, the bay remains blissfully under the radar. Visitors can wander through narrow lanes, take in traditional Cornish cottages, and enjoy panoramic coastal walks to nearby Cawsand or Rame Head, away from the summer bustle. 3. Knockinelder Bay, County Down, Northern Ireland Located on the Ards Peninsula, Knockinelder Bay offers golden sands, rock pools, low dunes, and sweeping sea views. With only 46 Instagram tags, this spacious and generally uncrowded beach is perfect for long beach walks or exploring the surrounding coastal paths. On clear days, try taking the Coastal Path that links the bay with nearby beaches like Cloughey Bay and Kearny, where the backdrop of the Irish Sea and the distant Mourne Mountains adds a magical touch to the serene stretch of shoreline. 4. Brown's Bay, County Antrim, Northern Ireland Another Northern Irish gem, Brown's Bay sits at the northern tip of Islandmagee. Shaped like a horseshoe and backed by green headlands, the beach is known for its calm waters and tranquil setting. Follow coastal paths for elevated sea views or simply enjoy the peaceful sounds of lapping waves and distant seabird calls. Walkers can enjoy a coastal loop by linking Brown's Bay with nearby Portmuck or follow informal trails over the surrounding headlands, offering elevated views of Larne Lough, Scotland's Mull of Kintyre, and the wide expanse of sea beyond. 5. Mowingword Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales Perhaps the most hidden of them all, Mowingword Bay is a secret cove only accessible by a 400-yard low-tide swim from neighbouring Box Bay. The cove reveals a mix of sand, pebbles, and sea-polished rock formations (including Pinnacle Stack) surrounded by steep, vegetated cliffs and some enormous sea caves - one of which has a blow-hole reaching right to the top of the cliffs. With no Tripadvisor reviews and just three Instagram tags, this wild beach also offers dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and total isolation. It's perfect for adventurers ready to explore its raw, untouched beauty.
