As a lifelong travel enthusiast from Belmont, Massachusetts, Andrew Gordon has visited over 50 beaches around the world. With over two decades of beach-going experience under his belt, Andrew Gordon is sharing his list of favourite beaches that he believes every travel lover should experience at least once.
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Andrew Gordon Belmont Beaches
Growing up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Andrew developed his love of beaches at a young age vacationing along the New England coast. Some of his favorite local beaches include Crane Beach in Ipswich and Coast Guard Beach in Eastham on Cape Cod. According to Andrew, “The sandy shores and crashing waves of the Cape Cod beaches will always hold a special place in my heart as some of the first beaches that really ignited my wanderlust.”
While the Massachusetts beaches offer beautiful scenery and a taste of ocean air, Andrew was eager to explore what other coastlines had to offer. His worldwide travels have taken him to beaches spanning multiple continents over the past two decades.
Australia’s Whitehaven Beach
One of Andrew’s top beach destinations is Whitehaven Beach, located on Whitsunday Island off the coast of Queensland, Australia. He says the powdery white sand is “like nothing you’ve ever seen before.” The beach earned its name from the pure white silica created by the erosion of the surrounding hills. Andrew also appreciates that the beach and surrounding waters are protected, keeping it pristine. He recommends spending a full day exploring the seven-mile stretch of coastline.
Tulum Beach in Mexico
For those seeking a more tropical beach getaway, Andrew recommends Tulum Beach along the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. With its turquoise waters and scenic Mayan ruins scattered along the shore, Tulum offers postcard-perfect Caribbean vibes. Andrew enjoys relaxing in a beach hammock and taking dips in the warm Gulf of Mexico. He also likes visiting for the vibrant nightlife and dining options in the nearby town of Tulum.
Mui Ne Beach, Vietnam
Offering a blend of beautiful beaches and inland sand dunes, Mui Ne Beach in southern Vietnam is one of Andrew’s favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations. Stretching for nearly 15 miles along the South China Sea, Mui Ne features soft sand, towering sand dunes, and cooling ocean breezes. Andrew enjoys hiking along the dunes at sunset and relaxing at one of the beachfront cafes with views of the East Sea. He says the laidback atmosphere and stunning natural scenery make Mui Ne well worth a visit for those seeking an alternative to more crowded beach spots in Southeast Asia.
Elafonisi Beach, Greece
For classic Mediterranean beaches, Andrew recommends Elafonisi Beach on the Greek island of Crete. Situated at the southwestern tip of the island, Elafonisi features three pinkish-colored lagoons separated by narrow strips of sand from the Libyan Sea. Andrew appreciates that the unique pink sand is formed from crushed seashells. He enjoys relaxing in the shallow turquoise waters of one of the lagoons and taking in the panoramic coastal views. Elafonisi earns high marks from Andrew for its postcard-worthy scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Bondi Beach, Australia
No list of great beaches would be complete without including the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. As one of the world’s most famous stretches of coastline, Bondi lives up to the hype in Andrew’s opinion. Located just a short drive from downtown Sydney, Bondi offers visitors golden sand, crashing waves, and plentiful facilities. On warm days, Andrew enjoys soaking up some sun while taking in the lively beach scene. He also likes exploring the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a scenic 6-kilometer coastal path connecting several Sydney beaches. For Andrew, Bondi Beach is the perfect place to experience the laidback Australian beach lifestyle firsthand.
Siesta Beach, Florida
For a domestic beach getaway, Andrew highly recommends Siesta Beach on Siesta Key near Sarasota, Florida. Frequently ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States, Siesta features powdery quartz sand that is “like walking on powdered sugar” according to Andrew. He enjoys relaxing and swimming in the calm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Siesta Beach earns high praise from Andrew for its consistent water quality and amenities like concessions and beach rentals. It’s an ideal Florida beach escape whether visiting in the summer or winter months.
Final Thoughts from Andrew Gordon of Belmont
After visiting beaches on five continents over the past two decades, Andrew Gordon of Belmont, Massachusetts says his wanderlust is as strong as ever. He hopes sharing some of his personal favorite beaches will inspire other travel lovers to add more coastal destinations to their bucket lists. From the secluded shores of Whitehaven Beach to the lively scene at Bondi, each beach offers a unique experience according to Andrew. He looks forward to crossing more beaches off his list and exploring what other coastal gems may be out there.
Hello, I’m Kelsey Thompson. My goal is to show that traveling can be affordable and fun! I love to explore new places and experience different cultures. I also like iced coffee, iced tea, and ice cream (in that order).
