8 amazing beaches to visit right now

Winter whale-watching doesn’t get any better than Logan’s Beach near Warrnambool in South Australia. May through October, southern right whales return to the inlets and coves along the coastline here to birth their calves. Easily seen from shore, Logan’s Beach has viewing platforms that allow you to watch mother whales and their young ones frolic in the safety of their ocean playground.

Mavericks Beach, Half Moon Bay, California | Flickr CC: Steve Jurvetson

Mavericks Beach, Half Moon Bay, California, USA

Some of the best surfers in the world wait with anticipation for the cold weather months to arrive at Half Moon Bay, California. When the tides and weather align, the unique geometry of the bay allows for some of the biggest waves in the country. The epic Titans of Mavericks surf competition is held here each year, where 24 of the best big wave surfers participate in the invitation-only event. It’s the best place in the continental U.S. to watch some thrilling, high-risk surfing by world-class athletes.

Watergate Bay | Photo Courtesy of Flickr CC: Stuart Richards

Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, U.K.

While Cornwall has many great year-round beach destinations, it’s also a lovely spot in the fall and winter. With fewer crowds and a more local feel, surfers and swimmers flock to the area because the water stays warmer longer and there are more hours of sunshine compared to the rest of the country. Beaches like Watergate Bay in Newquay also have killer tangerine-colored sunsets, which have attracted artists to the area for centuries.

Ditch Plains , Montauk | Photo Courtesy of Martyn Smith

Ditch Plains, Montauk, New York, USA

Just beyond the Hamptons, Montauk lies on the easternmost end of Long Island. To describe the destination as a summer hotspot for New Yorkers is an understatement. But come winter, the true character of the laid-back fishing town comes alive. Throughout fall and into winter, both the fishing and the surfing are among the best in the United States. The famed beach, Ditch Plains, beckons surfers from around the globe with its solid break and consistent winter swells.

Butterfly Beach, California | Photo Courtesy of CompassAndTwine.com

Butterfly Beach, Montecito, California, USA

No matter the season, Butterfly Beach is peppered with people enjoying the gorgeous views. In the summer, sunbathers flock to the sand just as the fog rolls off the coast. But it’s the surfers that own Butterfly in the winter. Starting at sunrise, surfers of all ages suit up and plunge into the icy water, looking for the perfect wave. If surfing isn’t your thing, grab a coffee and stroll along the waters edge. Even in the dead of winter, the weather in Montecito is usually lovely, warming up a bit mid-afternoon and cooling down come dusk. Sunset over Butterfly Beach is something of a spectacle. Be sure to arrive a half hour before the sun dips into the Pacific to see the sky light up in a dance of pinks, blues and purples.

Grande Plage, Biarritz | Photo Courtesy of CompassAndTwine.com

Grande Plage, Biarritz, France

A delightfully mild climate, beautiful beaches and delicious Basque food make Biarritz one of the hottest destinations in Europe, evenwhen the winter chill rolls in. Stroll along the much-photographed Grande Plage beach while mingling with the famous and not-so-famous. Enjoy a hot cappuccino at one of the cafés along the beachfront and watch the surfers catch some great Atlantic waves.

Bodega Bay | Photo Courtesy of CompassAndTwine.com

Bodega Bay, California, USA

In Sonoma County, autumn means lots of grape harvesting and wine tasting in the vineyards. But it’s also a beautiful time visit the rocky cliffs at picturesque Bodega Bay, located just 20 minutes westward on the coast. The relatively temperate year-round climate makes it ideal for hiking on some of the area’s famed trails like Bodega Head Trail, where the Pacific waves crash into the rugged shoreline. January and February are also prime months for whale-watching along the trail, as the gray whales mosey on by the Pacific Coast during their annual migration. After an amazing hike along the cliff edge, you can’t miss grabbing a cup of the famous clam chowder around the corner at Spud Point Crab Company.