Longest Beaches in the World
If beach-loving travelers want the most space possible to fan out on their trip, they may want to consider visiting one of the four longest beaches in the world. These four beaches span four separate continents and offer a wide variety of travel choices. Many of these areas are kept in their most natural state, which is part of what has allowed them to exist as uninterrupted expanses of gorgeous seashore. Visitors will find themselves immersed in another world and able to see many plants and animals in a natural state that is hard to find elsewhere. These beaches also offer rare opportunities for research and conservation efforts, giving scientists the chance to learn more about coastal ecosystems as well as opportunities to help restore threatened populations.
Padre Island National Seashore — United States
Padre Island National Seashore is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre. It is 70 miles long, making it the fourth-longest beach in the world. Visitors are drawn to this pristine stretch of shore for its natural beauty and the plethora of wild plants and animals that call it home. Those looking to get up close and personal with nature can camp out at one of the two established campsites or choose to rough it on one of the primitive campsites available.
People who plan their visit from mid-June to August are in for an especially amazing treat: they can watch the release of sea turtle hatchlings! These tiny sea dwellers will scuttle across the shore and make their way to the waves, giving viewers the chance for an unforgettable experience and some amazing pictures for the scrapbook.
More adventurous visitors will appreciate the chance to kayak and canoe in both the Laguna Madre, which is great for beginners, and in the open ocean. Those who choose the more challenging option will also be rewarded with great fishing opportunities. History buffs may be interested to know the beach is also home to a sunken Spanish ship that wrecked in 1554.
Cox's Bazar — Bangladesh
This expanse of natural beaches is 75 miles long, making it the third-longest beach in the world. It's located in southeastern Bangladesh near the Myanmar border, and it is home to Aggmeda Khyang, a large Buddhist monastery, making it a popular destination spot for those interested in learning more about Buddhism. While the beaches are typically very crowded, Bangladesh has been working to make Cox's Bazar a popular international tourist destination. Critics, however, are worried that the overdevelopment is too unregulated and will spoil the area's natural appeal.
Many hotels and tourist shops have popped up along the shore, but the full potential of this destination has yet to be met. Political unrest and unmanaged natural disasters present barriers to more organized development as the area is currently housing a large number of refugees from Myanmar who are facing dangerous flooding conditions.
Ninety Mile Beach — New Zealand
As the name suggests, Ninety Mile Beach is about 90 miles long, and that is enough to give it the number two spot on this list. The beach lies on the northwestern coast of New Zealand's North Island and is officially called Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē. This pristine beach offers tourists tons of opportunities to explore the natural landscape and is popular with dolphin and whale watchers. Ninety Mile Beach is an excellent place to see whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures. It also offers great fishing opportunities for anglers who want to try their hand at beach fishing. There are coastal towns along the beach, so visitors can get a taste of local cuisines and dive into some indigenous history to enrich their visit. The beach itself is not overly developed, and many visitors are thrilled to find it nearly empty upon arrival. It's an excellent place to enjoy unspoiled, natural ocean views.
Praira do Cassino Beach — Brazil
The longest beach in the world is the Praira do Cassino (Portuguese for "Casino Beach") and is located in Brazil. The beach stretches from Rio Grande to the border with Uruguay. That's 150 miles of coast! It is also a breathtakingly beautiful beach to visit with long, flat expanses of golden sand.
More good news for visitors is that the beach is easily accessible. Guests can fly into Rio Grande and then take a short 15-mile trip to the shore. Once they arrive, visitors find plenty to keep them busy from sunbathing and swimming to fishing and surfing. The coast is also home to a large number of sea lions as well as many native plants and animals that make it an excellent place for nature lovers. While the beach is open to tourists, there are portions of it that are designated conservation areas in order to keep wild plants and animals safe from all of the foot traffic.
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