10 Best Cities for Sunbathing

Michelle Smith
The best cities for sunbathing include a wide variety of styles and amenities designed for a diverse group of travelers. Visit any of these 10 best cities for sunbathing and enjoy a unique experience at each location.

Anna Maria Island in Florida

If not having a lifeguard on duty doesn't pose a problem for you, the beaches of Anna Maria City offer top-notch sunbathing opportunities. Renting a car while staying in Anna Maria wasn't necessary since everything was in walking distance. After a lazy afternoon of taking in the sun I strolled to a variety of restaurants, shops, cafes and more.

Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia

Bondi Beach is an eclectic environment filled with all types of sunbathers but is perfect for people that enjoy crowds. It was quite packed when I arrived, and even had a few topless sunbathers laying about. After my soak in the sun I cooled off by indulging in a refreshing gelato purchased from a café right on the beach.

Diamond Beach in Ko Samet, Thailand

Water sports abound at Diamond Beach in Thailand. I enjoyed a full day of sunbathing in between water skiing, with plenty of fruity beverages and tasty morsels in between. Meeting fellow tourists from other parts of the world at one of the bars at Diamond Beach was the highlight of the trip.

Main Beach in Santa Cruz, California

Although Santa Cruz has many beautiful beaches, Main Beach makes the 10 best cities for sunbathing list due to its family-friendly atmosphere. After sunbathing the boardwalk offers tons of fun and exciting amusements for adults and children.

Pigeon Island National Park in St. Lucia

The most exciting thing about sunbathing at Pigeon Island National Park is the historical atmosphere that surrounds you as you soak in the beautiful Caribbean sun. A museum on the grounds provides an in-depth history of the island and the ruins that line its shores.

Plage Publique de Beau Rivage in Nice, France

The Plage Publique de Beau Rivage beats out the other fabulous beaches of Nice, France for a spot in this 10 best cities for sunbathing list. Unlike the private beaches, the Plage Publique de Beau Rivage is absolutely free of charge. I found that I needed money for purchasing food and for use of the bathroom, both of which were relatively inexpensive.

Playa d'en Bossa in Ibiza, Spain

The sexy atmosphere of Playa d'en Bossa in Ibiza, Spain makes it a truly exciting sunbathing experience. Tops are optional, and many women opt to take advantage of this fact. The sun is full and bright at Playa d'en Bossa, and I was forced to rent an umbrella after a couple of hours to get some relief. After the sun went down, the fun continued at the multiple beachside bars.

Preveli in Crete, Greece

The beaches of Preveli in Crete provide a unique spiritually fueled sunbathing adventure due to its location near a Monastery. I took a rented car to get there so I could take my time, and prepared myself for the hike down by packing my belongings in a backpack and wearing appropriate shoes. It was well worth it. The palm trees and warm water that accompanied my sunbathing experience perfectly complimented the day.

Vela Luka in Korcula, Croatia

While Proizd is likely to be Korcula's most visited beach, Picena Cove is the location that makes the list of the 10 best cities for sunbathing. Much more private and a lot less nudity, Picena Cove was not as difficult to reach as I had heard. Very natural and plenty of stunning scenery grace the area, and I found it much easier to nap while sunbathing amongst the peaceful environment.

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach in Hawaii is a must for surfers and sunbathers alike. The trendy, crowded beach is full of beautiful people relaxing in the hot Hawaiian sun. After sunbathing there is plenty to do in the vicinity of Waikiki Beach. Lodging, shopping, eating and a zoo are all within walking distance. I felt as though the city was built around the beach, and it was great to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds in the same day.

Published by Michelle Smith

A native New Yorker who writes about anything whenever the mood strikes.  View profile

5 Comments

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  • Tal Boldo3/13/2010

    Wonderful guide.

  • Tony Payne3/12/2010

    Great guide. For me it depends on whether I want to be on a crowded beach, like South Beach in Miami, or somewhere more exotic, like a small cay all to myself in the Virgin Islands. One beach I really enjoyed was at Lime Cay off Port Royal in Jamaica. The locals head off there at the weekends, people take coolers and grills, and the smell of Jerk Chicken fills the air. The cay is only a few hundred yards long, about 50 yards wide, with a few palm trees for shelter, and about a half a mile off the coast. It's perfect for sunbathing or snorkelling.

  • Shaheen Darr3/12/2010

    sound heavenly :)

  • Bridget Ilene Delaney3/11/2010

    Catching up because of AC's glitch!

  • Vincent Van Noir3/11/2010

    Your lucky to have visited so many cool places. Great review.

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