Top 10 City Beaches to Visit in 2023

Top 10 City Beaches to Visit in 2023

Are you still searching for the next vacation destination of your dreams? There are so many options available for gorgeous, relaxing getaways. Choosing one can feel impossible. There are beach destinations, jungle destinations, cities, mountains, rivers, lakes, and so much more. The “types” of vacations are endless—but what about mixing two of them?

One of our favorite combinations is a mixture of city and beach, where you can get the best of both worlds out of one destination. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 city beaches you can visit in 2023.

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Burc Beach near Istanbul, Turkey

  • Beach Location: 15 km from Istanbul
  • Beach Type: Golden sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee of 115 Turkish Lira.
  • Infrastructure: A beach club at Burc Beach offers sun loungers, a restaurant, and restrooms.
  • Restaurants and Shopping: There is a restaurant at the beach club.
  • Other Places to Visit in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, The Spice Market, Galata Tower, Grand Bazaar

Istanbul is a great option for a city-beach opportunity because it features plenty of beach options and much to explore in the city. You can fully enjoy full days of adventure in the city and full days at the many beaches that are near and around the city of Istanbul. Boğazici University maintains Burc Beach, which is the most popular beach in the area.

Burc Beach is a favorite of tourists and locals alike and hugs the Black Sea. It is ripe with opportunities for sporting activities, especially volleyball and kiteboarding. There are also concerts, parties, and tournaments regularly hosted at Burc Beach.

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Burc Beach is a favorite of tourists and locals alike and hugs the Black Sea. Photo: Haluk Cigsar / Shutterstock.com

Pranburi Beach near Hua Hin and Bangkok, Thailand

  • Beach Location: 220 km from Bangkok and 30k from Hua Hin
  • Beach Type: White sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at Pranburi Beach.
  • Infrastructure: There are many resorts that line the beach with available restrooms and resting spots.
  • Restaurants and Shopping: Pranburi Beach is lined with restaurants and seafood options.
  • Other Places to Visit in Bangkok: Chatuchak Weekend Market, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Safari World, National Museum Bangkok, Siam Paragon

For those who want to divide their vacation more completely, the combination of Pranburi Beach and Bangkok, Thailand, makes for an all-encompassing vacation. Pranburi Beach is 3 hours away, which is a trek from Bangkok but is easy to travel to by train, bus, taxi, or hired car. After enjoying your fill of the city life, you can happily take off to enjoy the sandy beaches of Pranburi. Or, you can visit Hua Hin, which is a city only 30 km from Hua Hin, Thailand.

Pranburi Beach is a destination in its own right, and you can visit the nearby city of Hua Hin while you stay. It’s a very popular option for tourists and features stunning views and picturesque scenery.

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After enjoying your fill of the city life, you can happily take off to enjoy the sandy beaches of Pranburi. Photo: Mapop Watchara / Shutterstock.com

South Beach in Miami, Florida, United States

  • Beach Location: In the city of Miami
  • Beach Type: White sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at South Beach.
  • Infrastructure: Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas can be rented. Restrooms are public.
  • Restaurants and Shopping: There are plenty of restaurant and shopping options right on the beachfront.
  • Other Places to Visit in Miami: Everglades National Park, Zoo Miami, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Perez Art Museum Miami, Bayside Marketplace

A much closer journey to the beach than our last listed combo, Miami’s South Beach is still in Miami–just a stone’s throw from all the action. Miami has more beaches than South Beach, but it is by far its most popular. South Beach even offers shopping options and plenty of bars to enjoy nightlife right at the beach.

South Beach is known for being a party beach that caters to an adult crowd and probably isn’t best suited for families. The beach is fondly loved by locals and tourists alike.

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Miami’s South Beach is still in Miami–just a stone’s throw from all the action. Photo: meunierd / Shutterstock.com

Camps Bay Beach near Cape Town, South Africa

  • Beach Location: 10 km from downtown Cape Town
  • Beach Type: White sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at Camps Bay Beach.
  • Infrastructure: Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Public toilets are available.
  • Restaurants and Shopping: Restaurants and shops line the beachfront of Camps Bay Beach.
  • Other Places to Visit in Cape Town: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, Cape of Good Hope, Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Point

Cape Town is a city with rich cultural history, plenty to explore, and amazing views. When you combine the city appeal with the peaceful, relaxing feel of a beach vacation, you get the best of both worlds. Amongst the many beaches near Cape Town, Camps Bay Beach is by far the most popular. It has the potential to be a party beach for those who like to have fun, but it also is paired with gorgeous views with plenty of restaurants and clubs to visit.

The beach is appropriate for families, singles, and couples alike. Camps Bay Beach is also close to other beaches, such as Glen Beach, which is great for activities like surfing.

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When you combine the city appeal with the peaceful, relaxing feel of a beach vacation, you get the best of both worlds. Photo: Juergen_Wallstabe / Shutterstock.com

Bačvice Beach near Split, Croatia — Europe

  • Beach Location: 3 km from the city center
  • Beach Type: Sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at Bačvice Beach.
  • Infrastructure: There are chairs and umbrellas available for rent. Toilets and showers are available.
  • Restaurants and Shopping: There are several restaurants near Bačvice Beach with a wide variety of options to choose from.
  • Other Places to Visit in Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, Fortress Klis, Diocletian’s Palace, Saint Domnius Cathedral, Mestrovic Gallery

 A trip to Split will leave you enriched with culture, history, and scenic views. While Split is known for its historic sites and museums, it’s also known for being a coastal haven with many beaches. Among them, Bačvice Beach is one of the only beaches in Split with sand!

Bačvice Beach features soft sand and shallow water and is popular among both locals and tourists. It’s a perfect swimming beach for families and has a great selection of restaurants and nightlife options for adults.

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Bačvice Beach is one of the only beaches in Split with sand! Photo: Ilija Ascic / Shutterstock.com

Palawan Beach near Singapore, Singapore

  • Beach Location: 20 km from the city center
  • Beach Type: White sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at Palawan Beach.
  • Other Places to Visit in Singapore: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Universal Studios Singapore

Singapore is a gorgeous, futuristic city that can easily satisfy all of your city vacation dreams. From food to culture to innovative beauty, the city will leave you wanting for nothing–especially since there are beaches nearby! Palawan Beach is the most well-loved Singapore beach. It’s a family-friendly beach and is perfect for swimming and sports activities.

Palawan Beach is close to downtown Singapore and features white sand and stunning, calm water that is ideal for children’s swimming.

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Palawan Beach is the most well-loved Singapore beach. Photo: Richie Chan / Shutterstock.com

Hanalei Beach Park on Kauai, Hawaii, United States

  • Beach Location: On the island of Kauai
  • Beach Type: White sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at Hanalei Beach Park.
  • Infrastructure: Beach chairs are not available for rent. Showers and toilet facilities are available.
  • Other Places to Visit in Kauai: Spouting Horn Blowhole, Polihale State Park, Ha’ena State Park, Kapa’a, Limahuli Garden and Preserve

Kauai is the fourth largest island in the group of American islands known as Hawaii. It features stunning natural beauty and plenty of things to do in terms of city activities. Complete with nightlife, Hawaiian culture, and room for adventure. You would have a tough time feeling good about spending time indoors while in Kauai due to the potential for exploration.

Among all of the lush greenery and beautiful water is a wide range of beaches to choose from. Hanalei Beach Park is one of the most well-known beaches on Kauai, known for being family-friendly and perfect for watersports such as swimming, paddling, snorkeling, and kayaking.

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Hanalei Beach Park is one of the most well-known beaches on Kauai. Photo: Hendrik Blankenstein / Shutterstock.com

Elmina Beach in Elmina, Ghana

  • Beach Location: 2.5 km from the city center
  • Beach Type: Golden sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee of 40 Ghanian Cedis.
  • Infrastructure: The Elmina Beach Resort is nearby for toilet access. There are no rentals available.
  • Restaurants and Shopping: There is a restaurant at the Elmina Beach Resort, and there are other resorts nearby.
  • Other Places to Visit in Elmina: Elmina Castle, Kakum National Park, Fort William, Elmina Lagoon, Java Museum

Elmina is a smaller location in the African country of Ghana, but it is rich in history. For those who want to learn more about the history of West Africa and its culture, Elmina is a great option. Not to mention, Ghana’s coastline features gorgeous beaches that are being turned into stunning tourist attractions.

Elmina Beach near Elmina is one of these beaches that features a gorgeous resort to view the turquoise water from. Elmina Beach is fit for royalty, with celebrity guests having visited Elmina in the past.

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Elmina Beach near Elmina is one of these beaches that features a gorgeous resort to view the turquoise water from. Photo: Dave Primov / Shutterstock.com

 San Sebastian Beach near Barcelona, Spain

  • Beach Location: 3 km from the city center
  • Beach Type: White sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at San Sebastian Beach.
  • Infrastructure: You can easily rent beach chairs and umbrellas! There are also lockers, showers, changing rooms, and toilets available for public use.
  • Restaurants and Shopping: There are many restaurants, shops, and clubs near the beach.
  • Other Places to Visit in San Sebastian: San Telmo Museum, Miramar Jauregia, Konstituzio Plaza

Barcelona is one of the world’s most popular cities to visit. You can experience the vibrant Spanish flair, food, and wine in Barcelona. For fans of nightlife and football, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Barcelona. Another reason to visit Barcelona is the nearby beaches, including San Sebastian Beach.

San Sebastian Beach is a great option for people who love amenities and high-quality facilities. The sand is lush, the sea is bright blue, and the beach is great for families, singles, and couples alike. 

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San Sebastian Beach is a great option for people who love amenities and high-quality facilities. Photo: Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock.com

Pantai Cenang on Langkawi, Malaysia

  • Beach Location: On the island of Langkawi
  • Beach Type: White sand
  • Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee for Pantai Cenang.
  • Infrastructure: Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Lockers, toilets, and showers are available along the beach.
  • Restaurants and Shopping: The beach is lined with restaurants, resorts, and shops to visit.
  • Other Places to Visit in Langkawi: Langkawi Sky Bridge, Dataran Lang, Langkawi Wildlife Park, Pulau Payar Marine Park

Langkawi, Malaysia is not just a city–it’s an island city. Langkawi is arguably Malaysia’s most beloved island and features plenty of tourist attractions, nightlife, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. The best perk of visiting Langkawi? Being on an island offers up plenty of beach options!

Of these options, Pantai Cenang is the best choice. It features a long boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and resorts and features white sand with stunning turquoise water.

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Pantai Cenang is the best choice Photo: Izuddin Helmi / Shutterstock.com


The beach and the city are both in your near future with any one of these destinations. From the white sand of Barcelona, Spain to the only sandy beach in Split, Croatia, you will find endless opportunity for relaxation and adventure.

For your accommodations on your trip, you can always depend on ZenHotels to find incredible deals for your worldwide travels. Click here to get started with planning your next trip.

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