which beach would be your destination of choice? Despite growing up at the beach (Ocean City, NJ), I'm still somewhat of a beach novice when it comes to beaches around the world. Besides my hometown beach (which is great because it's only a few blocks away), my favorite beaches so far have been Bonzai Pipeline (waves) in Hawaii and Trunk Bay (snorkeling) in St. John. Since my experiences are fairly limited to the US East coast and Caribbean, where else should I be visiting? Where are the world's best beaches?

Tonga. White sand, coral beaches, azure, crystal clear water, and not a soul in sight... Only trouble is you a) need to rent a boat to get out to the reef islands, and b) need to know which ones not to visit (many are private/plantations of a spurious nature).

You must visit the beaches of the Emerald Coast in Florida's Panhandle. White sugar sand and clear emerald green water. You'll want to avoid peak tourist season (May thru mid-August). It really is picture-perfect, sort of reminiscent of Waimea Beach without the waves. Great for swimming, boating, fishing or just hanging out.

Even though it's not really a "beach" destination, I would give anything to be in Key West right now. The laid back vibe and good times just really do it for me. I was actually supposed to be landing in Fort Lauderdale to drive to Key West today, but my wife broke her foot on Sunday and has to stay off it for awhile....oh well, I'll just have another trip to look forward to in a few months

Vieques Island, beautiful empty virgin beaches. Last time I was there I saw a sting ray while snorkeling!

I'm close to NC beaches so I would hop in my car and go to Sunset Beach. I haven't been to many places besides North & South Carolina but I know the Brunswick beaches are pretty nice. I do want to go to the outer banks as well.

The beaches of the Seychelles are the among the most fabulous in the world! The problem is that once you've spent time there you don't want to go to any other beach. The snorkeling and diving is great and you can always find a spot all to yourself. I have many relatives there that run small self-catering hotels.....I am very lucky! This is an excellent site to find out more: [url=http://www.seychelles.travel/en/home/index.php]

Tulum, Mexico!!

My favorite beaches include those on Koh Tao, Thailand, and in St. John, US Virgin Islands!

First choice is Kalaloch within Olympic National Park in Washington. Uncrowded with huge logs on the beach that you can build a fire on the beach with, best month is September for weather. Stay in one of the cabins, they are rustic, but right on the beach.

I also love Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys, beautiful. It also remains uncrowded as they limit daily capacity.

Sitges. This small "beach town" just outside Barcelona is fantastic. It gets pretty crowded during the summer, but it's worth it because of its proximity to Barcelona (one of the most beautiful cities I've seen), the great Mediterranean and all that awesome Spanish sun! It's popular with all kinds of travelers -- there's a seaside promenade where you'll see everything from grandmothers pushing strollers to young jet setters.

There's a THRIVING gay night life, but it is by no means strictly a "gay destination." Plenty of great restaurants, wonderful hotels of all types, great history, and friendly people.

Kee Beach Kauai. Great snorkeling, lots of turtles. June is a great time for weather and safe water.

I've enjoyed times on some awesome beaches, but am convinced I've yet to see the best. If I was to just head out now for a beach, it would be a coin toss to somehere I hadn't been - most likely in the Caribbean.

The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the BVIs. Or St. John's Coral Bay beaches.

If I was just planning on a short weekend, I would probably head down to Gulf Shores Alabama. The beaches are nice and things haven't gotten quite out of hand like some other over-commercialized areas of the Florida panhandle. For something a little more permanent, I wouldn't mind finding a private stretch of beach on Exuma to kick back with a cold drink in one hand and a good book in the other with the sound of the waves lapping on the beach. Ahhhhh.....