Heading to the beach is always a good idea — until you hit peak season. Instead of a tranquil stretch of sand and soothing waves, you find yourself in a sea of sunblock-slathered tourists fighting for a patch of sand smaller than your beach towel. The prettier the beach, the more uncomfortably crowded it gets during peak times. If you prefer your beach days without a mosh pit, consider avoiding these 7 beaches during their busiest periods.
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1. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Peak Season: December to February
Bondi Beach is Sydney’s poster child for sun-drenched good times, but come peak season — especially around Christmas and New Year — the vibe is more sardine can than laid-back surf haven. The white sandy beach attracts over 2.6 million people annually, with over 40,000 visitors cramming the sands on the hottest days. While Bondi Beach is very much worth visiting, skip the peak season and come in the quieter months of spring or autumn. You’ll still catch great weather, and better yet, you’ll actually have space to lay your towel on the sand and enjoy the waves without elbowing through a crowd.
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2. Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Peak Season: November to April
Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island, Thailand, became an icon after its starring role in Danny Boyle’s 2000 “The Beach,” a film that ironically centers around the quest to keep a perfect beach hidden from the mainstream. Yet, the movie’s success turned Maya Bay into a magnet for daily throngs of up to 5,000 visitors, overwhelming the delicate ecosystem and leading to significant environmental strain. This forced Thai authorities to close the beach in 2018 to rehabilitate it.
After reopening in 2022 with strict new regulations to protect its fragile ecosystems, including limiting the number of visitors and banning boats from docking within the bay, Maya Bay is once again welcoming tourists but in a more controlled manner. If you plan to experience its real beauty, visiting outside the high season might be wiser.
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3. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Peak Season: December to March
Stretching over 2.5 miles, Rio’s legendary Copacabana Beach is a magnet for tourists, locals, and visitors alike. Every New Year’s Eve, over 2 million people flock to the beach for its traditional fireworks and celebrations, where everyone dresses in white for good luck. But it’s not just holidays — on any given day, you’ll find people sunbathing, playing volleyball, or just hanging out.
During peak times, like summer or festivals, the beach becomes so packed that finding a spot to lay your towel can feel like a sport in itself. For a more relaxed visit where you can truly enjoy the beach and its surroundings, try coming in late spring or early autumn.
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4. South Beach, Miami, Florida, USA
Peak Season: March to May
South Beach in Miami is the ultimate hangout for anyone looking to catch some rays and live it up, Miami-style. But if you want to avoid crowds of boozed-up spring breakers, it’s best to skip the spring break season. On peak days, South Beach can see upward of 100,000 visitors, making it exceptionally crowded.
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5. Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Peak Season: December to April
Undoubtedly, Hawaii is one of the most gorgeous places on the planet, and its beaches draw visitors from all corners of the globe. Waikiki Beach, in particular, stands out with its stunning views of Diamond Head and waves that are perfect for beginner surfers. However, its popularity also means it can get incredibly crowded, especially during peak seasons like summer and winter holidays. The beach sometimes feels more like a touristy city than a relaxing retreat. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting in the quieter shoulder seasons of late spring or early autumn.
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6. Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona, Spain
Peak Season: June to August
Barcelona draws over 12 million tourists each year, and a fair share of them hit up Barceloneta Beach during the peak season. Right next to the city’s overcrowded center, this beach is a real beauty with its stretch of golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, dipping into the Mediterranean, or grabbing a bite at one of the beachside bars. But it gets overwhelmingly crowded, especially in the summer. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and still soak up everything Barceloneta has to offer, consider visiting in the early morning or during the off-peak months like late spring or early autumn.
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7. Coney Island, New York City, New York, USA
Peak Season: May to September
Coney Island, the nostalgic playground of New York, really packs it in when summer rolls around. From Memorial Day onwards, this charming spot becomes more packed than a sardine can at a fish market, drawing crowds eager to ride the famous Cyclone or lounge on its sandy beach. On a hot summer day, you might be rubbing elbows with upward of 30,000 other beachgoers. So, if you’re not into the idea of battling the masses for a spot on the boardwalk or dodging mustard splatters, consider a visit on a quieter weekday.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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