Say the word “vacation.” If you’re picturing a beach, you’re not alone. Nothing says escape like white sands, gently lapping surf, the sound of a gentle breeze through palm trees—these aren’t just the makings of a Corona commercial. Whether you like to surf or snorkel, nap in a cabana or dance till dawn, we all love to indulge in beach fantasies.

What’s yours? Is it of lazing on the deck of a designer yacht along the French Riviera, or diving down low to discover coral reefs in Cozumel? Riding the waves of Orange County or the soft swing of a Caribbean hammock? How about building sand castles and eating saltwater taffy in Cape Cod? Maybe you’re more of a fish taco and fresh coconut kind of person. You might like your sands populated by sea turtles, or bronzed bikini-clad beauties. Maybe your dream beach is back-dropped by tropical rainforests, or maybe it’s a stone’s throw from the luxury pampering and big-city amenities of the Big Island. Or maybe, after a hard day of sun-soaking, you want to wash the sand off, rub in some aloe and hit the infamous clubs of Rio de Janiero.

Whatever makes up your personal beach paradise, we’re pretty sure you can find it in our list of the world’s top beach destinations. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.