Grand Fond reveals St Barts’ untamed Atlantic coast — a pebble-strewn beach where surfers challenge the crashing waves, and swimming is wisely avoided amid the rocky shallows. This wild counterpart to nearby Toiny offers raw drama: wind-sculpted vistas stretch to offshore islets, while the relentless surf soundtrack drowns out all traces of the island’s glamour. A 15-minute hike west along slippery coastal trails leads to the Piscines Naturelles Grand Fond, where volcanic rocks cradle seawater pools. Time it right (avoid midday sun and check tides) for safe dips between sea urchin colonies. The full 3-kilometre out-and-back trail offers panoramic ocean views. Just be sure to pack sturdy shoes and water for the scramble over jagged terrain. Shellfish hunters take note: collecting is prohibited, but the beach makes a spectacular picnic spot for those craving salt-sprayed solitude.

Cala Llonga is a wide, family-friendly beach surrounded by hills and pine trees. The water’s shallow and clear, so it’s perfect for swimming or just floating around. There’s plenty of space to spread out, plus shops, cafés, and all the basics nearby. It can get busy in summer, but it’s easy and convenient if you’re staying nearby.

Located along the Cascade Mountains, the Deschutes National Forest provides stunning natural beauty, especially around the Jack Lake campground, where the Three Sisters and Jefferson mountains create a breathtaking backdrop. It covers nearly 1.6 million acres and offers year-round recreation, making it one of the most popular forests in the Pacific Northwest.

Platja d’en Bossa is the longest beach in Ibiza and a magnet for party crowds, especially in the summer. It’s lined with beach clubs, bars, and big-name hotels, with DJs often playing day and night. It’s not exactly quiet, but if you’re here to mix beach time with nightlife, this is where it happens.