Hidden beaches to explore this summer
From Hawaii to Greece, visit these lesser-known beachy locales for discovery and relaxation on a quiet summer escape.
By Tanvi Chheda | April 27, 2026
From Mexico to Greece, these lesser-known beachy locales sit right on the sand or close to it, offering loads of wildlife, culture, and history. Swim with manta rays on Hawaii’s Kona Coast, spot scarlet macaws and humpback whales while visiting Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, and wander Chania’s narrow alleys in northwest Crete.
Kamakahonu Beach, Hawaii
Rugged and sunny, Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island is known for its dramatic coastline with black lava fields and turquoise waters. Meanwhile, up in the mountains, lush farms welcome visitors to tour the abundant orchards, while volcano-made trails offer unforgettable hikes. Well-located to explore it all, Hampton by Hilton Kailua-Kona Bay sits in the downtown village, minutes from Kailua Pier and the famous Kona Farmers Market. Next to Kailua Pier, you’ll find the white-sand Kamakahonu Beach (Kim Kam Beach). Its calm waters make it a perfect spot for families, beginner snorkelers, or paddleboarders and kayakers. Back at the hotel, enhance your stay with free hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a sitting area equipped with a fire pit and bar. Sip on mai tais and savor local fare at the on-site Island Bar & Grill by Trader Vic’s restaurant for a true island vibe.
Enclave Beach Club, Los Cabos, Mexico
Located at the tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos offers much to do and explore, from a weekly art walk and fantastic whale watching to thrilling ATV tours through the desert terrain. For a unique beach experience off the beaten path, stay at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, where you’ll find the private Enclave Beach Club, featuring oceanfront bungalows with views of the Sea of Cortez, beach bonfires, and a waterfront bar. Tucked into a swimmable cove, the secluded beach resort also features an adult-only infinity pool, thoughtful kids’ club activities, and multiple dining options. Activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and a round of golf on expertly designed courses will keep you entertained, and for a bit of relaxation, try a Mexican Herbal Poultice massage at eforea Spa. Come dinner, choose from hand-rolled pastas and flatbreads at Vela or empanadas and freshly caught seafood at Leña.
Preciosa Beach, Costa Rica
A biodiversity hot spot, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is home to Corcovado National Park and tremendous wildlife, including jaguars, scarlet macaws, and migrating humpback whales. Check into eco-minded Botanika Osa Peninsula Costa Rica Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton while you explore this lush region. Along with stunning rooms and suites overlooking the rainforest canopy, the resort also offers a lagoon pool, two restaurants, and a full-service spa with treatments ranging from hot stone massage to forest bathing and cacao-infused body scrubs. Hop on a quick boat ride to Cahui Beach Club for a full-day retreat on Playa Preciosa. The resort’s exclusive stretch of sand, a favorite of surfers, has everything for the perfect beach day, from sunbeds to cocktails. For added thrills, have the concierge team arrange sport fishing and ziplining excursions, or opt for the resort’s eco-minded activities, such as sloth and chocolate farm tours.
Nea Chora Beach, Chania, Greece
A Venetian-style harbor town on the northwest coast of Crete, pastel-hued Chania is the island’s former capital. Its Old Town — a maze of cobblestoned streets lined with bakeries, cafes, and shops — is the main attraction, while the Archeological Museum of Chania and the Agora Market filled with local products should not be missed. Book a stay at the gorgeous Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa, where the airy rooms and suites feel luxurious and all come with private plunge pools. When you’re ready to feel some sand between your toes, you have direct access to the nearby Nea Chora Beach, a popular choice amongst local families thanks to its kid-friendly shallow waters. Enjoy the white sand and clear water from a different perspective by heading up to the rooftop infinity pool for cocktails and shareable bites. It’s the place to be as the sun goes down.
Tanvi Chheda
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years now. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design, and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine, OLTRE, and Ciao Bambino, among others.
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