100 Beaches of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Shorelines

by Freda Moon, Ashley Harrell

From the seashell-laden shores of Florida’s Sanibel Island to a green sand beach in Hawaii to island oases in French Polynesia, this exquisitely illustrated collection uncovers 100 of the world's best shores and coasts.

From the boho surf culture of Australia’s Bondi Beach to Costa Rica’s dreamy Playa Blanca, rich in white sand and wildlife, discover the world’s most breathtaking coastlines, riverbanks, and lakefronts in 100 Beaches of a Lifetime.

Along with tried-and-true favorites, such Oregon’s Cannon Beach and Brazil’s Ipanema Beach, discover other noteworthy gems, including:
Lake MacDonald, a colorful, picturesque lakefront in Glacier National Park
Chesterman Beach, a surprising surf hub in British Columbia, Canada
Mississippi’s Ship Island swim beach, on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico
Shell Beach, in Western Australia, a favorite for beachcombers
Plage de Palombaggia, in Corsica, known for its beauty and crystal clear water
Cape Maclear, a snorkeler’s paradise in Malawi
… and many more!

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

400 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Jim Welke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like to travel and enjoy going to the beach, this is a great book for planning your trips. It's broken down into the different regions of the world. They also break beaches down by color: white, black, pink, green. If you want to swim with wildlife or catch some rays with penguins, the authors have a beach for you.
The photos are so incredible, you can make this a tabletop book. If you like hidden beaches, these have their own section. And, they have information about turtles and where you can see them in India. The authors have done a great job of compiling photos from around the world.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 Beaches of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Shorelines is a gorgeous, wanderlust-inducing journey across the globe’s most stunning waterfronts. With Freda Moon and Ashley Harrell as guides, this National Geographic collection delivers exactly what it promises: pure coastal magic. Each of the beaches are captured in exquisite photographs and accompanied by thoughtful descriptions that blend practical travel insight with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of shorelines around the world.

What makes this compilation stand out is the diversity of locations-ranging from iconic destinations like Bondi Beach and Ipanema to unexpected treasures like Mississippi’s Ship Island or Malawi’s Cape Maclear. The authors go beyond typical postcard scenes and invite readers to explore riverbanks, lakefronts, and hidden gems that are often overlooked. There’s a great mix of classic tourist favorites and serene, lesser-known escapes, each with its own story and character.

For travel lovers, beach enthusiasts, or even armchair adventurers, 100 Beaches of a Lifetime is both a beautiful visual experience and an inspiring reminder of how diverse and breathtaking our planet’s shorelines can be.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of National Geographic’s “100 of a Lifetime” series, this is the most robust in terms of information and photography. This guide not only offers details on specific beaches to visit, but also explores different types of coastal environments, local cuisine, and sustainable travel practices.

The book shares the best times to visit, what you’ll experience in the area, and a brief history of each location. It even recommends similar destinations based on your preferences for food, climate, and atmosphere. If someone is looking for an international beach experience and isn’t sure where to start, this travel guide offers a versatile checklist and sets realistic expectations.

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[Eve (Moving to StoryGraph: eve314) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pretty book that left me wanting more, particularly in the sidebars about other beaches that didn’t quite warrant the huge layout. The only beach listed I had been to, Indiana Dunes, was in one of those sidebars. Still, it was nice getting a look at this beautiful planet that is too good for us.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I checked this out from the library, I thought I’d just be looking at the pictures. But this was an interesting and informative read. I definitely added a few of these beaches to my travel bucket list.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mere · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely stunning book to read and look at, I truly learned so much and have a bunch of new bucket list destinations 😍😍