When the sun clocks out in streaks of orange, pink and purple, Santa Monica State Beach in California, United States, goes from laid-back to lit up. Literally. With over 4 kilometres of sand, a historic pier and the Pacific Coast Highway keeping things scenic, this beach is more than just a pretty shoreline. Let's start with the sand. Wide, clean and ready for volleyball or just flopping down with a good book, it's ideal for sunbathers and sandcastle architects alike. Then there's the Santa Monica Pier. Built in 1909 and still standing tall on wooden legs, it's got an amusement park called Pacific Park, arcade, restaurants and that famous solar-powered Ferris wheel.

From the vibrant energy of Santa Monica, the journey to the other side of the world lands you at another coastal gem, Marina Beach in Chennai. Averaging 300 metres in width and expanding to 437 metres at its broadest point, it's one of the largest urban beaches in India. Here, the sea's beauty comes with a warning—its turbulent undercurrents make swimming off-limits. Still, that doesn't stop it from drawing about 30,000 visitors on a typical weekday, all eager to soak in the coastal breeze and the buzzing atmosphere.