Beloved beaches 2023
The most popular beaches on TikTok and Instagram
As the summer break approaches, travelers around the world are most likely planning their next beach getaway.
Whether you spend the weekend at a beach nearby or go abroad for your dose of sun, sea, and sand, there’s no denying many of us take inspiration from ‘TravelTok’ or Instagram.
With so many to choose from, finding the most picturesque beach destination for that all-important TikTok video or Instagram post can be difficult, so we have rounded up the most beloved beaches on social media for 2023.
For this report, we looked at popular beaches across the world, from South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach and Sydney’s Bondi Beach to the UK’s Brighton Beach. We then analyzed the social media popularity of each beach to reveal the world’s most beloved beaches overall.
The most popular US beaches on TikTok
1. Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | TikTok views: 1.7 billion
Myrtle Beach has long been a popular beach destination for families, couples, and solo vacationers alike. The sunny climate of South Carolina’s coast makes this spot the ideal place for families all year round - so perhaps it’s no wonder that this beach has 1.7 billion views on TikTok! Videos of the 60-mile sandy beach show the Beach Boardwalk, featuring live music, restaurants, and shops. The Swamp Fox Roller Coaster on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is also a must-visit for thrill seekers, offering unmatched ocean views.
2. Venice Beach, Venice, California | TikTok views: 1.2 billion
Lovers of Venice Beach often talk about the bohemian and artistic vibe that characterizes the city and the coastline. Venice Beach is famous worldwide for its relaxed atmosphere, vibrant skate park, and iconic Boardwalk. The surfer's paradise has 1.2 billion views on TikTok, making it the US’ second most popular beach. TikTok users showcase Venice Beach’s creative art scene and diverse restaurants.
3. South Beach, Miami, Florida | TikTok views: 884.9 million
Ranking in third place is South Beach. Miami’s South Beach sparkles with its vibrant party scene, oceanfront restaurants, and world-class shopping experiences. The sandy beach attracts visitors every summer thanks to its upscale beach clubs and street art. South Beach has 884.9 million views on TikTok, with videos dedicated to users showing South Beach’s culinary scene and clear blue waters.
The most popular US beaches on Instagram
1. South Beach, Miami, Florida | Instagram posts: 8.0 million
South Beach is undeniably one of the most popular beaches in the United States. South Beach is a hotspot for beach travelers, ranked as the most popular beach on Instagram. The Miami beach has over 8 million tagged posts on Instagram, where users share pictures of South Beach’s colorful nightlife scene and sunny weather.
2. Venice Beach, Venice, California | Instagram posts: 4.4 million
Venice Beach is just as popular on Instagram as it is on TikTok, with over 4.3 million hashtagged posts on the social media app. Home to a bustling skate park and beautiful sunsets, it’s no surprise to see Venice Beach’s popularity on Instagram.
3. Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | Instagram posts: 2.9 million
TikTok’s favorite beach ranks third for the most popular beaches on Instagram. With just under 3 million hashtagged posts on the app, Myrtle Beach is one of Instagram users’ most beloved beach spots. Posts on Instagram showcase Myrtle Beach’s Ferris Wheel, beachfront hotels, and surfable waves.
The most popular worldwide beaches on TikTok
1. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia | TikTok views: 660.3 million
When you think of Bondi Beach, the glistening ocean, gorgeous sand, and surfing spirit of the area might come to mind first. Or maybe it's the iconic TV show Bondi Rescue that sees lifeguards protecting travelers on one of Australia’s most-visited beaches. Sydney’s Bondi Beach is TikTok’s most popular beach destination outside the US, with 660.3 million views. Videos show clips from Bondi Rescue as well as dolphins swimming and waves crashing.
2. Pattaya Beach, Bangkok, Thailand | TikTok views: 345.1 million
Thailand is a dream travel destination for many TikTok users, and Pattaya Beach near Bangkok is one of the most beloved beaches on the app. TikTok videos of Pattaya Beach showcase its world-class seafood restaurants, cheap hotels, and idyllic ocean views. With over 345 million TikTok views, this beach ranks as the world’s second most popular on the social platform.
3. Vũng Tàu Beach, Chí Minh City, Vietnam | TikTok views: 238.1 million
Vũng Tàu Beach is one of Vietnam’s most famous beaches worldwide, famed for its natural beauty and stunning white sand. On TikTok, the beach has 238.1 million views, with users exhibiting the ocean rocks and fresh fruit drinks you can order by the sea.
The most popular worldwide beaches on Instagram
1. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia | Instagram posts: 1.9 million
It’s undeniable that Bondi Beach is a dream travel spot for many on social media, ranking as TikTok and Instagram’s favorite beach outside the US. The Australian paradise has almost 2 million hashtagged posts, all showing the beach’s clear waters, deep blue sky, and idyllic sandy shores.
2. Manly Beach, Manly, Australia | Instagram posts: 543,520
Australia has no shortage of luxurious beaches, with Manly Beach in northern Sydney taking the second spot on our list, despite being far less popular than the nation’s favorite. There are over 500,000 Instagram posts of Manly Beach (aka the surfer’s nirvana), showcasing activities like beach volleyball and bike rides on the Boardwalk.
3. Kelingking Beach, Dawan, Indonesia | Instagram posts: 457,496
Kelingking Beach is a must-visit destination for those traveling to Bali, often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The beach can be explored by scooter, which is how many travelers in the almost 460,000 Instagram posts choose to get around.
The most popular UK beaches on TikTok
1. Brighton Beach, Brighton | TikTok views: 83.4 million
TikTok’s most beloved UK beach is Brighton Beach, which has 83.4 million views on TikTok. The south coast beach is home to Brighton Palace Pier and the world-class Artists’ Quarter where visitors can dive into Brighton’s creative and cultural scene. TikTok videos of Brighton Beach showcase the area’s diverse culinary scene, where travelers can visit a range of eateries and bars while visiting the waterfront.
2. Weymouth Beach, Weymouth | TikTok views: 64.7 million
Weymouth’s sandy beach is the second most popular UK beach destination on TikTok, known for its sandy shores and family atmosphere. Families can enjoy live entertainment from puppet shows to musical performances, while taking in the ocean views or having a go at surfing. Weymouth Beach has a staggering 64.7 million views on TikTok in total.
3. Kynance Cove, Mount’s Bay, Cornwall | TikTok views: 8.5 million
Kynance Cove is another beach destination that has inspired millions of TikTok travelers to visit, with 8.5 million views dedicated to videos tagging the cornish landscapes. This viral TikTok destination is often called one of the most beautiful places in Cornwall, with its crystal waters and rocky shoreline.
The most popular UK beaches on Instagram
1. Brighton Beach, Brighton | Instagram posts: 1.0 million
Brighton Beach dominates when it comes to social media popularity, topping the list as TikTok and Instagram’s favorite beach in the UK, with over one million posts (1,004,649). The southern beach destination has inspired over a million Instagram posts, showing the area’s traditional pubs, pebble beach, and sea fishing scene.
2. Scarborough Beach, Scarborough | Instagram posts: 176,976
Scarborough Beach in Yorkshire is the second most popular UK beach on Instagram, having inspired almost 177,000 hashtagged posts. While Scarborough Beach is far less popular than the Brighton seaside, it is a traditional coastal resort with a long history of attracting tourists. The beach is divided into two main sections, North Bay and South Bay, each offering its own unique charm, from crab fishing opportunities to colorful arcades.
3. Fistral Beach, Newquay | Instagram posts: 130,900
Newquay is home to countless award-winning beaches, but its most famous spot on Instagram is Fistral Beach, with almost 140,000 Instagram posts. Fistral Beach is one of the UK’s surfing hotspots, with clear waters and sunny weather. It is also the perfect place to enjoy a family beach trip, home to fish and chips restaurants among other cuisines.
Methodology
We wanted to reveal the most beloved beaches on social media, so we compiled a list of beaches in the US, UK, and worldwide using lists from BreakFreeHolidays, CNTraveller, TripAdvisor, CNBC, and RD.
We recorded the total number of hashtag views for each US beach on TikTok on 16th June 2023. We recorded the total number of hashtagged posts for each US beach on Instagram on 19th June 2023.
We recorded the total number of hashtag views for each UK beach on TikTok on 20th June 2023. We recorded the total number of hashtagged posts for each US beach on Instagram on 20th June 2023.
We recorded the total number of hashtag views for each global beach on TikTok on 20th June 2023. We recorded the total number of hashtagged posts for each US beach on Instagram on 20th June 2023.