From glassy coves to shell-strewn shores, these beaches are beautiful—and completely sand-free
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Glass Beach, California
Located in Fort Bragg along Northern California’s Mendocino Coast, this once-overlooked stretch of shoreline has transformed from a former dumpsite into one of the country’s most unusual beaches. The aptly named Glass Beach is covered in tiny, colorful pieces of sea glass, formed over decades as waves tumbled discarded bottles and glass until they were smooth and rounded.
Now part of MacKerricher State Park, the beach draws curious visitors and photographers alike. You’re welcome to admire the glass, but taking it home is discouraged to help preserve what remains. Visit at low tide for the best chance to see the sea glass sparkling in the sun.
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Schoolhouse Beach, Wisconsin
Located on Washington Island in Lake Michigan—accessible only by boat, which only adds to the charm—Schoolhouse Beach offers a rare stretch of coastline where sand gives way to smooth, glacier-polished limestone pebbles. These unique pebbles are so rare that removing them is illegal. While the beach draws crowds during summer, there’s still space to spread out, especially if you arrive early in the morning or midweek. Beyond swimming, it’s also a popular spot for paddling and stone-skipping. Just remember to bring water shoes: The pebbles, though rounded, can be a bit slippery underfoot.
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Shell Beach, Australia
Part of the UNESCO-listed Shark Bay World Heritage Area, this serene stretch along Western Australia’s Shark Bay is made up entirely of tiny white cockle shells (there are billions of them). The high concentration of salt in the water helps these shells thrive while also keeping predators at bay, allowing the beach to build up over time into a thick, shell-packed shoreline. While summer is the most popular time to visit, the beach is especially peaceful in spring (September to November), when wildflowers blanket the nearby outback and the weather stays comfortably warm.
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Durdle Door Beach, Dorset, England
Along a quiet stretch of England’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door Beach stands out for its unusual—albeit stunning—terrain. The smooth pebbles shift underfoot with each wave, which means the shoreline is better suited for sneakers than bare feet. Additionally, a natural limestone arch frames the cove, making it a popular spot for photo ops. While arriving here is tricky (it requires a steep descent via a gravel-filled path), the effort is rewarded with the crystal-clear water and sweeping views.
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Sarakiniko, Greece
With its chalk-white cliffs and lunar-like landscape, Sarakiniko is by far among the most majestic beaches in the Cyclades—and there’s not a grain of sand in sight. Instead, smooth white-hued volcanic rock forms natural platforms and tide pools, perfect for sunbathing or strolling. Located on the lesser-known island of Milos, it feels like your own secret island escape, far removed from the bustling beaches of Santorini or Mykonos.
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Stiniva Beach, Vis Island, Croatia
Tucked between towering cliffs on the southern coast of Vis, Stiniva Beach is one of Croatia’s most striking hidden coves. Instead of sand, the narrow shoreline is covered in smooth white stones that reflect the turquoise water. The footing can be uneven, so water shoes are a smart idea if you plan to swim or wander along the rocks. Getting here, meanwhile, only adds to the sense of adventure. Most visitors either hike down a narrow rocky trail from the top of the cliffs or arrive by boat from the nearby town of Komiža. As a result, the journey keeps crowds to a minimum, especially in the early mornings.
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Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
At the base of Northern Ireland’s famed Giant’s Causeway lies a shoreline unlike any typical beach. Instead of sand, it’s composed of more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns—striking stone formations formed by ancient volcanic activity. Between the columns and scattered boulders, smooth, rounded rocks line the coast, creating a dramatic, sand-free stretch. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is both a geological wonder and a stunning place to explore. Wear sturdy shoes and give yourself time to wander the cliff paths and coastal trails; some of the best views are just a little farther up the hill.
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Playa Piedras Pintas, Sonora, Mexico
While Mexico is known for its white-sand beaches, Playa Piedras Pintas offers something different. Tucked along the Sea of Cortez near San Carlos, this quiet cove swaps sand for smooth, water-worn pebbles that extend from the shore into the surf. The result is a beach that feels both rugged and peaceful. The beach’s clear waters make it a favorite spot for snorkeling; however, on land, it’s best explored with water shoes, as the stone-covered shoreline shifts underfoot. With no facilities and few crowds, it’s the kind of place where the sound of waves on rock takes center stage.
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Sources:
- National Geographic: “Beach”
- Times of India: “Glass Beach, California: When nature turns trash into tourist attraction”
- Washington Island Ferry Line: “Schoolhouse Beach”
- Hello Door County: “Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island”
- UNESCO: “Shark Bay, Western Australia”
- Western Australia: “Shell Beach”
- Stiniva Vis: “How to Get to Stiniva Beach”
