Beaches In Washington: 10 Best Coastal Escapes Year-Round

Feb 19, 2024

Last Updated on: Sep 8, 2026

Travel Guides

Washington has many beaches, including those on Puget Sound, the Pacific Ocean, peninsulas, lakes, and islands.

Washington beaches feature grassy dunes, pebbles, rocks, or sand and offer activities like swimming, boating, wildlife observation, tidepool exploration, and gathering driftwood or seashells.

Beachgoers may be kept on the shore by the chilly water, but sunsets on Washington’s west coast provide the ideal cap for a day at the beach.

The most common beach type in Washington, Puget Sound, is gravel, though you can also find it along the coast (such as the Willapa Bay side of Tokeland).

Small-stone beaches aren’t great for volleyball, but they tend to attract more marine life because they offer hiding places from raptors.

They’re a favorite among crabs, and harbor seals graze on mixed gravel beaches.

Beaches In Washington

Washington Beaches

If you are looking for the best beaches in Washington, we’ve listed some top options here. So, check out the names we are dropping.

Golden Gardens Park, Seattle

Golden Gardens Park, Seattle

With views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, the 80-acre Golden Gardens Park is home to one of the largest beaches in the Seattle area.

Swimming is available at the sandy beach, and hiking, volleyball, fishing, and water sports like sailing, canoeing, and kayaking are all very popular.

On the beach, there are fire pits and a one-acre dog off-leash area available.

Read More: The Best Mountain Getaways In Washington: Where To Stay, What To Do, And How To Relax

Green Lake Park, Seattle

Green Lake Park

This urban park is about five miles to the north of Seattle’s downtown. Visitors can enjoy the grass and sand areas, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer.

In addition to tennis courts, an indoor pool, picnic areas, equipment rentals, restrooms, and a historic bathhouse, the park has basketball courts.

A 2.8-mile path encircling the lake is popular among bikers, skaters, walkers, and joggers.

Madison Park Beach, Seattle

Northeast of Seattle’s downtown, this little park on Lake Washington’s edge offers a small sandy beach, grassy area, parking, tennis courts, restrooms, and lifeguards in the summer.

Benches and a walking path are nearby, and guests can shop or eat at neighborhood eateries.

Alki Beach, Seattle

Alki Beach, Seattle

Alki Beach is a 2.5-mile sandy beach on Elliot Bay in West Seattle, with a long pedestrian walkway.

One of the eight lighthouses on Puget Sound is a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and it is open for tours. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, beach fire pits are open.

Picnic tables, parking, and restrooms are available.

Madrona Park, Seattle

Madrona Park, which is on Lake Washington’s western shore, has picnic spaces, a bathhouse, a swimming beach, and parking.

Together with a grassy shoreline, hiking trails, and views of Mount Rainier, there’s a jogging path alongside the lake.

During the summer, lifeguards are on duty, and the beaches are open until Labor Day. Madrona Park is one of Washington’s least explored beaches.

Jackson Beach, San Juan Island

Approximately two miles from Friday Harbor’s downtown, this lengthy sandy beach is open all year round. A small dock, volleyball courts, fire pits, barbecue grills, restrooms, and a picnic area are all present.

Bioluminescent dinoflagellates, which glow when a kayak paddle touches them, make for an exciting feature.

This phenomenon is only available to guided groups. Individuals must reserve evening events, as the park is closed to visitors.

Fort Worden, Port Townsend

The sandy beach, which is part of Fort Worden State Park on Puget Sound, has access to a boat ramp, kayak and canoe rentals, and views of the Northern Cascades.

Part of the original concrete fortifications still stands from the once-powerful military fort that once guarded the city.

The Marine Science Center exhibits are open to visitors in the summer. There are campgrounds close by, and you can see the lighthouse from the outside.

Long Beach, Long Beach Peninsula

Long Beach calls itself the “World’s Longest Beach.” It stretches 28 miles along the shoreline in Washington’s southwest.

Hikers, bikers, and walkers can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape and art installations along the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail. A half-mile boardwalk leads down to a grassy dune.

The peninsula’s broad, level sands taper to the horizon in both directions. Pacific waves batter it, nearly always too erratic and too chilly for swimming.

It boasts the state’s best boardwalk. The 8.5-mile Discovery Bike Trail meanders among sand dunes, public art, and the restored whale bones.

Long Beach’s fine, soft sand is created by the addition of clay and silt from the Willapa Bay’s large mud flats. It is paler than beaches near river mouths in Washington because of its higher quartz concentration.

Cape Disappointment State Park, Long Beach Peninsula

Cape Disappointment State Park img

The park has sandy beaches in Washington, with breathtaking views of Baker Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Two operational lighthouses, a military fort, and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, which tells the history of Cape Disappointment, are all part of the historic area.

In addition to building sandcastles and driftwood forts, beachgoers can hike through coastal forests and explore tide pools. The water is a little too cold for swimming, but there’s still plenty to do.

This miniature version of Waikiki Beach seems to have welcomed all visitors since it opened.

Despite how beautiful the cove and black river sand are, the name doesn’t refer to a paradisiacal place but rather to the passing of a Hawaiian sailor who lived nearby.

Half Moon Bay, Westport Light State Park, Westport

The 560-acre day-use park has grassy dunes and beaches on Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, plus picnic areas, restrooms, grills, a lighthouse, and a coastal forest.

Moreover, a 1.3-mile paved path separates Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Nearby activities include fishing, surfing, and exploring the Westport Lighthouse.

Moreover, dogs are welcome on the beach, and camping is available nearby.

Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park, Ocean Shores

The mouths of the Copalis River and Connor Creek are where you’ll find this state park on the Pacific Coast.

Walking trails, a boardwalk, and grassy sand dunes all lead to the sandy beach, which is frequently empty. Seashells, migrating birds, and the neighboring Copalis National Wildlife Refuge are all attractions for nature enthusiasts.

Many people come here to dig for shellfish, and dogs are welcome. There are picnic tables and restrooms.

Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island

Nearly a mile of Lake Washington waterfront is available for swimming, boating, and fishing at this 77-acre park.

The park has walking trails, tennis courts, picnic areas, grills, a kids’ playground, and restrooms (during summer). From October through April, dogs on leashes are welcome on the beach.

Mercer Island also offers off-leash areas. You can check out Luther Burbank Park if you are looking for quieter beaches in Washington state.

West Beach and Sunset Beach, Washington Park, Anacortes

Located in Washington Park on the western tip of Fidalgo Island along the Swinomish Channel, there are two beaches: West Beach and Sunset Beach.

There are picnic areas, restrooms, a playground, a boat launch, and beachside fire pit barbecues at Sunset Beach. It comprises 220 acres.

West Beach has campsites, a small rocky area, tide pools, and breathtaking views.

Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah

Lake Sammamish State Park

This day-use park has a playground, walking trails through forests and wetlands, and two lakefront beaches.

At Tibbets Beach, you can rent equipment for water sports, reserve an outdoor kitchen, and use a picnic area. This 530-acre park hosts annual events, including boat parades, concerts, and nature walks.

Dogs on leashes are allowed in the park but not in areas designated as swimming beaches. If you are looking for beaches in Washington, Lake Sammamish is another option.

Idylwood Beach Park, Redmond

The Idylwood Beach Park is on the northwest coast of Lake Sammamish and has a lot to offer. It has a bathhouse, swimming beach, picnic tables, restrooms, a small boat ramp, a fishing pier, and picnic shelters.

The park spans 17 acres. It provides the only free recreational access to Lake Sammamish. This popular park also has playground equipment, volleyball courts, fishing, and barbecue pits.

Cama Beach

On Camano Island, the beach is all about boats. The most popular sound-front spot has an uphill parking lot and is hidden from view.

Situated near the water, the Center for Wooden Boats and its vintage vessels take center stage. Luxurious cedar cabins resembling a sleepaway camp surround it.

The place rents out boats and hosts weekend workshops for building toy boats. Because the shoreline is extremely rocky, sea travel is the preferred option.

North Bay

This park on San Juan Island, like many other beaches in Washington, is home to bleached-white driftwood.

It forms a barrier between a grassy bluff and dark, dense sand. Guided groups are usually the only ones allowed after the park closes at dusk.

North Bay, located just south of Friday Harbor, just outshines everything else. At night, bioluminescent dinoflagellates light up the water when in contact with a kayak paddle, making the trip even more memorable.

Kitsap County Park’s Beach

This Kitsap County park’s beach is a three-quarter-mile walk (all downhill, but that means an uphill stroll on the return trip).

The waves are very calm because Vashon Island feels like it is almost touching the narrow finger of Colvos Passage. The required hike keeps the beach comparatively deserted.

Crescent Bay

Imagine the craggy islands along Washington’s coast, minus the ferocious waves. The most striking areas of this county park on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula are tucked inland.

Moreover, old military bunkers lie buried deep under the overgrown forest, and many are hidden behind overgrown trails.

Tide pools form the eastern end of the water, and a sandy stretch hugs the relatively calm Crescent Bay. Far off in the distance is Vancouver Island.

Quileute Oceanside Resort

Sea stacks, or little islands with a few scraggly trees at the top and basking sea lions at the base, are due to rock columns just offshore.

About two miles north of Rialto’s parking lot, Hole-in-the-Wall is a naturally occurring sea arch in a headland on this section of the national park that is only accessible at low tide.

The Quileute Oceanside Resort is next to La Push’s dully named First Beach, south of Rialto.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park

Even with its magnificently isolated beaches, the Olympic National Park still has some gems near the parking lot.

Ruby Beach’s broad sands are just a quarter mile from Highway 101, and the distance between pavement and dunes at Kalaloch, to the south, is just a few feet.

In addition, the Tower of Wisdom is collapsing. It’s one of the few spots in the park where dogs are allowed, so keep an eye out for bald eagles and look down on leash-wearing pets.

Tokeland

Smugglers used the hotel’s hidden spot behind the fireplace to hide undocumented workers, and there are plenty of antiques and rooms with floral wallpaper in this 127-year-old establishment.

The Victorian-era farmhouse is one of the few businesses in a quiet residential waterfront community, and it looks out over the serene, kelp-filled coast of Willapa Bay.

Seaview

The Depot restaurant is a welcome diversion on a coast known more for bins of saltwater taffy and hand-caught razor clams than for fine dining.

The old Clamshell Railroad station has plenty of tables, with chef and owner Michael Lalewicz cooking local oysters and combining wild razor clams and Willapa Bay clams into a flavorful chowder.

Wrapping Up

Washington’s beaches, with their unparalleled beauty and ecological significance, stand as a testament to the delicate balance between human joy and environmental responsibility.

So, whether you’re drawn to the windswept shores of the Pacific or the calm bays of the Salish Sea, Washington’s beaches invite all to connect with nature and savor the timeless allure of the coastal landscape.   

The unmatched beauty, as well as the ecological significance of Washington’s beaches, serves as a testament to the fine line that must be drawn between environmental responsibility and human enjoyment.

Therefore, beaches in Washington invite everyone to connect with nature and enjoy the timeless allure of the coastal landscape, whether they are drawn to the windswept shores of the Pacific or the serene bays of the Salish Sea.

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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READ MORE things to do in bath

Historic City, Timeless Charm: Exploring The Best Things To Do In Bath

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 21, 2023

Bath is a charming city known for its rich history, breathtaking Georgian architecture, and cultural significance.   It is located in Somerset, England, in undulating hills.  The Jane Austen Museum is a must-visit location for fans of the well-loved English novelist among its numerous attractions.   Entering Bath is like entering a time capsule that transports visitors to a bygone age.   It served as the inspiration for Jane Austen's classic novels.  Bath greets you with an air of sophistication and charm from the moment you arrive.   A visual feast is the city's well-maintained Georgian architecture.   It is distinguished by Bath stone with a honey tint.   Bath boasts some of the most stunning architectural structures, including the Pulteney Bridge that spans the River Avon.   The majestic crescent-shaped terrace known as the Royal Crescent adds to the charm.  The dynamic and eclectic atmosphere of the city is created by the abundance of unique businesses, charming tearooms, and galleries of art.   They line the cobblestone streets beautifully.   Bath's attraction is enhanced by its thermal springs, which have drawn tourists for centuries.   A well-preserved set of ancient Roman bathing and convivial structures, the Roman Baths provide insight into the city's history.  We will now dive in to find things to do in Bath in this article. 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Cuisine bathchronicle.co.uk Bath's eating and drinking scene offers a culinary adventure that pleases a wide range of palates with a fascinating blend of history and innovation.   The city is home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from chic bistros and fine dining venues to cozy tearooms and old-world taverns.   Seasonal and local ingredients are the main focus, helping to create tasty recipes that pay homage to English heritage.   They also draw inspiration from around the world.  The city's markets, such as the Bath Farmers Market, include fresh vegetables, gourmet foods, and handcrafted goods.   Bath's food scene offers a delicious experience for any palate. Whether you're looking for a modern elegance or a historic ambiance, Bath has it all.  Savor traditional afternoon teas offered with scones and clotted cream, a mainstay of the South West of England.   Or enjoy hearty pies and platters of cheeses produced locally. 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Bath is easily accessible by air via Bristol Airport due to its close proximity to the city.   It is about 45 minutes away by car or an hour away by public transportation.   Similarly, it takes two hours to get to London Heathrow Airport by vehicle or public transportation.  Also, if you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Bath, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!  Read Also: Coastal Bliss: Top Things To Do In Bournemouth Island Paradise Unveiled: Best Time To Visit The Philippines Vietnam Vistas: A Seasonal Guide To Crafting Your Vietnamese Adventure

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What Are The Best Places To Visit In California? Top 6+ Names In 2027 Among The Places I Have Visited

BY  Arnab Sep 30, 2023

If you feel like it’s time for a vacation in your life, you need to choose the best travel destination to make the most out of your respite. So why don’t you opt for a premier travel destination like California that attracts millions of tourists annually? That popularity is well-deserved, considering how much California has to offer! For one thing, nature lovers find their havens here in different aspects of natural beauty, from high mountains to stunning beaches! While you may find alluring landscapes in many tourist spots, the interesting thing about California is that the entire state is full of unique landscapes. Full of stunning natural beauty, historical sites, and theme parks like Disneyland, it’s no wonder that travel and tourism account for a significant part of California’s economic progress. To add to all that, we also have Hollywood there! People don’t want to miss the chance to get an autograph from one of their favorite stars. 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READ MORE Best Places To Travel In Africa

What Travel in Africa Is Actually Like: Top 20 Places To Visit

BY  Sibashree Nov 13, 2023

If you’re here, then it’s settled: you’re a travel enthusiast. But what about Travel to Africa? Are you eager to explore the world’s richest continent, or are you looking to return for more unforgettable experiences? To help you decide, here’s a rundown of 20 of the best places to travel in Africa in 2024, based on web data—with their history, unique features, and popular activities. Ultimately, these are just a few of Africa’s top tourist locations for your bucket list! The Best Places To Travel In Africa In 2026: The Top 20 Africa is the best place to travel in 2026. The continent offers amazing adventures, from beautiful deserts to exciting cities. Here are twenty top places that mix rich history with incredible wildlife safaris. 1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Location: Arusha Region, Tanzania First and foremost, the Serengeti National Park is one of the most well-known and iconic wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is one of Tanzania’s top National Parks. Most notably, it is home to the annual Great Migration, one of the largest natural events on Earth, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle travel across the Serengeti plains in search of new grazing land. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go on a safari to see the Serengeti's incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, which is home to a variety of wildlife. They include black rhinos, lions, and elephants. Take a ride on a hot air balloon over the Serengeti plains for a bird’s-eye view of the Great Migration. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 500,000 people visit the Serengeti National Park each year. It is Tanzania's most popular tourist destination. Furthermore, the Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe Location: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia and Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe Moving forward, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world by the volume of water flowing over it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations. Unique and incredible things to do here: Take a helicopter or microlight flight over Victoria Falls for a stunning aerial view. Go white-water rafting or kayaking on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the sunset over Victoria Falls. White water rafting Kayaking Nature walks Interesting Facts & Figures Over 1 million people visit Victoria Falls each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. 3. Cape Town, South Africa Location: Western Cape, South Africa Cape Town is one of Africa's most beautiful and vibrant cities. Tourists get the unique opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It is also an amazing idea for people with a business mind. Yes! You can also launch a business in Cape Town with some key considerations. Unique and incredible things to do: Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views of Cape Town and its surroundings. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and learn about South Africa's fight for democracy. Take a walk along Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Real tourist statistics: To put its popularity in perspective, over 4 million people visit Cape Town each year. It is the second most popular tourist destination in South Africa, after Kruger National Park. Cape Town is one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations. 4. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt Location: Giza, near Cairo, Egypt History: Built over 4,500 years ago, the pyramids are a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization. The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  In 2021, Giza welcomed over 14 million tourists (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Must-Visit: Explore the Sphinx and Valley Temple. Take a camel ride around the pyramids. 5. Kruger National Park, South Africa Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. For safari enthusiasts, Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest and most popular game reserves. Established in 1898, it is one of Africa's oldest and largest game reserves. For Safari enthusiasts, Kruger National Park is also one of the world's most popular safari destinations. Over 2 million people visit Kruger National Park each year. You’ll meet an incredibly wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go on a safari to see Kruger’s incredible wildlife. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. Take a ride on a hot air balloon over Kruger National Park and take in the stunning, breathtaking landscape from above. 6. Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania Location: Off the coast of Tanzania The Zanzibar Archipelago is a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. Known for its spice trade, Zanzibar blends African, Arab, and European influences. Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and rich culture. If you’re a scuba diver looking for greater experiences, by all means, visit Zanzibar. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go Scuba diving in Zanzibar and its sister Islands like Pemba Island. The region is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Africa. Relax on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Visit Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a spice tour around Zanzibar’s colossal spice farms. Learn about some of the world’s most used spices and take special cooking lessons directly on the farms to discover the best of East African food. Interesting Facts & Figures about Zanzibar It is the second most popular tourist destination in Tanzania, after the Serengeti National Park. Zanzibar is one of Africa's most popular beach destinations. Over 500,000 people visit Zanzibar each year. 7. Chobe National Park, Botswana Location: Chobe District, Botswana Next on our list is Chobe National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in Africa and is known for its large elephant population. It is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Unique and incredible things to do: Take a boat cruise on the Chobe River and see elephants swimming and bathing. Go on a game drive and see Chobe's incredible wildlife up close. Visit the Savuti Marsh, a unique ecosystem that hosts abundant wildlife. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 490,000 people visit Chobe National Park each year. It is the second most popular tourist destination in Botswana, after the Okavango Delta. Chobe National Park is a popular safari destination for tourists from all over the world. 8. Okavango Delta, Botswana Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland ecosystem in Botswana. The Okavango River feeds it, flowing from Angola into the Kalahari Desert. Moreover, the Okavango Delta is a piece of hot cake, famous for its variegated wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Unique and incredible things to do here: Take a mokoro boat ride through the Okavango Delta and see wildlife up close. Visit the Moremi Game Reserve, a protected area within the Okavango Delta. Ultimately, go on a helicopter safari and see the Okavango Delta from above. Nature walks Go camping at the 60 or so camps and lodges in the Okavango Delta. Make sure you choose the right tour guide for camping. Here are skills to look for in your tour guide. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 100,000 people visit the Okavango Delta each year. It is Botswana's most popular tourist destination. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. 9. Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar Location: Menabe Region, Madagascar People say Madagascar is the 8th continent, not for its Geographic isolation from Africa, but for its uniqueness– being home to some of the rarest animal species in the world. So, if you’re curious about wildlife in the universe, by all means, visit Madagascar. Moreover, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karst formations. The stingy are sharp limestone pinnacles that can reach up to 40 meters in height. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and birds. Must-do tourist activities here: Hike through the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and see the incredible limestone karst formations up close. Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha Special Reserve, a protected area within the national park. Go on a boat cruise on the Tsiribihina River and see wildlife from the water. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 87,000 tourists visit Madagascar and the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Madagascar. 10. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Location: Ngorongoro District, Tanzania The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world's largest intact caldera. The crater is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Unique and incredible things to do: First, go on a game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater and see wildlife up close. Visit the Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where early human fossils have been found. Lastly, take a hot air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Crater for a top view of the entire wildlife. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 600,00 people visit the Ngorongoro Crater each year. It is a popular tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. Here are your top 10 must-visit places in Africa for 2024! Add these to your bucket list. 11. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the world's most popular safari destinations. It is a haven for lovers of wild beasts and the Great Migration, an endless, majestic voyage of wild beasts —which cuts across Tanzania and Kenya. On your safari tours, you’ll come close to incredible animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and leopards. Moreover, the annual wildebeest migration takes place between July and October. Must-do tourist activities here in Kenya: Go on a game drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve and see wildlife up close. Secondly, visit the Mara Triangle, a protected area within the national reserve. Go on a ride on a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara National Reserve for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife. 12. Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UNESCO describes the National Park as an area decked with nature’s beauty and bounty, along with the rugged landscapes around it. It contrasts with the lake's clear waters. Lake Malawi is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Speaking of fishing, the area hosts hundreds of varieties of cichlid fish. Not only that, nearly all the fish are endemic to that of the  Lake Malawi. Remember to practice sustainable fishing! Must-do Tourist Activities on Lake Malawi National Park: Visit Likoma Island, a beautiful island in Lake Malawi. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Malawi and see a variety of marine life. Take a boat trip on Lake Malawi and enjoy the stunning scenery. 13. Rainbow Mountains, Morocco The Rainbow Mountains are a unique geological formation in Morocco. The mountains are made up of a variety of colorful rocks, which give them their name. Moreover, the Rainbow Mountains are a popular tourist destination for photographers and hikers. Here are some must-do tourist activities: First, hike through the Rainbow Mountains and see the incredible colors of the rocks up close. After that, you can take a photo of the Rainbow Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical colors. You can also visit the nearby Berber villages and learn about the local culture. 14. Dogon Country, Mali Dogon Country is a region in Mali known for its unique culture and architecture. People here are known for their cliffside villages and their traditional masks. The Dogon Country is a popular tourist destination for people interested in learning about African culture. Incredible things to do here: Visit the Dogon people's cliffside villages and see their unique architecture. Secondly, learn about the Dogon people's culture and traditions. You can also see the Dogon people's traditional masks. If you’re planning for International Travel in 2024, here are 9 great tips for a more authentic travel experience. 15. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning scenery and population of gelada baboons. Moreover, the Simien Mountains are also home to a variety of other wildlife, including mountain nyala, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves. Unique and incredible things to do: Hike through the Simien Mountains and take in the incredible scenery, including Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Visit the gelada baboon population and see these fascinating creatures up close. Lastly, take a photo of the Simien Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical beauty. 16. Dahab, Egypt Location: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Originally a Bedouin fishing village, now a popular diving destination. Dahab attracted over 1 million visitors in 2021 (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Dahab is known for the Blue Hole, a renowned diving site that attracts thousands of scuba divers around the world. Things you just can’t miss: Dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole. Explore the Desert of Sinai on a camel safari. 17. Etosha National Park, Namibia Etosha National Park is a large national park in Namibia, known for its salt pan, one of the largest in the world. The park has become Namibia's top tourist attraction, with more than 140 000 visitors recorded annually. Beyond the salt pan, Tourists visit Etosha National Park to experience a diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. Unique and incredible things to do: Visit the Etosha salt pan and see the animals that come to drink from the waterholes. Go on a game drive through the Etosha National Park and see wildlife up close. Visit the Okaukuejo waterhole and see the animals that come to drink at night. 18. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa’s proud National Parks,  reputed for hosting arguably the largest population of elephants in the world. If you’re a fan of these giant creatures, you should be visiting South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park in 2024. About 120,000 people visit this park every year. The park is also home to a variety of other impressive wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and buffalo. Things you can’t miss here: Go on a game drive through the Addo Elephant National Park and see elephants up close. Visit the Shamwari Game Reserve, a private game reserve within the Addo Elephant National Park. Take a helicopter safari over the Addo Elephant National Park and see the wildlife from above. 19. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Location: Southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests. Just realized we haven’t talked about Gorillas so far. Thankfully, there’s the Bwindi National Park, which is popular for the 400 Bwindi Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. It is also home to many types of birds and butterflies. Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. Stuff you can’t miss here: Go on a gorilla trekking tour and see mountain gorillas up close. Visit the Mubwindi Swamp, a unique ecosystem within the national park. Take a hike through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and enjoy the stunning scenery. 20. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Location: Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania We’re ending the list with a place that’s known as Africa’s roof – Kilimanjaro. A dormant volcano, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and attracts around 50,000 climbers/hikers each year. As you hike the largest free-standing mountain in the world (20,000 ft), you’ll experience multiple climatic zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic ice cap. Visiting Kilimanjaro is different from hiking other mountains in the world, such as the Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas, because almost every variant of the ecological system is found on the mountain. Not only that, but they are also found in the rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, cultivable lands, and an arctic summit. Did you know? Nearly every climber who has summited Uhuru Peak has recorded his or her thoughts about the accomplishment in a book stored in a wooden box at the top. Activities you can’t miss here: Trek to the summit for a sunrise view. Explore the diverse flora and fauna along the trails. Need help planning your trip to Africa? Check out our Top planning tips for your next trip abroad. Read Also: Maldives’ Luminescent Secret: The Mesmerizing Sea Of Stars! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!