Planning a beach vacation? Just returning from one? No matter the reason for your beach obsession, you'll love our compilation of the best live cams that will transport you to some of the world's most exotic beaches. Picture yourself in these lovely locales, toes in the sand and a cold drink in your hand.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
With its long, wide stretch of golden sand and crashing Atlantic waves, Myrtle Beach is a major draw for more than just raucous Spring Breakers. This beach cam gives you a great view of the mile-long Boardwalk as well as the sweeping beachfront and a few palm trees. Bonus: this cam includes sound, so you'll feel like you're in the middle of the action.
2. Miami Beach, Florida
Hundreds of beachgoers can be seen lounging all day on Miami Beach's white sands. And who can blame them – if you were there, you'd do the same, right? This beach cam gives you a wide, open view of this South Florida hotspot, including its swath of light sand and heavenly turquoise water. Want a more close-up look? Use the buttons to pan and zoom.
3. Ka'anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Enjoy incredible views of Maui's oh-so-blue water and the pristine beachfront of ever-popular Ka'anapali Beach with this live beach cam brought to you by the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort.
From this vantage point, you can see swaying palms, waves crashing ashore and the slope of the island of Lanai in the distance. By controlling the camera, you can get intimate views of nearby Black Rock, the grounds of the Westin, and close-ups of the beach.
If you're tuning in at the right time from December to May, you might even spot humpback whales.
4. Venice Beach, California
This live beach cam, perched in lively Venice Beach at a sidewalk cafe, is probably the most fun to watch. Besides offering consistently sunny scenery, Venice Beach is swarming with activity. Control the camera to see the skate park, the bike path, the graffiti pit, or one of three vantage points along the oceanfront promenade.
Choose the magic "See Who is Playing" option in the drop-down menu to catch views of sidewalk performers.
5. Las Canteras Beach, Canary Islands
Known as a top-notch urban beach in the city of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, Las Canteras Beach is every bit as beautiful as it is energetic.
Thanks to this live beach cam, you can watch vacationers stroll along the beachfront promenade, and see the glistening water and mountains in the distance. Put on the full-screen for the full effect.
Also, check out the time-lapse feature if you happened to tune in after the daylight hours.
6. Palm Beach, Florida
This window to the Southeast Florida resort town of Palm Beach features some tempting pieces of vacation eye-candy: a pristine pool, tons of tall palms and a steady supply of waves rolling in from the sea.
Listen closely – a symphony of soothing sounds adds to the tropical scenery. This volume on this cam is adjustable, so turn it up and enjoy the real-time views.
7. Greenyard Bulabog Beach in Boracay Island, Phillippines
For a truly exotic armchair beach experience, tune into this beach cam, which takes you to a peaceful, secluded beach in Boracay Island, south of Manila.
Winds are strong on Greenyard Bulabog Beach, making it a great place for kitesurfing. But long walks on the beachfront seem to be the most popular activity, judging by the number of people who stroll past the camera.
Give the time-lapse view a try to see the beach's activity throughout the day.
8. Thongtakian Beach, Ko Samui, Thailand
The breathtaking beaches of Thailand are not easily within reach for most of us. Soak up the aquamarine waters and lush mountain landscape of Thongtakian Beach in Ko Samui, from the comfort of home (or wherever you are).
The Crystal Bay Beach Resort offers this lovely view of the beach, but you can scroll through the cams to get views of the island from other nearby properties.
9. Meads Bay, Anguilla
Ever dream of getting stranded on a secluded island? Anguilla, a tiny member of the Leeward Islands on the edge of the Caribbean, might just be the perfect place to get stuck for a while.
This beach cam introduces you to Meads Bay, an exclusive spot named the best beach by U.S News & World Report. This is beach luxury at its best – plain and simple!
10. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Get a clear view of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which slices run through the most popular resort, hotel and restaurant area in this bustling beach town.
Watch long enough and you'll see seagulls fly past, bikers ride by, boats in the distance and families enjoying leisurely days in the sun and sand. Virginia Beach is no boring beach town, and this is no boring beach cam.
11. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
When you think of immaculate beachfronts and endless blue water on the horizon, Delaware may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But check out this beach cam and you'll be impressed by the view of this charming coastal town.
From this vantage point, you can get views of the ocean, the wide stretch of clean beach and the ever-popular Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Choose full-screen view to maximize the experience.
12. Ponta Negra Beach, Brazil
The former fishing town of Ponta Negra is now a beachfront paradise and bustling neighborhood in Natal, Brazil. To get there from North America would be a staggering, expensive flight.
Until you can afford it, indulge in views of this pretty beach from the Praia Azul Motel.
