Our Favorite Beach Destinations (to help cope with the end of summer)
Author: Makenna Taylor-Gonzalez
Now that summer is basically over (cue the tears) we decided to put together a list of some of our favorite, digital-nomad friendly beach cities around the world, where you can pretend it’s still summer and get some work done, if you must.
What’s stopping you from enjoying summer all year long? Nothing. We compiled a list of beachy oases from all over the globe. These perfect beach cities are more than just sand, palm trees and sounds of the ocean. Whether you’re looking for gorgeous white sand and aqua water, or your next destination to get some work done, here is a list of some of our favorite cities that perfectly combine paradise and productivity, in no particular order.
First up is Phuket, Thailand (there should be no surprise here). Phuket is not only known for its beautiful scenery and stunning beaches but also as quite the tourist destination. To get the most out of Phuket, Nomadic Matt gives some great advice: “You’ll find great beaches and amazing activities on this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the over-development and crowds. Phuket draws a lot of tourists, and if you really want to enjoy the area, get out of the main spots.” The city has beautiful beaches in the morning and a vibrant nightlife in the evening; with a relatively low monthly cost-of-living, Phuket can be a great place to get work done in paradise, as long as you’re willing to get out of the main city and explore!
San Juan is the capital and largest city in Puerto Rico with a population of about 395,000. It is home to one of the best harbors and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Why make the move to San Juan?
- The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, which means that as a U.S. Citizen, you can relocate with relatively no hassle!
2. BEACHES! Seriously though, there is a beach for everyone. Check out this list from Abroad Dreams:
- Do you like long walks on unobstructed, sandy beaches? — check out Luquillo and its 12 miles of shore.
- Are you a surfing enthusiast? — visit Rincón and its world-class surf beaches.
- Do you want to dive or snorkel? — how about visiting Mona Island, Caja de Muertos, or Vieques? Where the fish have amazing colors and octopuses, turtles, and rays are common.
- Are you looking for the perfect picturesque and unique spot, perhaps with a little rock to add some interest? — check out Cabo Rojo or Isabela. Puerto Rico is regularly featured in professional photography magazines because it is such a beautiful island.
So what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now and start your new life living and working in paradise.
Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. It is the center of government, transportation, and commerce for the state, home to a population of nearly one million people as well as Hawaii’s best-known tourist destination, Waikiki Beach. The majority of visitors to Hawaii enter through this city, meaning this is definitely not the place to go for a “get-away-from-it-all” Hawaiian vacation — It is fast-paced and dynamic, however Honolulu still has the charm of the Islands’ laid-back atmosphere and culture. Not to mention one of our favorite coworking spots, The BoxJelly, is located here, so hop on a plane and get working!
Rio de Janeiro, famous for its breathtaking landscape, laid back beach culture and annual carnival, is considered a popular “workation” destination for nomads and tourists, alike. It’s natural beauty speaks for itself, however, if you’re looking for particularly breathtaking views make sure to check out Sugarloaf Mountain as well as the famous 125 ft-tall, Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer which is awe-inspiring as it looks over the people of Rio. Once you’re done tanning on the beach or soaking up local flavor, you can get some work done at one of these 15 coworking locations! With a reasonable cost of accommodation, about $753 a month for a one bedroom in the city center, there is almost no excuse to not run down to Rio.
Bari is the capital city of the Apulia (Puglia) region. Located on the Adriatic Sea, it is the second most important economic center of Southern Italy after Naples. Bari is made up of different urban sections: to the north, the old town sits on the peninsula between two modern harbors;
to the south is the modern heart of the city, or Murat quarter, with a promenade on the sea and the major shopping district (Via Sparano and Via Argiro). There is something here for everyone: rich history, Italian food, and of course Bari’s beaches, which boast the teal-colored waters of the Adriatic Sea, truly an Italian paradise. Bari is a great (and significantly less expensive) alternative to the more well-known Italian beach destinations of Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast. And honestly, Bari’s teal waters and limestone cliffs might even put it in first.
Barcelona is located on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain. This beautiful city is full of what European cities are known for: outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums and churches, and is fantastic for walking or hopping on the extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destinations. The center of town, focused around the Ciutat Vella (“Old City”), provides days of enjoyment for those looking to experience the heart of Barcelona. And for those looking to get away from the heat, Barcelona’s beaches provide sun and relaxation during the long periods of agreeably warm weather. There is no shortage of cafes, bookstores, or spots to get some work done, in fact, Barcelona is home to one of our favorite coworking spots, Talent Garden Barcelona!
Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khánh Hòa Province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. Known for its beaches and scuba diving, Nah Trang has become a popular destination for international tourists, backpackers, nomads, as well as Vietnamese tourist and more affluent travelers on the Southeast Asia circuit. Not only is the Nha Trang Bay widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful, the city is home to a number of WiFi-friendly cafes and fun spots to get work done. Nha Trang is also home to the Sea Festival which happens every other year, and is coming up in June of 2017, so book your tickets now and get ready to experience the beautiful beaches and culturally rich atmosphere!
Cape Town is widely considered one of the most unique cities, known for both its natural beauty and deep-rooted cultural history. Andrew Evans, a fellow digital nomad and writer for National Geographic, said it best: “Cape Town is a city of travelers for travelers and I confess I feel quite at home here–perhaps that’s because the whole world is at home here. Part of the strange magic of Cape Town is that it’s a world-class city surrounded by out-of-this-world nature.” Not only is this city full of expressive art, colonial architecture, and innovative eateries, Cape Town is wedged between the Table Mountain and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans with house beautiful beaches, not to mention some of the best scuba diving in the world. If you’re looking to get some work done in between exploring, here are some awesome coworking locations that will not disappoint: the relaxed and professional, Twenty Fifty, the sleek and modern, №80 Hout Street, and one of our favorites, the fun, start-up friendly, Cape Town Garage.
Located at the southwestern corner of the coastal province of British Columbia, Vancouver is hardly ever talked about without mentioning its majestic natural beauty. The city is nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and while Vancouver might be on the more expensive side, it is frequently ranked as one of the “best cities to live in”. Additionally, Vancouver is one of the rare places where you can (theoretically) ski in the mountains, windsurf in the ocean, and play a round of golf in one day. Surrounded by water on three sides and crowned by the North Shore mountains, Vancouver is a great destination, as well a great starting point for discovering the area’s many outdoor activities. So kick back and relax on the beach or explore the exciting and lively city and don’t forget to get some work done, (maybe even at one of our favorite coworking spaces!) With two locations, one in Mt. Pleasant and one in Kitsilano, there’s no excuse to A) not get work done or B) not to visit Vancouver.
We hope you enjoyed some of our favorite beach destinations! If you didn’t see your favorite spot, let us know and visit us online!
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