The 12 Most Filmed Beaches on the Planet That Hollywood Loves
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For centuries, natural landscapes around the globe have provided the perfect settings for movies. Iconic movies like Jurassic Park, James Bond, and Harry Potter wouldn’t be the same without their breathtaking scenery. However, arguably, the world’s beaches make the best filming locations.
The allure of pristine white sand beaches lined with palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters has always captured the imaginations of movie buffs worldwide. However, some beaches are more iconic than others. With that in mind, here are 12 of the most filmed beaches in the world. These beaches have appeared in more films than others and are known for being featured in the biggest movies.
Venice Beach, California
According to a report in the Independent, Venice Beach is the second-most filmed location in the world, behind New York’s Central Park. One of the first films ever filmed at the beach was “Never Again” in the 1910s. Since then, the beach has featured in more than 150 movies, including big hits like “Barbie,” “Baywatch,” and “Once Upon a Time in Venice.”
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However, while this southern California beach offers a glorious stretch of golden sand perfect for filming, most movie scenes featuring the beach are filmed on the Venice Boardwalk. This two-mile-long boardwalk offers epic coastal views and is lined with quaint stores and lively restaurants, making it an ideal filming location.
Read also: Top Exotic Beaches in the World
Laughing Waters Beach, Jamaica
Laughing Waters Beach was the filming location for one of the most iconic movie scenes in film and television history. In 1962, this beautiful white sand beach was used to film the famous Honey Ryder scene from the James Bond film Dr. No. In the scene, Honey Ryder emerges from the sea in a white bikini, holding a large knife, and meets 007 for the first time.
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The scene was so iconic that film tourism exploded in the area, with thousands of tourists visiting the beach every year just to see where the scene was filmed. The beach is relatively small, but its serene appearance is spectacular and well worth visiting.
Read also: Top Hidden Beaches in the World
Cow Beach, Massachusetts
In 1974, a young Steven Spielberg arrived on Martha’s Vineyard Island in Massachusetts to film the first Jaws movie. One of the island’s beaches, Cow Beach, would go on to be the filming location for one of the most legendary movie scenes in history. Cow Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped stretch of white sand that’s quiet and secluded, making it the ideal filming location for a horrifying scene.
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Cow Beach is seen at the film’s start when Chrissie Watkins takes her last swim. Her death is the first shark attack in the movie, so the scene is featured on most movie posters and merchandise.
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Kastani Beach, Greece
Kastani Beach is a short white-sand beach on the island of Skopelos in the western Aegean Sea. Despite being relatively small, this beach has been featured in several films, the most popular being Mamma Mia. Stars like Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, and Meryl Streep have all stepped on this small slice of paradise.
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As if the crystal-clear blue waters and secluded nature of the beach aren’t enough, Kastani Beach is also lined by a dense pine forest that reaches the edge of the shoreline. There isn’t much to do at the beach, but that’s the beauty of it. Enjoy a relaxed day sunbathing, strolling, and swimming.
Read also: Best Greek Island Beaches
Bondi Beach, Australia
Offering long stretches of white sand, reliable surfing waves, beautiful swimming spots, and countless amenities, Bondi Beach in Sydney is arguably the most iconic beach in Australia, and with good reason. Just over a mile long and wide (one kilometer), Bondi Beach has appeared in many popular movies, including “Anyone But You,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and “The Fall Guy.”
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Also featured in popular TV shows, such as “Bondi Rescue” and “The Real Housewives of Sydney,” Bondi Beach is the perfect place to spend an entire day. When you’re not relaxing on the sand, swimming in the sea, or surfing, kick back at a beachfront bar with a cold beer.
Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean
Santa Monica Bay, California
Another popular filming location along the southern California coast is Santa Monica Bay. One of the most-filmed locations in the Los Angeles area, the bay is best known for its long sandy beaches, lively boardwalks, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier. According to IMDB, Santa Monica Bay currently has over 300 movie and TV credits, including “Forrest Gump,” “Iron Man,” and “Baywatch.”
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For tourists, Santa Monica Bay offers a plethora of exciting things to do. You can spend time at the beach sunbathing and surfing, visit the amusement park on Santa Monica Pier, keep fit at one of the beachside fitness centers, and so much more.
Read also: Underrated Tropical Vacation Destinations
Copacabana Beach, Brazil
Millions of tourists travel to Rio de Janeiro annually to experience the breathtaking beach of Copacabana and its lush surroundings. It’s approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long and has a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, ideal for a relaxing vacation. However, Copacabana is also famous for its black-and-white marble mosaic pavement and gorgeous backdrop, which Sugarloaf Mountain dominates.
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These factors and Brazil’s favorable climate make it a world-class filming location. As such, the beach has been featured in almost 100 movies and TV shows, including “The Amazing Race,” “Moonraker,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “The Man From Rio.”
Read also: Hidden Beaches in the Caribbean
Maya Bay, Thailand
Maya Bay is a secluded tropical cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystalline blue waters. Prized for its beautiful scenery, Maya Bay was already a big hit with travelers, but its popularity skyrocketed when Hollywood arrived.
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In 2000, Leonardo Decaprio arrived in Maya Bay to film “The Beach,” which made more than $100 million at the box office. After that, hordes of tourists descended upon the cove by boat, wanting to glimpse the iconic beach and swim in the warm waters. The bay has also featured in other movies and TV shows, for example, “Cutthroat Island,” but none have been as successful as “The Beach.”
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South Beach, Florida
A glamorous enclave of Miami Beach, South Beach is a popular beach destination day and night. During the day, you can enjoy sunshine, soft golden sands, and warm and clear water. For some respite from the heat, you can perch under a palm tree in the parks that line the beach or stop by one of the beachfront restaurants. The sidewalks come to life at night, with partygoers hitting up the best bars and nightclubs.
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In film and TV, South Beach has more than 100 filming credits. IMDB reports that the beach has been featured in “Scarface,” “Bad Boys,” “There’s Something About Mary,” and “Transporter 2.”
Read also: Gorgeous Coastal Gems of the US
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach offers a lovely stretch of golden sand lined with lush palm trees and gorgeous turquoise waters. However, the beach is most easily recognized in film and TV, thanks to the high-rise hotels that line the shoreline. Movie buffs often recognize Rainbow Tower before anything else.
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Popular movies and TV shows Waikiki Beach has featured include “Hawaii 5-0,” “Godzilla,” “Magnum PI,” and “Pig Eyes.” Other areas surrounding the beach also appear on TV and in films. These include the vibrant Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu Zoo, and Kuhio Beach Park. With so much to see and do on or around Waikiki Beach, visitors can easily spend a week’s vacation here.
Read also: Hidden Beaches in the US
The Seven Sisters, England
The Seven Sisters are a series of sea cliffs on the English Channel coast in East Sussex. Likened to the White Cliffs of Dover, the beach in front of the cliffs is one of the most filmed locations in the United Kingdom. The expansive stretch of pebble beach with the backdrop of these monumental cliffs above it creates a stunning scene.
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Some of the most famous films and TV shows filmed at Seven Sisters include “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” If you visit the Seven Sisters beach, don’t forget your camera. The views you’ll encounter as you walk along the coastline are spectacular.
Read also: Scenic Beach Towns in Europe
Matira Beach, Bora Bora
The final beach on our list is Matira Beach in Bora Bora. Bora Bora is a tiny South Pacific island in French Polynesia. The Island is best known for its mind-blowing landscape, scenic white sand beaches, clear waters, and overwater luxury bungalows. The best beach on the island is Matira Beach.
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A popular snorkeling and diving spot, Matira Beach is a beautiful white sand beach with warm turquoise waters and palm trees. Here, a wide range of popular movies has been filmed. Examples include “Couples Retreat,” “xXx,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” Bora Bora is ideal if you’re keen to visit famous filming locations but want to visit somewhere more relaxed and quiet.
Read also: Top US Summer Destinations
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