Best Bed: Choices include a Gold List classic: the Halekulani, a century old this year (800-367-2343; halekulani.com; doubles, $405–$635).

Gibson Beach, Sagaponack, New York
Safe swimming, Seldom crowded

The reports of toplessness at Gibson Beach, titillating though they may be, are sadly exaggerated.

Wow Factor: With no amenities of any kind, this wild swath of dunes, surf, and fabulously wealthy homes is one Hamptons beach that attracts more thongs than throngs.

Best Bed: Southampton's tall-hedged, big-lawn Village Latch Inn hits the right notes of grandeur and privilege befitting the area (631-283-2160; villagelatch.com; doubles, $250–$425). For something longer-term, Roy Scheider's beachfront property is reportedly for sale for $18.75 million. Perhaps he's gonna need a bigger house.

Fair Warning: With minimal parking, bicycling is a preferred transport.

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Safe swimming, Seldom crowded

The horses that once ran wild on this low-lying barrier island are now fenced in.

Wow Factor: Unlike the horses, a wide, wild, big-surf beach still runs virtually the entire length of this 16-mile-long stretch in the southernmost section of the 75-mile Cape Hatteras National Seashore (nps.gov).

Best Bed: Skip the beach campgrounds in favor of Ocracoke village, where Captain's Landing delivers harbor views from your private deck (252-928-1999; thecaptainslanding.com; doubles, $200–$260).

Hint: Arrive via the free ferry from Hatteras Island.

South Padre Island, Texas
Safe swimming, Often crowded, Hotel, Cafés/bars, Natural shade

No wonder this barrier-island strand is America's number-one spring break party beach. It's plenty warm by March, and it's legal to drink beer from a keg on the beach.

Wow Factor: You don't need a college degree to recognize that the water here is as clear as any on the Gulf Coast.

Best Bed: The Sheraton is on the beach, with great views, although before making a reservation, ask how the construction work is going (956-761-6551; starwoodhotels.com; doubles, $199–$289).

VENEZUELA
Cayo de Agua, Los Roques
Safe swimming, No crowds

Bring an umbrella and claim your own sandy realm in this sparsely populated archipelago of several hundred small islands—most, unlike Cayo de Agua, unnamed.

Wow Factor: Los Roques has some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean.

Best Bed: The all-inclusive Macanao Lodge will drop guests off for the day at various islands as part of its service (58-212-708-9898; macanaolodge.com; doubles, $380).

Hint: Arrange day-trips from the main—and only inhabited—island, Gran Roque.