Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

As famous as the neighborhood with which it shares a name, Ipanema Beach is a favorite summer hang-out for locals and tourists alike. Since it offers so many recreational options, it is not surprising to find this place packed at any given time of the year. Come down to surf or sunbathe and taste some cachaça—a traditional Brazilian drink. Gay-friendly, hip, youthful are some of the common adjectives used to describe this beach. Also popular for picturesque views of Dois Irmãos, this beach is surrounded by a plethora of eateries, shops and flea markets that add up to the long list of reasons that make this place a must-visit.