From the sun-soaked shores of Hawaii to the picturesque beauties of Corfu, TV series often feature breathtaking beaches that become celebrated backdrops, sparking travel dreams for many of us.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best beach travel destinations featured in past or current popular TV series. Whether you’re a drama, romance, or adventure fan, this list will help you plan your next beach vacation.
California’s Most Famous Beaches With The O.C., Dead to Me, and Baywatch
Where better to begin our TV-inspired journey than California—the Golden State where Hollywood dreams are born and binge-worthy legends are made?
The first TV series that will introduce us to the Los Angeles area’s golden beaches is The O.C., a teen drama that originally aired on Fox from 2003 to 2007. The show was mainly set in Newport Beach, with many scenes in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, each place offering its own unique vibe.
Newport Beach captivates with its upscale ambiance, picturesque harbor, and lively boardwalk perfect for strolling and shopping. The area exudes a sophisticated charm with its breathtaking ocean views and multiple restaurants.
The city is home to several gorgeous beaches, including the iconic Balboa Peninsula and the family-friendly Corona del Mar. Surfers, sunbathers, and beachgoers flock to these spots for their beautiful sandy shores and excellent surf conditions. The area is also known for its scenic cliffs and coves.
Just to the northwest, Manhattan Beach is a city that combines a laid-back atmosphere with a trendy dining scene and a famous pier that draws surfers and sunbathers alike. Commonly called “The Pearl of the South Bay”, Manhattan Beach, which was immortalized in the Beach Boys classic Surfin’ USA, is also a great place to walk, run, bike, skate, or skateboard.
The city’s most famous feature is its pristine beach, which stretches for several miles along the Pacific Ocean. The iconic Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot for visitors, offering beautiful ocean views.
Hermosa Beach, known for its vibrant culture and energetic nightlife, is a favorite among locals and visitors seeking fun and a relaxed environment. With its golden sandy beaches, bustling pier, and lively boardwalk, the area is perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and surfing.
The pier, which is a central feature of the beach, provides scenic views of the ocean and is often bustling with locals and visitors. The surrounding area is filled with a lively mix of casual eateries, trendy boutiques, and beachfront bars. The iconic Strand, a long paved path, runs parallel to the beach and is a favorite for cyclists, joggers, and walkers.
Finally, Redondo Beach is another picturesque coastal city in Los Angeles County, just south of Hermosa Beach. One of Redondo Beach’s key attractions is its iconic pier, which extends out over the water and has a variety of shops, restaurants, and family-friendly activities. The pier also has a lively fish market, where you can find fresh catches, making it a great spot for seafood lovers. Nearby, the King Harbor area is filled with yachts and boats, offering a nice backdrop for a stroll or meal at one of the harbor-side restaurants.
In addition to the beach, Redondo Beach boasts Veterans Park and The Esplanade, which provide sweeping views of the coastline and opportunities for picnicking or taking in the scenery. The Strand bike path runs along the beach, connecting it to nearby towns like Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Here’s a list of the top things to do in the area.
The second TV series where California beach scenes were shot is Dead to Me, the three-season Netflix dark tragicomedy broadcast from 2019 to 2022. The series, which is about two grieving women who bond during therapy, was mainly filmed in the city of Laguna Beach.
The show features several scenes of Main Beach, situated right next to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The vigil taking place in episode 7 of the second season was set at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, notable for its wide sandy shore and its proximity to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which offers educational exhibits about local marine life.
The waterfront Malibu Farm Restaurant, owned by Michelle Guttierez (Natalie Morales) in the series, is easily recognizable on the Malibu Pier, a landmark with a rich and fascinating history that offers stunning coastline views. It’s a key spot for fishing, strolling, and dining at nearby restaurants.
The third and last TV series that takes us to California beaches is certainly well-established in the memory of older readers: Baywatch, an American action-drama television series about lifeguards who patrol the beaches of Los Angeles County, California, starring David Hasselhoff. What served as the predominant beach location for Baywatch is Will Rogers State Beach, although some scenes were filmed in Long Beach and Malibu.
Will Rogers State Beach is located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, stretching along the coastline between the Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica, an area where you enjoy great views of the Pacific Ocean. This beach is known for its clean, sandy shores and relatively low-key atmosphere compared to some of the crowded beaches in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the area was greatly affected by the latest fires in the first days of 2025.
Discovering the Enchantment of Guadeloupe in Death in Paradise
Death in Paradise is a British-French crime comedy-drama television series that has been aired on multiple networks since 2011.
The show follows a British detective, initially Richard Poole, who is assigned to investigate a series of murders on a fictional island called Saint Marie. Each episode presents a new case, blending mystery with lighthearted humor and beautiful tropical scenery.
In real life, the fictional island of Saint Marie is anything but fictional, as Guadeloupe, a French archipelago in the Lesser Antilles, has been the stage for the show’s paradise filming destination. Guadeloupe boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including the famous Plage de Grande Anse, with its golden sands and clear turquoise waters, and the black sand beaches like Plage de Malendure.
One of the series’ main features is the detective Poole’s rickety shack, a temporary structure erected on Anse de la Perle beach, located on the northwest coast of Basse-Terre, one of the six islands of Guadeloupe. Anse de la Perle is known for its tranquil, crescent-shaped bay with fine golden sand and clear, calm waters. The beach is lined with coconut palm trees, adding to its tropical charm. It is also close to the town of Deshaies, which offers additional dining options and local markets.
Exploring the Serenity of Oahu, Hawaii, With Lost
If there was a popular series in the 2000s, it was Lost, an American science-fiction adventure drama that aired on ABC from September 22, 2004, to May 23, 2010, with a total of 121 episodes. To give you an example, Lost’s first season had an estimated average of 16 million viewers per episode. The series follows the survivors of a plane crash who find themselves stranded on a mysterious, seemingly deserted island in the South Pacific.
Lost was almost exclusively filmed on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Oahu’s diverse landscapes, from dense jungles to serene beaches, played a crucial role in bringing the show’s storyline to life. For fans, visiting Oahu is like stepping into the world of Lost, with key filming locations like Waimea Valley and Mokuleia Beach providing a surreal experience.
Beyond the show, Oahu offers some of the best beaches in Hawaii, perfect for surfing, snorkeling, or just unwinding in the island’s natural beauty. Make sure to visit the North Shore for its legendary waves or take a hike to the top of Diamond Head for breathtaking views.
Here th are top beaches on the island.
A Wonderful Journey to Corfu, Greece, With The Durrells
The Durrells was a British television series adapted from Gerald Durrell’s autobiographical books, particularly his Corfu Trilogy. The show aired on ITV from 2016 to 2019 and was a charming, comedic drama based on the Durrells’ experiences growing up on the Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s.
This Greek island, located in the Ionian Sea, is renowned for its mix of sandy and pebbly beaches, with some famous for their clear blue waters and others for their picturesque settings. Whether you prefer a bustling beach with facilities or a secluded cove, you’ll find options to suit your needs.
Here’s a full list of the island’s sunny beaches.
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Why settle for just watching your favorite TV series when you can live them out? These stunning beach travel destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with a touch of cinematic magic. From the iconic sands of Malibu to the exotic shores of Hawaii, let your favorite shows guide you to your next beach adventure. Pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to create your own epic story at these iconic TV-inspired beaches!