As the sun warms the sand and the sound of crashing waves fills the air, there’s no better time to dive into a captivating book than on a beach vacation. Whether you’re lounging under an umbrella or stretching out on a towel, the perfect beach book can transport you to far-off lands, immerse you in thrilling adventures, or simply whisk you away into the depths of a gripping story.
With 2024 upon us, it’s time to explore the top 20 best beach books that promise to make your sandy retreat an unforgettable literary journey.
Here are 2024’s essential beach reads for every reader:
Begin your beachside adventure with The Seashell Collector, a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and redemption in a quaint coastal town. As protagonist Ellie uncovers the secrets of her family’s past through a collection of seashells, readers are swept away by the beauty of the ocean and the enduring power of familial bonds.
Escape to the vibrant shores of Key West with Island Affair, a steamy romance novel that sizzles under the tropical sun. When a fake relationship between journalist Sara and baseball star Luis turns into something tangible, sparks fly amidst the swaying palm trees and turquoise waters of the Florida Keys.
Settle in for a gripping mystery with The Last Resort, a suspenseful thriller that unfolds on the sun-drenched beaches of Costa Rica. As strangers gather at a luxury resort for a wellness retreat, dark secrets and hidden agendas emerge, leading to a deadly showdown against the backdrop of paradise.
Photo credit: Laura Wells
Delve into the science behind our deep connection to the ocean with Blue Mind by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. Blending personal anecdotes with groundbreaking research, Nichols explores the therapeutic effects of water on the human brain, offering readers a newfound appreciation for the healing power of the sea.
Join an eclectic group of women on a journey of discovery in The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews. When attorney Brooke is tasked with executing the will of eccentric heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick, she uncovers long-buried secrets and forms unlikely friendships amidst the sun-soaked scenery of a Georgia barrier island.
Embrace the ultimate beach read with Emily Henry’s aptly titled novel, Beach Read. When bestselling authors January and Gus find themselves at neighboring beach houses for the summer, they embark on a bet to swap genres and write outside their comfort zones. A witty and heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and second chances ensues.
Prepare to be swept away by a tale of love and destiny in The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo. Set against the backdrop of New York City and the windswept beaches of Montauk, this emotional rollercoaster of a novel follows the interconnected lives of Lucy and Gabe as they grapple with passion, heartache, and the unbreakable bond that binds them together.
Transport yourself to the idyllic shores of Winthrop Island in The Summer Wives, a captivating historical fiction novel by Beatriz Williams. Spanning decades and generations, this tale of love, betrayal, and redemption unfolds against a glamorous island community where secrets lurk beneath the surface of sun-kissed perfection.
Channel your inner mermaid with The Mermaid’s Voice Returns in This One by Amanda Lovelace, the final installment in her empowering “Women Are Some Kind of Magic” poetry series. Through lyrical prose and poignant reflections, Lovelace explores themes of self-love, resilience, and the transformative power of embracing one’s voice.
Lose yourself in the atmospheric marshes of North Carolina with Delia Owens’ bestselling novel, Where the Crawdads Sing. As the mysterious “Marsh Girl” Kya navigates love, loss, and betrayal in the isolated wilderness, readers are spellbound by the haunting beauty of the coastal landscape and the resilience of the human spirit.
Journey into the depths of World War II history with Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, a powerful YA novel inspired by actual events. Set against the backdrop of the Baltic Sea in 1945, this harrowing tale follows four teenagers fleeing war-torn Europe aboard the doomed MV Wilhelm Gustloff, weaving together themes of survival, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry with The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe. As protagonist Cara returns to her family’s beach house to care for her mother, she discovers the healing power of nature and the importance of preserving the coastal environment for future generations.
Dive into the darkly comedic world of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, where suburban drama and seaside intrigue collide in a coastal town in Australia. As a group of women grapple with secrets, lies, and the complexities of motherhood, readers are drawn into a gripping narrative that keeps them guessing until the end.
Step back to the tumultuous summer of 1969 with Elin Hilderbrand’s aptly titled novel, Summer of ’69. Against historical events like the moon landing and Woodstock, the Levin family grapples with love, loss, and change amidst the sun-drenched shores of Nantucket, weaving together a tapestry of interconnected lives and timeless memories.
Embark on a psychedelic journey to a remote beach in Thailand with Alex Garland’s cult classic novel The Beach. As protagonist Richard sets out in search of paradise, he discovers a hidden community of backpackers living off the grid. But paradise comes at a price as tensions escalate and secrets unravel in this thrilling tale of adventure and obsession.
Escape to a magical island sanctuary with The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, a heartwarming fantasy novel that celebrates the power of love and acceptance. When caseworker Linus Baker is sent to evaluate an orphanage for magical children on the remote island of Marsyas, he finds himself drawn into a whimsical world filled with extraordinary creatures and unexpected friendships. As Linus navigates the island’s mysteries and confronts his prejudices, readers are treated to a story of compassion, bravery, and the transformative magic of acceptance.
Enter the shadowy world of academia with Donna Tartt’s mesmerizing novel, The Secret History. Set against the backdrop of a prestigious New England college, this atmospheric thriller follows a group of eccentric students who become entangled in a dark web of secrets, deception, and murder, leading to a shocking climax that will leave readers reeling.
Immerse yourself in Jeju Island’s rich history and culture with Lisa See’s sweeping novel, The Island of Sea Women. Set against the backdrop of Korea’s turbulent 20th century, this mesmerizing tale follows the lifelong friendship of Young-sook and Mi-Ja, two haenyeo (female divers) whose bond is tested by love, loss, and the upheavals of war.
Savor the simple pleasures of summer on a remote Finnish island with Tove Jansson’s timeless classic, The Summer Book. Through a series of vignettes, readers are invited to join six-year-old Sophia and her grandmother as they explore the natural wonders of the island, forging a deep connection with each other and the world around them in this poignant celebration of love, life, and the beauty of the Scandinavian coastline.
Indulge in a delightful romantic comedy with The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. When unlucky-in-love Olive and her sworn enemy Ethan are forced to take their siblings’ honeymoon to Maui, they embark on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure filled with mistaken identities, tropical hijinks, and sizzling chemistry under the Hawaiian sun.
As you pack your beach bag and set off for your sandy retreat, tuck one (or more) of these captivating beach books into your suitcase. From heartwarming romances to gripping thrillers and poignant memoirs to enchanting fantasies, there’s something for every reader to enjoy as they bask in the sun and surf.
So grab your sunglasses, slather on some sunscreen, and get ready to lose yourself in the pages of 2024’s must-read beach books. After all, there’s no better way to spend hours away than with a good book and the soothing sound of the waves. Happy reading!
