Beaches splashed across social media often paint a picture of swaying palms and perfect sands, but the lived experience can be quite different. A Cloudwards study delving into thousands of Tripadvisor reviews, reveals a list of beaches that spark the most traveler complaints, citing common problems like overcrowding, less-than-ideal cleanliness, constant noise, and frustratingly long waits. Let's take a look at the ten beaches where visitors frequently voice their disappointments, showing a less-than-perfect side of these well-known spots. Brought to you by Tourism Review.
TOP TEN BEACHES WITH THE MOST TRAVELER COMPLAINTS
Laura Loss
- Jun 30, 2025
1/ Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, USA
Waikiki Beach, an Oʻahu landmark, tops the list with a complaint score hitting 100. The real problem? Overcrowding. Around two-thirds of negative reviews mention the sheer density of the crowds, making relaxation tough. The beach’s popularity draws a lot of people, leaving little room to unwind.
2/ Venice Beach, California, USA
Venice Beach, famous for its bustling boardwalk, often gets negative feedback concerning cleanliness. About 60% of complaints mention trash and an unpleasant urine smell. Add in crowded sidewalks and a generally gritty feeling, and you have a less-than-ideal experience for many visitors.
3/ Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Playa Manuel Antonio, set within a stunning national park, sees its beauty hampered by long lines, the result of high visitor traffic. Accessing the beach through the park means extra waiting, a real frustration for those wanting a smooth beach visit.
4/ Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA
The white sands of Clearwater Beach draw in plenty of tourists, which unfortunately leads to overcrowding, particularly during peak times. Long waits for parking spots and even the food stalls add to the annoyance, overshadowing what makes the beach attractive in the first place.
5/ Bournemouth Beach, England, UK
More than half the reviews of Bournemouth Beach focus on overcrowding, describing towels placed tightly together. The often-unpredictable English weather adds another layer of potential disappointment, although a reality that should be expected when visiting a UK beach.
6/ La Jolla Cove, California, USA
This cove, not far from San Diego, gets marked down for litter, packed walkways, and a smell that some attribute to animal waste. While the resident sea lions are a hit with some, they can't entirely make up for the less pleasant aspects of the experience.
7/ Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonissi, with its signature pink sand and shallow lagoon, draws a crowd; almost three-quarters of traveler complaints are about overcrowding. Many visitors find it hard to simply find a place to put their towel down, which really hurts the beach's otherwise great reputation.
8/ Magens Bay Beach, US Virgin Islands
Even Caribbean islands aren't immune. At Magens Bay, high visitor numbers result in long entry lines, often disappointing folks hoping for a more exclusive, peaceful feel. The number of tourists can sometimes overwhelm the natural beauty on offer.
9/ Bondi Beach, Australia
Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach is plagued by overcrowding, with limited space available near the water. Noise, together with significant waits for parking and restroom facilities, also annoy tourists, dulling the appeal of this globally renowned location.
10/ Maho Beach, Sint Maarten
Maho Beach, known for planes flying incredibly low overhead, ends up generating noise, sandstorms, and fuel smells. While amazing for photographers, it can be a source of irritation for those just seeking a tranquil spot, thus securing its place on this list.
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