Thrillist

Some of Mexico’s best beach towns dot both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and not only come with idyllic, ‘grammable shorelines, but have first-rate accommodations, bars, and restaurants to match. These are the beaches that put Mexico on the tourist map -- pick any one of them for a care-free trip to a beach dreamland.

Screw the Virgin Galactic waiting list. Richard Branson’s space port in the New Mexican desert may finally be gearing up to slingshot high rollers into space, but for down-to-earth astro-nerds like us, 2019 is all about “The Great South American Eclipse” and its path of totality across a particular region in Chile: the Elqui Valley.

America is turning 243 this July Fourth and, as usual, we’ll be celebrating with parades, festivals, pyrotechnics in the night sky, and consuming 150 million hot dogs (seriously).

Clear your mind and picture the perfect beach. There’s probably a bustling boardwalk -- with the requisite Ferris wheel and hot dog stand -- while the signs of an endless summer are everywhere: flip-flops and sun burns, half-finished sand castles and a kaleidoscope of umbrellas. The air is fresh and salty, and the overall vibe can only be described as “chill.”