The perfect beach vacation has different meaning to different people. While some people may enjoy relaxing under the tropical sun with a cocktail in hand, others might like the thrill and adventure some beach vacation destinations have to offer. Families will be looking for a much different experience. However, there is one common theme that all beach vacation seekers look for, the beach.

Here are some key beach vacation destinations that are sure to satisfy the vast array of beach goers.

If you love nightlife, look no further than South Beach, Miami for the ultimate nightlife beach experience. During the day, this internationally influenced beach sports hot sun, toned bodies and beautiful faces (with the occasional topless sunbather here and there). However, when the sun goes down, the party gets started. The neon lights from the art-deco inspired buildings will be sure to draw you in. Music is pumping from the restaurants and bars to the cars cruising along Ocean Drive.

Venturing away from the U.S. for top nightlife at a beach destination would have to be Cancun, Mexico. Long known to be a top spot for spring breakers, you will never run out of places to go for nightly adventures. One of the longest living and most popular hotspots in Cancun is Carlos n Charlie’s. They serve a wide variety of food with a backdrop of loud music and dancing with an interactive staff that makes sure you have the best time during your beach vacation.

Other great beach vacation destinations for nightlife: South Padre Island, TX, Venice Beach in Los Angeles, CA, Aruba, Phuket, Thailand, Waikiki, HI

Some people prefer their beach vacations to be low key, peaceful and stress free. These folks need to consider some of the more hidden, undiscovered beaches where you don’t have to fight for a small patch of real estate on the sandy beach or deal with traffic coming to and from the area. You’re probably thinking of something in Florida or California but would you even think of the Gulf Coast of Alabama? There’s countless stretches of beach coastline between the borders of Mississippi and Florida and even a small island, Dauphin Island. Orange Beach is by far the busiest of the bunch with its 225 foot long boardwalk and sparkling sand. Then there’s Gulf Shores a short drive away that provides plenty of activities for the whole family while also giving you ample opportunities to just relax and enjoy your beach vacation. Dauphine Island provides two different experiences depending on what side of the island you’re on. If it’s surf you’re after, head to the south side of the island that faces the Gulf of Mexico. For more tranquil and still waters, head to the north side which faces the Mississippi Sound. One activity that is truly a calming experience is fishing, and Dauphine Island provides plenty of fishing spots for the avid angler.

Other great secret beach vacation destinations: Anna Maria Island, FL, Nai Harn Beach in Phuket, Thailand, Ovahe Beach on Easter Island, Bellows Field Beach on Oahu, HI

Ask anyone whether they took a family vacation to the beach when growing up and more than likely the majority would answer yes. Family beach vacations are a typical staple in family life. Pack up the car, the beach chairs and beach balls and drive to the nearest beach. Parents sit and watch the kids frolic in the sand, make sand castles and run fearlessly into the water to splash and play. One beach long known as a family friendly beach vacation is Ocean City, MD. Since the late 1800’s, families have flocked to Ocean City’s boardwalk and beach to experience the wonderful array of food, shops, candy stores and arcades. There is even a mini carnival at the start of the boardwalk complete with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carnival games and more. No Ocean City beach vacation is complete without indulging in Thrashers or Boardwalk Fries, Maryland Blue Crabs, salt-water taffy, Polish ice, funnel cake and mini-golf. If you’re willing to take a short drive away from Ocean City, the kids would love a visit to Assateague Island. The island is home to free roaming horses and great nature trails that you can hike.

Other great family friendly beach vacation destinations: Maui, HI, Destin, FL, Nags Head, NC, Stewart Beach in Galveston, TX, Chincoteague, VA, Pacific Grove, CA

There are thousands of beaches worldwide so there is bound to be one (or a few) that fit your criteria for your next beach vacation. Just take the time to do a little research, find the perfect place to stay and look up all the things to do while you’re there. Be sure to experience the local culture as well as the tourist attractions to get the full experience of your next beach vacation destination.