St Kilda beach

"Give us the big picture—what's this beach all about? If you visit Melbourne and don't step foot on the St. Kilda sand, were you even there? This landmark is famous for its colorful bathing boxes that make it Insta-famous, but it's also a great spot for walking, rollerblading, wind surfing, and all matter of water sports. There's never a shortage of activity, so if you're looking for something secluded, this isn't the place. But it sure is great for people watching. Lovely. How accessible is it? It's quite easy to reach St. Kilda by public transport or by foot if you're an avid walker. Is it overwhelmingly crowded? There's plenty of public space on the beach. How are the facilities? You'll find heaps of bars and restaurants to enjoy the view with a glass of local wine from the Yarra Valley in hand. Is this the right spot for sunbathing or for splashing around? This is heaven for anyone wanting to indulge in the quintessential Aussie outdoor lifestyle—there' windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing, rollerblading, beach volleyball, jet-skiing and waterskiing. You could lie out, too, but most people are getting in on some sort of action. Excellent. Can we go barefoot? Sure—it's a long, soft sandy stretch that goes on for nearly four miles. Anything else we should know? The water is regularly monitored by the local Environmental Protection Agency, and the quality is always fairly good. The wind can kick up—hence the wind surfers—but all in all, it's a great beach for all levels. Any must-sees? Be sure to check out the multicolored bathing boxes, a charming ode to the olden days when bathing suits were more than dental floss and no one worried about the ozone." - Krista Simmons

"If you visit Melbourne and don't step foot on the St. Kilda sand, were you even there? This landmark is famous for its colorful bathing boxes that make it Insta-famous, but it's also a great spot for walking, rollerblading, wind surfing, and all matter of water sports. There's never a shortage of activity, so if you're looking for something secluded, this isn't the place. But it sure is great for people watching." - Krista Simmons

"Take the 15-minute drive to St. Kilda Beach, which Traveler contributor Maresa Manara likens to Coney Island."