Pacific Park, Santa Monica State Beach, California, United States (© EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/Getty Images)

When the sun clocks out in streaks of orange, pink and purple, Santa Monica, in the United States, goes from laid-back to lit up. Literally. With over 5 kilometres of sand, a historic pier and the Pacific Coast Highway keeping things scenic, this Californian beach is more than just a pretty shoreline. Let's start with the sand. Wide, clean and ready for volleyball or just flopping down with a good book, it's ideal for sunbathers and sandcastle architects alike. And yes, 'Baywatch' was filmed along Santa Monica Bay. Feel free to run in slow motion.