LIFESTYLE Lana Del Rey's 13 Beaches: A 'Lust For Life'-Inspired Guide To The World's Most Luxe Black Sand Shores

"All my black beaches are ruined"

With the release of Lana Del Rey's latest album Lust For Life (Polydor/Interscope), which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for the Aug. 12-dated tally with 107,000 equivalent album units according to Nielsen Music, the singer-songwriter continued her reign as dark pop purveyor, treating fans to high-profile collaborations with the Weeknd (“Lust For Life”), Sean Ono Lennon (“Tomorrow Never Came”), and Steve Nicks (“Beautiful People, Beautiful Problems”), while continuing to push the needle sonically in her winding, genre-bending discography, even making a point to acknowledge the politically f—kery that is the U.S. in 2017.

Despite the dense narrative tropes throughout, the songwriter returns several times to one lyrical allusion – the mythical black sand beach. From "all my black beaches are ruined" on the track "Cherry" to "White lies and black beaches / miles in between us" on "Summer Bummer," featuring A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti, the artist appears transfixed by the noir shorelines as a symbol for love lost. But the most explicit reference in the set? The torch song "13 Beaches." “It took 13 Beaches to find one empty, but finally it’s mine,” the singer coos over suspended synths, adding “It hurts to love you, but I still love you, it’s just the way I feel.”



In reality, black sand beaches derive from a number of different geological sources: from neighboring volcanoes, or the drift after powerful storms and days or weeks of high energy surf. Fitting then that the songwriter finds herself compelled by the natural complexity these sites possess, with the dramatic, film noir-tinged seaside references rumored to be inspired by her break-up with film director/photographer Francesco Carrozzini, who helmed her "West Coast" video (filmed on Marina del Rey's Dockweiler Beach in California back in 2014). And after his engagement (and recent nuptials) to Anna Wintour's daughter Bee Shaffer, it’s no wonder LDR was feeling a bit nostalgic during the album’s production.

Below, Billboard takes a trip around the world to round-up the globe's 13 most renowned black sand beaches that would serve as the perfect backdrop for Lana's latest summertime sadness anthems.

1. Prince William Sound Black Sand Beach, Alaska

Sea kayakers bound to this gorgeous ¼ mile campsite surrounded by glaciers and mountains, where icebergs are frequently found stranded on the sand.

A post shared by Chris Fairley (@chrisfairleyphotography) on Aug 16, 2017 at 6:34am PDT

2. Lost Coast Black Sand Beach - Shelter Cove, Calif.

This large 3.5 mile stretch of coastline is 45 miles south of Eureka in Northern, Calif., just north of Shelter Cove, and a nearly 10 hour jaunt from LDR’s homebase of Los Angeles.

A post shared by Austin Hawley (@aust.ography) on Aug 16, 2017 at 5:43pm PDT

3. Blacks Beach, San Diego, Calif.

Hailed as America’s most-visited nude beach, “Blacks” is a two mile long (and as wide as 60 ft. at low tide) shore located in the Torrey Pines State Beach, in La Jolla, San Diego. But visitors be warned – keep the clothes-optional recreation to the boundary signs and be sure to cover up if you venture past them.

A post shared by Igor-Trieste-Italy (@igortergeste) on Apr 18, 2017 at 6:53pm PDT

4. Fort Funston Beach, San Francisco, Calif.

The southernmost beach on the Pacific coast of San Fran, this hand-glider friendly haven features 200-foot high sandy bluffs, and is best known for its magnetic sand and strong currents, so avoid the plunge and bring your pup, as it doubles as a popular dog park.

A post shared by Collin Daybell (@jakofalltrade) on Aug 12, 2017 at 5:32pm PDT

5. Playa Negra, Vieques

On the southern shore of the island neighboring Puerto Rico, locals tout this black sand shore as the must-hit spot on the island, though with its rough tide, it’s really more of a hiking destination than a place for some quiet LDR-style reflection.

A post shared by Stefano Palummieri (@parabras) on Aug 17, 2017 at 1:49pm PDT

6. Anse Chastanet Beach, St. Lucia

Thanks to the isle’s volcanic origin, this stunning palm tree-lined stretch -- part of a marine reservation -- is a prime snorkeling destination.

A post shared by ANSE CHASTANET (@ansechastanet) on Aug 17, 2017 at 7:47am PDT

7. Vík í Mýrdal Beach, Iceland

Iceland’s very small village Vík í Mýrdal (roughly 300 inhabitants) a.k.a. Vik is framed by a long black volcanic sand shore that faces the open Atlantic Ocean. It also includes a rock formation known as Reynisdrangar, which – legend says – were formed when trolls attempted to drag ships ashore.

A post shared by Manu (@manuelcampolopez) on Aug 18, 2017 at 2:25am PDT

8. Jökulsárlón Beach, Iceland

This natural wonder of Iceland translates to “Glacier River Lagoon,” and is a large glacial lake on the edge of Vatnajokull National Park. The site’s icebergs move with the tide and are seen in two shades – milky white and bright blue.

A post shared by Joel DePriest (@joeldepriest) on Jan 10, 2017 at 12:19pm PST

9. Kamari Beach, Santorini, Greece

A few minutes by the island’s city of Thira, the shoreline’s famed black volcanic sand is accentuated by an enormous rock called Mesa Vouno, and is a swimming and water sport destination.

A post shared by --ExploretheWORLD-- (@elora.theexplorer) on Aug 15, 2017 at 6:04am PDT

10. Papeete, Point Venus, Tahiti

Captain James Cook observed the transit of the planet Venus here in 1769 -- hence the name -- which also marks Tahiti’s northernmost point. The peninsula is covered with ironwood trees and is roughly 1.25 miles from the road.

A post shared by @koacramer on Jun 29, 2017 at 8:40pm PDT

11. Black Sand Beach, Wai?anapanapa State Park, Maui

Wai’anapanapa’s black shore is actually made of small pebbles, and the waters attract jellyfish and Portuguese man o war, so swim at your own risk.

A post shared by Rachel Elizabeth (@vaude_villian) on Aug 5, 2017 at 3:56pm PDT

12. Piha Beach, Auckland region, New Zealand

On the rugged coast of Auckland, the dramatic coastline’s main attraction is its striking cliffs. Despite its strong, dangerous current, the laid back kiwi haven is a surfing hot-spot.

A post shared by Malaysia Airlines Berhad (@malaysiaairlines) on Jul 25, 2017 at 8:40pm PDT

13. Miho no Matsubara, Shizuoka, Japan

This scenic pine-tree lined shore offers World Heritage list-approved views of Mount Fuji and is a beloved cultural landmark with nearly 4 miles of breathtaking visuals, and plenty of artists attempting to capture the sight in all its glory.