The photos we see of beaches often depict a secluded oasis with bright white sand and glittering waters.
Sadly, though, that's not always what those beaches look like in reality.
The photos below show that while these beaches are undoubtedly beautiful, they're often less perfect than certain images make them seem.
Hawaii's iconic Waikiki Beach looks irresistible when it's lit up and empty at night.
![](http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/58ecffdadd0895d84e8b45a8-400-300/hawaiis-iconic-waikiki-beach-looks-irresistible-when-its-lit-up-and-empty-at-night.jpg)
During the day, though, it's hard to find a speck of sand to yourself among the sea of sunbathing tourists.
![](http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5963e42dbb35032d805ee8b7-400-300/during-the-day-though-its-hard-to-find-a-speck-of-sand-to-yourself-among-the-sea-of-sunbathing-tourists.jpg)
The grass that surrounds Bondi Beach looks very green and lush.
![](http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5963e42dbb35032d805ee8b8-400-300/the-grass-that-surrounds-bondi-beach-looks-very-green-and-lush.jpg)
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