When given the choice, I would definitely prefer a real, outdoor beach to an indoor one — but given how cool these two indoor beaches are, I’d certainly be willing to visit them frequently!

Seagaia Ocean Dome - by KW Leung

Seagaia Ocean Dome – Miyazaki, Japan

This extraordinary facility boasts the world’s largest indoor water park. It’s 300 meters deep and 100 meters wide. In a country which has mastered the art of virtual reality technology, it’s not surprising that the roof to the Ocean Dome, which is one of the largest retractable roofs in the world, offers bathers an incredibly lifelike looking blue sky, no matter what the weather outside. The air temperature is kept at a constant 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water temperature is kept a beautiful 82 degrees.The waves are big enough for surfers!

There is a real beach less than 1/4 mile from the Ocean Dome, too.

West Edmonton Water Park

World Water Park – West Edmonton Mall, Canada

West Edmonton Mall is huge itself, but the water park inside of it is truly stunning. 5 acres, 17 waterslides and the world’s largest indoor wave pool. The beach here may not be quite as realistic as the Ocean Dome’s, but it’s a huge, awe-inspiring facility that’s fun for the entire family.

Photos: KW Leung, Evin DC