RUN FOR THE SUN: 20 Best Beaches
FEATURE 20 BEST BEACHES
WORDS BY JENNIFER PLUM AUVIL
Whether you want to party hard or rest and recover, there’s a perfect beach for you.
1.BEST SCENE SOUTH BEACH, FLORIDA
It’s hard to say what keeps visitors flocking to Miami—is it the divine beaches or the hot-rocking nightlife? Both are pretty spectacular. Either way, South Beach continues to reign supreme as one of Florida’s most popular destinations. By day, the beach is lined with sunbathers in the tiniest bikinis showing off their tanned bodies and toned abs. At sundown, the masses leave the beach to retire to their rooms for a siesta before preparing for another late night. The South Beach scene doesn’t pick up again until close to 11pm when the beautiful and well-connected slip behind the velvet ropes into the trendiest clubs in town. Bring your camera phone as celebrities abound, if you can smooth-talk your way into a VIP room. MIAMI
2.MOST ROMANTIC CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA
The ferry ride may take only 40 minutes, but Cumberland Island is worlds away. One of the country’s true beach escapes, the island is so remote that there is no transportation, no stores and only one hotel, the Greyfield Inn. Privacy is guaranteed, as there are very few daily guests to the island, making this a great pick for honeymooning couples and lovebirds looking for some quiet time. Animal lovers will be happy to find that the wild horses, deer, bobcats, armadillos and birds far outnumber the people taking advantage of the deserted beaches, salty marshes and lush seaside forests. JACKSONVILLE
3.BEST NATURAL SITES ST. ANDREWS, FLORIDA
Panama City Beach has garnered quite the reputation as a spring break hotspot, which can be a positive or negative depending on what side you’re on. But don’t write off this beach as just for the college kids just yet. The beach at St. Andrews State Park is one of the finest in the state. This 1,000-acre parcel of state beach is framed by swaying sea oats and rolling sand dunes. The excitement at this end of the beach is more likely to involve an alligator sighting than a bikini contest, but the choice is yours. PENSACOLA/GULF COAST
4. BEST IN NEW ENGLAND COAST GUARD BEACH, CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS
It’s no wonder that Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod is often called “The Great Beach”—its string of protected beaches covers 40 miles from Chatham to Provincetown. With six swimming beaches, families and thrill-seekers alike are sure to find their own favorite outpost. The water can be wild with big waves and fast-moving surf, making the watchful lifeguards essential during the crowded summer months. The lifeguards may protect swimmers from the churning waves, but they can’t do anything about the cold Atlantic waters. Even in the summer months, the ocean temperatures hover around a frigid mid-60 degrees Fahrenheit. But just think, the colder the water, the tastier that big bowl of chowder is going to be once back on dry land. BOSTON
5.BEST BREAK OF THE KEYS BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK, FLORIDA
The Florida Keys have a wild and flamboyant reputation to uphold—Key West is known for its dual personality of laidback living and wild nights. However, the one thing that Key West is missing is a great beach. It’s a good thing that Bahia Honda State Park is close in the quieter and tamer Lower Keys. Here, the wildest things going on are the unusual birds swooping down to find a snack near the shore. This beach is a great place to escape Key West’s bacchanalia and is one of Florida’s best outposts for snorkeling or diving. A quick boat ride out into the deep waters brings divers up close to beautiful reefs and schools of tropical fish. MIAMI
6.BEST SHELLING LOVERS KEY STATE PARK, FLORIDA
To reach this barrier island beach, you need to hop onboard the complimentary tram that runs from the parking lot through the mangrove forest to the pristine white beach. Bring along a bucket—this 2.5 mile stretch of pearly sand is a shell seeker’s paradise. Just remember the rules of shelling and make sure that there’s nothing living in your shell collection. You would hate to uproot any hermit crabs or other shellbound critters from this perfect seaside home. FT. MYERS
7.BEST HIDDEN BEACH GRAYTON BEACH STATE PARK, FLORIDA
Every year it seems that Grayton Beach tops another “best beaches” list, yet somehow manages to maintain its secluded atmosphere. The pure white sand on this Panhandle beach is fine and powdery, and the blue-green water is perfect for swimming. Each summer, hordes of sea turtles waddle up the sandy shores to lay their eggs in the protected dunes. The real draw might be the coastal nature trail that winds through a forest of scrub oaks, pines and magnolias. It’s easy to get swept away into nature’s display at Grayton Beach, which makes a campsite at the nearby Western Lake a great option for visitors who just can’t bring themselves back to reality. PENSACOLA/GULF COAST
8.BEST FAMILY SPOT HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
History buffs can head to Savannah or Charleston for a healthy dose of the South’s past and old-time tales. Visitors with a beach agenda can travel a little further and cozy into a beach chair at Hilton Head Island’s beach. The resorts on this beach exude a sophisticated Old South gentility with enough stately mansions, Spanish moss and sloping magnolia trees to make Scarlett O’Hara feel right at home. The sand is hard-packed and firm, just right for a game of handball, and the waves are just rough enough to promise some good body surfing. The beach’s biggest competition is the island’s network of world-class golf courses—few golf enthusiasts can resist the manicured greens and the chance to get in a few holes, even if that means leaving the beach for a few hours. SAVANNAH/HILTON HEAD
9.MOST AFFORDABLE SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA
A vacation in Florida can be a reality without blowing the family’s entire budget. Sure, many of the state’s most popular resorts come with hefty bills, but vacationing families have lots of options for laidback, less expensive, yet still memorable beach getaways. Sarasota’s public beach at Siesta Key has a big parking lot for day trippers, picnic tables and a whole lot of sparkly white sand—all of the makings for a great family holiday. SARASOTA/BRADENTON
10.BEST BEACH VOLLEYBALL HERMOSA CITY BEACH, CALIFORNIA
It’s no wonder that all of those LA starlets are always so fit and glowing. With Hermosa City Beach practically in their front yard, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, rollerblading and working on that tan. A highlight at Hermosa Beach is The Strand—the long stretch of paved boardwalk that is always buzzing with activity. And the surf isn’t the only thing on this beach—both professional and amateur volleyball players can be found setting, serving and spiking during some intense games of beach volleyball. LOS ANGELES (LAX)
11.BEST SURFING HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
The surf is always up on Huntington Beach, where visitors can live out their “OC” fantasies. Newbies can keep their feet firmly planted on the Huntington Beach Pier and watch the surfers twist and curl as they ride the waves up to the shore. The more adventurous who want to catch a wave themselves can enroll in one of the beach’s many surf schools. But don’t let the nickname fool you—there is plenty to do in “Surf City USA” other than “hanging ten.” The young and hip residents flock to the beach for volleyball, roller blading and sunbathing. This beach is so hot that even the wildlife returns to check out the scene—each year, the silvery grunion fish return to the shores to lay their eggs. Sport fishers and curious onlookers alike gather on the beach during the full moon tides from March to August to catch a handful of these slippery fish. LOS ANGELES (LAX)
12.BEST ESCAPE BALD HEAD ISLAND, NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina has a plethora of beachy vacation spots, but Bald Head Island has risen to the top as a family-friendly, upscale seaside getaway. Despite the inevitable growth that comes with popularity, this island maintains its secluded, unpretentious vibe. It helps that the main form of transportation around the island is the golf cart. In the midst of all the quiet are enough activities to keep the kids occupied, including bike rides, fishing and crabbing. And there’s plenty of room for sand castles along the 14 miles of unspoiled sand. MYRTLE BEACH
13. BEST FAR-OUT NATURE LUCAYAN NATIONAL PARK, GRAND BAHAMA
The wooded path that snakes through forests of mangroves, palm and even pine trees does little to prepare visitors for the surprise at the end of the trail. The beach at Lucayan National Park is remote and romantic with powdery white sand. Still, as tempting as it might be to nestle into the sand for a nap, few visitors can sit still long enough to relax. Adventurers quickly move right past this sandy stretch to the beach’s real action, particularly the 25 miles of underwater caves that beckon scuba divers from around the world. There’ll be time to relax only after every last cave is explored. GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND
14.MOST SOPHISTICATED NAPLES, FLORIDA
The beach scene in this sleepy Florida town may seem more “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” than family beach destination, but don’t let that scare you away. The year-round residents may be moneyed and sophisticated, but they are far from stuffy. Spend your day basking in the sun in the shadow of the mansions lining Millionaires’ Row, and toast the sunset with the locals at one of the town’s tiki bars or downtown pubs. There sure is a lot to raise your glass to here—why don’t you start with the crystalline waters and fine creamy sand? FT. MYERS
15.BEST PLACE TO MINGLE MAIN BEACH, EAST HAMPTON, NEW YORK
When the temperatures creep up and humidity is on the rise in the Big Apple, smart New Yorkers know exactly what to do—hit the beach. The wealthy regulars call for their convertibles, while the folks with summer beach house shares board the Jitney, the Hamptons-bound bus that is a yearly tradition in this beach scene. The best beach of the bunch is East Hampton’s Main Beach. The sand is sparkling white, the waves are hypnotic and the people-watching is divine. Visitors can hope to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous sneaking out of their sprawling estates for a dip in the ocean or dinner at the restaurant la mode. NEW YORK (LAGUARDIA)
16. MOST FUN FOR KIDS MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
Families looking for a good place to spread out the beach blanket and unload the beach toys should look no further than South Carolina’s famous Myrtle Beach. Situated on the 60-mile long Grand Stand, Myrtle Beach is the ideal place to make a play date with the kids. They can boogie board and build sandcastles in the crumbly brown sand, that is if they can keep their eyes off the wonder that is the boardwalk with its screeching roller coasters, wet log flumes, corkscrew water slides and ice cream vendors. No wonder over 13 million visitors take their vacation at this seashore each year. MYRTLE BEACH
17. BEST WHALE WATCHING POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE, CALIFORNIA
The chilly waters at Point Reyes National Seashore may be more suitable for a pack of polar bears, but no one said that you had to go swimming. Visitors to this northern California seashore mostly come for the trails that line the beach. Outdoor enthusiasts come on foot, bike, kayak and even horse to explore the craggy cliffs and isolated beaches. From January through May, explorers should bring along their binoculars as they might catch a glimpse of the migrating gray whales on their annual journey. SAN FRANCISCO
18.BEST BOARDWALK VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
Sure you can go to Virginia Beach to kick back and unwind, but good luck escaping the city’s whirlwind vibe—there’s just too much to do. During the day there are water parks, mini golf and 40 miles of beach to explore. At night there are live concerts and explosive fireworks on the three-mile paved boardwalk known as “Beach Street USA.” And that’s just in the city. Nearby are museums and theme parks and Colonial Williamsburg, which all make a repeat visit to Virginia Beach worth the trip. NEWPORT NEWS/WILLIAMSBURG
19.BEST ON THE SHORE SPRING LAKE, NEW JERSEY
From Memorial Day weekend through summer’s last call on Labor Day, cars jam New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway on their way to “The Shore.” New Jersey’s beaches beckon summer guests of all ages from nearby New York and Philadelphia, and there is a town for every taste, from rocking party towns for twentysomethings to sedate spots for the annual family reunion. Spring Lake is one of the classiest picks on the Jersey Shore with its narrow stretch of beach bordered by stately mansions. The boardwalk is crowded with young families pushing baby strollers and seasoned regulars who come back year after year. NEWARK
20.BEST ON THE GREAT LAKES PERE MARQUETTE BEACH, MICHIGAN
Michigan may not boast a coastline along the Atlantic or the Pacific, but this state is far from landlocked. You don’t need an ocean to have a beach, and Michigan’s Pere Marquette Beach is proof of that. This lakeside shoreline in Muskegon County is the finest example of freshwater beach on Lake Michigan. Sure, the water might be a little chillier than what you’ll find on the coasts, but the water is clear and blue. The public beach offers wide stretches of white sand framed by hilly sand dunes. There are playgrounds for the little ones, picnic tables for a sunset snack and plenty of room for sunbathing. FLINT
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© Visit Florida
© Florida State Parks
© Visit Florida
© Getty
© Virginia Beach Tourism
© Courtesy of the Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau.
© B. Vogel, Sea Crest by the Sea