Most Memorable Beaches
Who doesn't dig beaches? They vary by destination (rock beaches vs. powdery white sand) and season. Depending on who you're traveling with (group of friends, family or college pals) you get (and likely want) different things from each beach trip.
Beaches that stick out in my mind as personal favorites hold their titles from the experience of the visit - some for fond memories they conjure up, others for sheer beauty, and still others for a desire to return to the sights, foods, and local culture surrounding the shores.
A few of my memory-making beaches include:
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First Beach, Olympic National Park: Why? I've had great conversations with family members and enjoyed spotting eagles from shore. Once spotted about 10 adult and adolescent eagles!
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Red Beach on the Greek island of Santorini: Why? It was my second trip abroad and my friends and I had this beach all to ourselves in the spring; gorgeous, crescent-shaped beach that took a mini-hike to get down to the water's edge. We spent an afternoon reading by the water. (Hint: Only way to get this popular beach to yourself is to go off season and non-peak hours.)
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Monterosso, Italy: Why? Cinque Terre is one of my favorite areas of Italy (made famous to most Americans by Rick Steves) made doubly delightful with family and friends. More people with whom to sip wine or limoncello (local lemon liquor). Mmmm.
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West side of San Juan Island, Washington State: Why? It's where you can (environmentally responsibly) sight Orca whales. While visiting the island with friends, we drove around and stopped when we spotted approximately 50 at once. Gorgeous and a rare treat to see so many (now endangered) Orcas together.
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Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii: Why? Snorkeling there is a wonderful treat - so much just under the surface very close to shore so it's great for all ages, family, etc.
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Isla Baru, off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia: Why? Tiny droplet of an island (as part of the Rosario Islands Park) with shallow shorelines for swimming in bathwater temperatures. On my tour, we were served grilled fish and veggies from the locals. I highly recommend tours that take you to multiple outer islands off of Cartagena. It's an authentic Caribbean experience.
To further whet your travel planning appetite, these 10 destinations represent some of the finest beach experiences the U.S. has to offer:
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Lanikai Beach, Hawaii: Known for its powdery white sand and clear, calm waters, perfect for kayaking and swimming. Best visited from March to September for ideal weather conditions.
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Clearwater Beach, Florida: Renowned for its miles of white sand and clear, shallow waters, great for swimming and water sports. The optimal visiting period is from March to May.
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South Beach, Miami, Florida: Famous for its vibrant atmosphere, Art Deco district, and clear blue waters. The sand is fine and white. The best time to visit is from March to May when the weather is warm but not too hot.
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Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii: Known for its crescent-shaped beach with fine, white sand and clear, calm waters, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The best time to visit is between May and October.
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Coronado Beach, San Diego, California: Renowned for its expansive, golden sands and gentle waves, ideal for families and surfers. The optimal time to visit is from March to May and September to November.
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Poipu Beach, Hawaii: Famous for its golden sand, clear water, and the chance to see Hawaiian monk seals. It's great for snorkeling and swimming. The best time to visit is from April to October.
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Known for its long stretch of soft sand and family-friendly attractions. The beach is bustling and lively. The best time to visit is from June to August.
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Cannon Beach, Oregon: Famous for its rugged coastline and the iconic Haystack Rock. The sand is soft and golden. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August.
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Cape May, New Jersey: Known for its historic Victorian architecture and clean, beautiful beaches. The sand is fine and the waters are inviting. The ideal time to visit is from June to August.
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Hanauma Bay, Hawaii: Renowned for its stunning natural preserve and excellent snorkeling in clear, blue waters. The beach has fine, white sand. The best time to visit is from April to September.
Craig M. reached out to us to share one of his favorites: "I love a beach on Maui called Slaughterhouse Beach. There used to be a slaughter house just above the beach - today, the beach is reached by a staircase off the highway passed Kahana - it's small, never busy, always clean and quiet and great body surfing waves too."