Everyone would likely agree that we could all use a little extra beach time. The variety of beach destinations is endless, whether you are looking for relaxation, recreation, or just a little sunshine.
From the rocky coast of Maine, to the sunny shores of Southern California, there is a beach to suit everyone's personal taste. Take a look at these 10 fantastic beaches.
This beautiful Orange County beach, well known due to the popular MTV reality show of the same name, is amongst the most gorgeous in all of Southern California. The dramatic scenery, including cliffs and coves, easily places this beach on the top of any Orange County must-do list. This stunning beach is a photographer's dream!
Bonus: Walk over to town for fantastic restaurants, shopping, and art galleries.
One of the most visited beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast is beautiful Siesta Key in Sarasota. This beach is highly regarded for its' smooth sand which is comprised of 99% pure quartz. It's super white, super smooth, and cool to the touch. Although there are not many shells to be found at Siesta, it's easily one of the country's most picturesque beaches.
After your day at the beach, walk over to Siesta Key Village for local shopping and dining.
This 3 mile stretch along the Atlantic Ocean is absolutely stunning. The beach and boardwalk are amongst the cleanest, most well maintained in the country. You will also find a 3 mile walking/biking path which runs along the length of the beach. The boardwalk is lit up at night ensuring a safer atmosphere.
On a vacation to Virginia beach, not only will you be treated to a beautiful wide sandy beach, you will also be able to enjoy a variety of summer events, numerous opportunities for recreation, and of course, fantastic views of the ocean.
This beautiful Cape Cod gem ranks among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the US. Whale sightings are frequent. Don't worry if you don't spot a whale as there is plenty of other natural beauty to be found.
And while you are in the vicinity, do take a ride on one of the country's best rail trails, the Cape Cod Rail trail.
This lively Orange County beach is the perfect place for summer entertainment. In addition to watching the surfers from the pier in what is known as the "Surf Capital of the World," you will also find summer concerts, special events, lots of volleyball courts, an 8 mile bike path, and more!
You will never get bored at Huntington! Not the place to go if you are seeking relaxation, however, if you are looking for exercise, entertainment, and surfing you are in the right spot!
Tip: Head over to town after your beach day and enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
If you are a fan of seaglass, then you need to plan a visit to Sea Glass beach in Ft. Bragg, California. Once an old trash dumping site, this beach holds the highest concentration of sea glass in the world.
For those of you who have never heard of the term "sea glass," the term refers to glass that has been transformed into a smooth stone after years of tumbling along the ocean. The ending result is a beautiful gem-like treasure. Layers and layers of these natural gems cover the entire beach. Light reflecting from the sun makes the glass sparkle as you walk across. Take a break after hours of driving on Hwy 101 to explore this natural beauty.
Indian Rocks is the hidden gem of Tampa Bay area beaches. Fortunately, this beach retains an old-fashioned appeal thanks to little commercialization and an absence of heavy tourist crowds. As visitors head over to more popular beaches like Clearwater and St. Pete, you can relax, enjoy the waves, and collect shells. This beautiful beach is one of the best for swimming and beachcombing. You really cannot go wrong with a peaceful day at Indian Rocks.
Sachuest Town Beach, otherwise known as Second Beach, is a picture-perfect beach in Middletown, Rhode Island (just a short drive from the historic Newport Mansions). The mile plus long coastline offers the perfect setting for a romantic stroll along the beach at sunset. Unlike beaches in hotter destinations, summertime in Rhode Island is absolutely beautiful for a relaxing beach day.
While Florida's panhandle doesn't receive as much media attention, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to visit in the area. One of the most lively beach areas is Pensacola Beach. Not only is the beach beautiful with its' emerald green waters and sugar white sand, but there's much to do off the sand. With a diverse variety of restaurants, water sports, shopping, and attractions in the region, there is never a dull moment.
This hidden gem in Southeast Massachusetts is one of the most scenic and quietest beaches in the state. West Island is the perfect New England beach for photography. If you are lucky you may even find a few pieces of sea glass!