5 Best U.S. Beaches for Catching Some Summer Rays
LT Globetrotter
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not THAT season. Cold, jolly winter is still months away but right now’s the time to plan long sizzling days by the water. Get ready to hit the sand this summer on some of the country’s best shorelines. Grab your friends and family – it’s beach time!
Coronado Beach: San Diego, California
Declared America’s best beach by Dr. Beach, Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University and self-proclaimed sand enthusiast, Coronado Beach hits all the high marks on his extensive list of criteria. This 1.5-mile stretch of sand has caught the attention of beach bums around the country as well. Beautiful homes and mansions along with the iconic, red-roofed Hotel del Coronado provide a picturesque backdrop for visitors enjoying this wide and flat beach that’s perfect for long walks.
Swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and fisherman all flock here for its ideal year-round conditions. Plus, the city of San Diego makes sure everyone can enjoy their beautiful beach by offering complimentary beach wheelchairs, available at the Central Beach Lifeguard Tower. When your rumbling stomach forces you back to the mainland, you’ll discover a creative craft beer scene and the best Mexican food outside of, well, Mexico. And the famous San Diego Zoo is always a must-see.
Waikiki Beach: Honolulu, Hawaii
Arguably the most famous beach in the world, Waikiki Beach has been a favorite coastal paradise since the days of the ancient Hawaiians. Today, it attracts visitors from around the globe with its powder-white sands, calm warm waves, and a variety of high-end resorts conveniently perched right on its edge, perfect for falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean and waking up with the sun for another long relaxing beach day.
Travelers can even learn how to surf in the same water and favorite playground of legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku. Once the sun goes down and you reluctantly leave the beach, the cultural melting pot of Honolulu is waiting to light up your night with world-class shopping, gourmet dining, and endless options for entertainment.
South Beach: Miami, Florida
There’s no beach town that knows how to have a good time quite like Miami. Pulsing with retro glamour and a modern spirit, South Beach is the hottest place to see and be seen this summer. This famous neighborhood is renowned for its buoyant nightlife and eclectic blend of cultures, and these energetic vibes flow straight from the heated streets onto the powdery sand and into the azure sea.
Find your ideal sunbathing spot among colorful lifeguard towers and spirited games of volleyball at Lummus Park, a public beach area that stretches from 5th to 15th street. This palm tree-lined park feels like you’ve been transported to the Caribbean tropics. Beyond the fronds you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants along Ocean Drive amid shops selling everything from designer sunglasses to henna tattoos. Simply put, Miami’s South Beach has everything you need for an endless bash on the beach.
Huntington Beach: Orange County, California
After you’ve seen your fair share of celebrities in bustling LA, head south of the city towards Surf City USA’s golden sands. Ten miles of uninterrupted coastline boast multiple beach areas each with its own unique vibe. Bolsa Chica State Beach beckons novice surfers with its constant swells of calm waves, and charming Sunset Beach evokes nostalgia with its quintessential beach-town feel.
Traveling with your furry child? Huntington Dog Beach is the perfect place to play. At night, follow the orange glow to Huntington State Beach and use one of the many free bonfire pits to warm up and cook s’mores. With a beach to match the personality of almost every traveler, it’s no wonder Huntington Beach receives over 11 million visitors per year.
Clearwater Beach: Tampa Bay, Florida
It’s also no surprise that another Florida beach made its way on this list – its nickname is the Sunshine State after all. For this oasis we headed west to the metropolitan area of Tampa Bay, home of thrilling Busch Gardens, the historic Ybor Neighborhood, and lovely Clearwater Beach. Along with tanning on the sand and jumping in the warm gulf waves, Clearwater boasts endless options for recreation.
Grab a kayak and head out into clear waters or find balance on a stand up paddle board. Thrill seekers must rent a Jet Ski and race along the coast. For the best views of the beach, soar high above the beachgoers with a parasail ride. Clearwater also happens to be the home of a major motion picture star who loves to be doted on by her fans. Stop by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see Winter the tailless dolphin, star of the movie Dolphin Tale and an inspiration to the prosthetics medical community.
Celebrate summer with a sun and sand-filled getaway to one of the country’s best beaches. Contact your Liberty Travel consultant today, pack your beach bag, and get ready to catch some rays.
