You don’t always need to look for your passport validity and spend your years of savings to go on a beach vacation. Yes, there are scores of the best beaches in the US. Spread from West to Southwest along the Pacific Ocean shoreline to East and Southeast along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Picking a local spot, means you don’t need to wait for an extended vacation like the Spring break or Christmas. Instead, a weekend is enough. Here are top vacation spots in USA if you are envisioning relaxing on clean sands and experiencing fantastic beach activities.
#1. Maui
Location: The island of Maui, nicknamed the Valley Isle, is located in the US State of Hawaii, which sits 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland. It ranks second by area coverage (727.2 sq mi or 1,883.4 km2) in the list of eight Hawaiian Islands.
Places to see in Maui: The island is characterized by its volcanic cones shaped out of dark, iron-rich/quartz-poor rocks. Maui is home to 30 beaches and bays. Key tourist spots include Hāna Highway, Haleakalā National Park, Iao Valley, and Lahaina.
Things to Do in Maui: Snorkeling, windsurfing, surfing, and kitesurfing are popular activities. The South and west shores of Maui are the best for snorkeling. Kanha Beach Park, Ho’okipa Beach Park, Slaughterhouse Beach, Honolua Bay, Pe’ahi (Jaws), and Fleming Beach are an ideal choice for adventure seekers who want to experience windsurfing and surfing.
#2. Kauai
Location: Like Maui, Kauai is also located in the US State of Hawaii and is the oldest out of the eight Hawaiian Islands. By area coverage (552.3 sq mi or 1,430.5 km2) it ranks fourth. Of all the major islands, Kauai is the least populated.
Places to see in Kauai: Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauai’s coastal areas mark the Island’s towns and cities while the central one serves as a forest preserve and is largely uninhabited. Staying true to its nickname, the place is home to several natural reservoirs like Alakai Wilderness Area, Allerton Garden, Camp Naue YMCA, Fern Grotto, Haʻena State Park, Hanalei Bay, Hoʻopiʻi Falls, Makauwahi Cave Reserve, McBryde Garden, and Moir Gardens.
Things to Do in Kauai: Besides offering the fun of watersports like snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, etc., Kauai brings adrenaline-rushing adventures. It has some of the best ziplines in the world. Cruise through the natural reservoirs in a super-hero style and get the fantastic aerial views of Kauai. Trekking is another fun thing to do if you are visiting the place. The Kalalau Trail is the most famous one that takes travelers through five valleys, passing through lush tropical forests, bubbling streams, cascading waterfalls, and much more.
#3. Destin
Location: Sitting on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin is one of the most beautiful beaches in the US. The Appalachian Mountains contribute to the sand sediment, which is finely ground quartz crystal resembling sugar particles. What was earlier a small fishing village lying in seclusion has now become a hotspot of tourism.
Places to see in Destin: The white beaches and emerald waters of the Destin area draw many tourists. Its nearby tourist attractions include Sandestin (popular golf and beach resort), Grayton Beach, Florida; and Rosemary Beach, Florida. Destin has 12 beach access points with Henderson Beach State Recreation Area as the most popular one.
Things to Do in Destin: Nicknamed “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, Destin is a place where you can get a feel of how the oldest economies flourished in absence of sophisticated technologies that we live in today. Rent a charter fishing vessel and go on fishing. If you love fishing, plan your trip to Destin in October, when the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place. The event has been organized since 1948. October also brings Destin Seafood Festival, where fresh seafood and local artists gather for one weekend every October.
#4. Sanibel Island
Location: Sanibel Island is located in southwest Florida’s Fort Myers. Southwest Florida International Airport is the major airport for travelers.
Places to see in Sanibel Island: Sanibel Island is part of a large plateau that extends out into the Gulf of Mexico for miles. Its unique east-west positioning turns it into a repository of shells spread over a stretch of white sands that visitors love.
Things to Do in Sanibel Island: Look for your favorite seashells (or “shelling,” as the locals say) along Bowman’s Beach, or visit Lighthouse Beach Park for access to nature trails and a scenic shoreline. Enjoy swimming in and around Tarpon Bay Beach. Walk along the trails and spend time with family or friends in picnic areas of the Gulfside City Park Beach.
