There’s something about the lure of the shore that makes us look forward to summer. The long stretches of sand are prime after a long fall, winter, and spring off-season for lying back, sipping a beer, cracking open a book, and lapping up the sun. The best beaches are also perfect for summer adventure junkies, with top-tier surfing spots in California and plenty of great hiking spots.
But that’s not all beaches are there for! Look and you will find opportunities for kiteboarding, bodyboarding, bodybuilding, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, and horseback riding. Venice has long, lovely biking trails and a vibrant skateboarding scene. Fire Island is known for its stunning, peaceful nature trails. And Lanikai Beach, one of Hawaii’s best beaches, has waters so gorgeously calm that you won’t even want to go surfing! America’s best beaches have reputations for more than just swimming and sunbathing.
So how best to enjoy the beach? Well, not with other people, obviously. After all, aren’t you tired of vacationing at crowded beaches or overpriced resort communities? To remedy the central problem of crowded beaches and find places to enjoy the sun and breaking waves unfettered, we searched high and low for the best warm-weather spots in the country. From New York to Hawaii, these beach destinations will leave you relaxed and refreshed—and seriously contemplating an early retirement.
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