68% of American travelers plan on taking a vacation somewhere in the United States this year, with beach vacations being one of the most popular options, the New York Post reports. Beach vacations are loved for their unbeatable ability to both relax and rejuvenate, while providing a natural dose of salt air and Vitamin D. And, with as many as 90,000 gorgeous beaches across the country, travelers have no shortage of destinations to choose from.
Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii
Once crowned with the title of America’s Best Beach, Kaanapali Beach spans three miles of breathtaking white sand and clear blue water. It’s a particularly great spot for lovers of watersports: snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing, surfing, boating, and kayaking are just some of the activities available here. The daily cliff diving ceremony is also one of the beach’s biggest attractions. Every evening at sunset, a cliff diver lights torches along one of the beaches northern cliffs, Black Rock, a tradition that dates back to the 1700s.
Hollywood Beach, California
Located in Oxnard, California, Hollywood beach offers plenty of golden sand, stunning coastline, and gorgeous weather. As its name suggests, Hollywood beach has a star-studded past; Ruldoph Valentino stayed in one of the beach homes while filming the Sheik in 1921, while Carol Lombard and Clark Gable also shared a property here. Nowadays, however, you’ll mainly find a mix of locals and tourists relaxing on the beach or trying their hand at one of the many fun outdoor activities available — such as, swimming, walking, volleyball, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, kayaking, boating, and jet skiing. And, if you’re lucky, you may also spot some of the amazing local wildlife (like dolphins, seals, and sea lions) frolicking in the area. Hollywood beach is also dog-friendly; dogs are permitted before 9am and after 5pm as long as they’re kept on the leash.
Grayton Beach State Park, Florida
Grayton Beach State Park, found on Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, is one of the most popular parks in the entire state. The beach is one of the most beautiful and pristine found in the country, comprising over 400 acres of fine, white sands, abundant wildlife, and a gorgeous 100-acre coastal lake. Whether you’re sunbathing on shore, taking a dip in the cool water, or freshwater or saltwater fishing (both are available), you’re bound to have a peaceful and memorable time here. Moreover, you can also pay a visit to the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), which is the first permanent underwater sculpture garden to open in the country. Located .93 miles from the shore and at a depth of 58 feet, the UMA is free to enter and offers an awesome dive along with interesting, larger-than-life pieces of artwork.
The U.S. is home to no shortage of beautiful beaches. Kaanapali Beach in Hawaii, Hollywood beach in Ventura, and Florida’s Grayton Beach State Park are some of the most amazing beaches you need to visit at least once in your lifetime.
