Lazy beach days

Pampas grass lines the dunes that border the small town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The tufts of their leaves, fluffy and swaying with the breezes sweeping from the Atlantic Ocean, seem to mimic the fluffy clouds that sweep overhead in the blue skies. Since the 1920s vacationers have penciled in Atlantic Beach for weekend getaways and summer trips. Perhaps this is because of the town’s pristine sands and seaside activities, or maybe it’s because nothing beats dinner and an ocean view sunset. Either way, the Beach is calling.

As its own self-contained oasis of relaxation, Avila Beach is California’s whisper of a getaway. Far more calm and smaller than other cities along the coast, Avila Beach is a veritable resort town. Visitors are invited to shed their worries at the shoreline and take to the multitude of amenities and entertainment. Dine alongside sunsets, sip on local wines, decompress in the mineral hot springs, and feel rejuvenated with a stay in Avila Beach.

The Island of Hawaii is known colloquially as the Big Island — a fitting nickname for an island twice the combined size of its neighboring counterparts! Big Island flaunts its colors like the plumes of a peacock: fierce reds of magma from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contrast spectacularly with the bright white snow of Maunakea, while the electric black sands of Punaluu Beach stream into the emerald green of the Hamakua Coast’s rainforests.

Capistrano Beach is a charming small town with a variety of recreational activities, making it a great vacation destination. It is located in the city of Dana Point, and is bordered by the lively Laguna Beach to the north and San Clemente to the south. Despite being located in the busy Orange County area, Capo Beach has managed to maintain its 'beach town' atmosphere and has not been heavily commercialized.

The “Crown City” was designed with one thought in mind: capitalize on the area’s abundance of sun, sand, and Pacific skies. Coronado, California is an island resort community within San Diego County and champions America’s Best Beach. Over 2 million people venture to the city each year to partake in the glory of a refreshing climate, great hospitality, world-renowned restaurants, chic boutiques, unending cultural events, and endless opportunities for exploring Coronado’s outdoors.

If you love the beach and the invigorating seaside air, Falmouth is definitely the place to be. Ride across Cape Cod aboard the Island Queen Ferry, relax on the warm and pleasant Old Silver Beach, or take a scenic tour of the Nobska Lighthouse in this comforting city. There is plenty to do and see here, so stop by and have a blast.

Fort Lauderdale is a destination that will satisfy the well-traveled with a discriminating taste. The year-round mild temperatures make its sandy beaches an ideal relaxing spot during the daytime. At night, however, the long boulevard turns into a vibrant party mile with clubs, bars and pubs as far as the eye can see. With some of the best restaurants, shops, and boutique hotels in the state, this city is a hip explorer's paradise.

Chosen as a winter refuge by Thomas Edison at the turn of the last century, Fort Myers sits away from busier and more opulent Florida centers, maintaining the carefree, low-key atmosphere of a sea town. Assuming beach life is Fort Myers's only attraction would be a mistake: the town center boasts a vibrant street life, with a plethora of indie art galleries and interesting spots for history and science lovers. The area's natural beauty continues inland, where protected animal species take shelter among mangroves and narrow bayou bends.

Hilton Head Island, on the southern coast of South Carolina, is filled with beautiful ocean views, antebellum relics, beds of oysters, and Southern charm. Everything about the island speaks of posh sophistication with a laid back attitude. Out on the ocean waters you can see trawlers and other boats. In the canals and inlets, yachts are frequently floating and enjoying the sunny weather. Golf courses designed by some of the sport's finest players abound, as do alligators sunning themselves in sand traps and small ponds.

Key West is a tropical paradise at the southernmost tip of the Continental US, just a short two-hour drive from Miami. With its year-round warm weather and crystal clear waters, Key West is a popular seaport destination for many passenger cruise ships. Explore the scenic beaches, indulge in the diverse culinary scene, and stay in luxurious hotels with stunning views. The city is a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, offering an abundance of exciting venues to explore and create unforgettable memories.

Lake Havasu City is well known as a stomping ground for parties and the Spring Break community comes second to the wondrous, natural grandeur of the area. The world-famous London Bridge is the town’s biggest attraction, along with all of the lake’s waterfront activities. Fishing, boating, swimming, and a wealth of other aquatic excursions are always in season. The numerous hills and mountainsides are a haven for hikers and explorers and Lake Havasu City itself is a haven for anyone with a heart for adventure.

Home to Universal Studios, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, and the Walk of Fame, Los Angeles has long lured many into its glittering fantasy world. With endless sunshine, palm trees, shopping malls, and beautiful people, this city is like no place you’ve ever been before and yet is strangely familiar. Los Angeles is a wonderful, vibrant, exhilarating multi-cultural hub with a plethora of things to do and see.

Miami is known for its glamour and cosmopolitan vibe, but what truly sets this city apart is its miles of sandy beaches, which coupled with year-round sunshine and pleasant warmth have cemented Miami's position as a top travel destination. Describing it merely as an international metropolis would be a gross understatement, given its North American core infused with Caribbean flair, a generous dose of Latin American influence, a hint of African heritage, a touch of Asian influence, and a sprinkle of European charm. All these elements and their fascinating blend give Miami a vibrant and exhilarating cultural life.

Murrells Inlet channels the charm of South Carolina with undertones of its colonial past and a menagerie of modern vacation amenities. As “The Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Murrells Inlet welcomes visitors to explore its fishing enterprise. Not only is the seafood widely renowned, but so is the area’s collection of golf courses. But perhaps most spectacularly, Murrells Inlet is a nature lover’s paradise: Spanish moss drapes grand oaks that have stood for centuries, and seabirds glide over the sparkling waters of the Atlantic.

Myrtle Beach, a premier vacation destination in South Carolina, attracts over 17 million visitors annually with its subtropical climate, diverse attractions, and exciting activities. Explore the Grand Strand's extensive beaches, renowned golf courses, thrilling water and amusement parks, fascinating museums, and historical sites. Set sail along the coast, relax on the soft sand, or discover the vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.

With beautiful white sand beaches, excellent dining and a plethora of outdoor pursuits, Floridian Naples truly has it all, and more awaits outside the city limits at the Everglades National Park downstate or – closer yet – the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Naples is also known for its first-rate golf courses and deluxe boutiques, both of which give the city a well-off, prosperous air.

Surrounded by the green verdant mountains of dormant volcanoes and the roar of the Pacific beating down upon palm-fringed white beaches, the island Oahu is an incredibly idyllic holiday destination. With an abundance of natural beauty and the attractions of the vibrant and buzzing metropolis Honolulu, Oahu is sure to please all visitors: from beach bums to culture vultures.

Ocean City in Maryland, is an Atlantic resort town pulsating with energy. Featured often on the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel, it offers a mix of beach fun, local eateries, and captivating attractions. The bustling boardwalk provides a constant stream of entertainment for all ages, from movies on the beach to waterfront concerts. At its southern end, Trimper's Rides has been a beloved amusement park for decades. Explore the surrounding waters with kayak adventures or boat tours, including trips to the popular Assateague Island.

San Diego, often called "America’s Finest City," lives up to its name. As the eighth-largest city in the U.S., it offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and a cosmopolitan vibe. Despite its size, the city maintains a relaxed Southern California ambiance, reflected in its friendly locals and near-perfect climate. With plenty of sunshine year-round, it’s always a great time to explore its world-class museums, dine at top-tier restaurants, bask on its internationally acclaimed beaches, and experience its outstanding hospitality.

Whether lounging on the beach, watching volleyball and basking in the sun with your favorite drink, or filling your travel schedule to the max with museums, architecture, concerts, dining and shopping, the Tampa Bay Area is sure to please. Fresh seafood, nationally recognized steak houses and trendy martini bars keep visitors and locals busy in the evenings.

The Palm Beaches are an exciting collection of 15 distinct districts with luxury resorts, hotels, innovative culinary landscapes, trendy shops and designer boutiques of world-wide fame, and where nightlife thrives year-round. Beautiful beaches stretching 47 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, lakes and Everglades coupled with year-round warm weather attract visitors from around the world, and recreational pursuits are unmatched.

Located along Florida’s Atlantic Ocean Coast, West Palm Beach is Miami’s hip little sister that offers visitors year-round enjoyment. Known for its art festivals, nightlife and extensive shopping choices, this city serves both young families with zoos, museums and beautiful beaches and the epicurean crew with a myriad of foodie delights.

Yarmouth, on the coast of Cape Cod, is a masterfully planned and historically rife city. Three villages comprise Yarmouth, with each reflecting over three centuries’ worth of culture, tradition, and splendor. Plan a vacation around the unique attractions among West Yarmouth, Yarmouth Port, and South Yarmouth.