Adventure Traveling Guide

Carmel Beach, Calif. Location: 54 miles south of Santa Cruz Hidden by cypress groves and set against the waters of the electric-blue Pacific, this cozy crescent of fine white sand has played muse for writers, artists and romantics like Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Ansel Adams. Gallery-hop along cobblestone sidewalks and flower-filled courtyards en [...]

Lumahai Beach, Kauai, Hawaii Location: 63 miles north of Kauai This sandy stretch of Hawaiian beach is ripe for romance. Approach the beach via the hidden nature trail and emerge to view some of the state’s most dramatic scenery- waves pounding the surf against lava rocks with a lush, green forest backdrop.

Main Beach, East Hampton, NY Location: 105 miles east of NYC The Hamptons are known for A-list parties and well-heeled residents, but you don’t have to be famous to access the same waters that Diddy and Martha swim in. The brisk Atlantic surf and rolling dunes are the perfect backdrop for stargazing. Tip: Hit Montauk’s [...]

South Beach, Miami Parties spill onto the sand form the many swanky beach-facing hotels. South Beach remains the top destination for the bronzed and beautiful. But, the beach is only part of the appeal, thanks to non-stop action offered at the restaurants, hotels, and bars lining Ocean Drive.

Fire Island, NY Location: 60 miles east of New York City It’s telling when so many hardened New Yorkers consider Fire Island a magical place. The island teems with lush gardens, timid deer, and the rarest of all: high-powered New Yorkers relaxing. Cars are restricted, and boardwalks wind through the 32-mile-long island through sunken forests [...]

Bioluminescent Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico Location: 55 miles southwest of San Juan Just off the eastern shore of Puerto Rico sits the island of Vieques, home to hundreds of unspoiled beaches. The real draw is the fluorescent light show in the bioluminescent bay. Millions of microscopic algae flash neon blue-green when disturbed, surrounding swimmers and [...]

 Point Bennett, Channel Islands, Calif. Location: 40 miles southwest of Santa Barbara Pods of bottlenose dolphins vault through the air as your boat approaches the Channel Islands. Point Bennett, at the westernmost tip, is as far from California freeway culture as you can get. Home to newly pupped seals and sea lions and 145 unique [...]

Papakolea Beach, Big Island, Hawaii Location: 64 miles southeast of Kona This rugged beach is a trek to get too, but well worth the effort. Situated in the remote Kau district, the unique olive-colored sand gets its hue from the olivine, a form of volcanic rock eroding from the surrounding cliffs.

 For just one season a year, America‘s beaches come alive. Here’s a list of the best to help you choose a destination for a bit of a sunny respite. Best Natural Wonder Beaches John Pennekamp Coral Reef Beach, Key Largo, Fla. Location: 52 miles south of Miami While the beaches here are nice, it’s the [...]

Looking for a killer fireworks display this Fourth of July? If you’re in the vicinity, try one of these pyrotechnic-crazy cities. Washington, D.C. Imagine a quintessentially American tradition set against the Washington monument. Chicago Even when it’s not Independence Day, Chicago love the fireworks. NYC It’s on of the greatest cities in the world, with [...]