Adventure Traveling Guide

Roque Bluffs, Maine
Location: 75 miles northeast of Bar Harbor

Getting to Roque Bluffs is half of the fun. From Route 1 in Machias, follow Roque Bluff Road for 6 miles past lobster traps, blueberry barrens, dense forest, and finally through a thicket of beach roses where you’ll come upon one of Maine’s true hidden gems. The swimming is chilly but the park includes a freshwater kettle pond and an idyllic pebble beach.

Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Location: 5 miles north of St. John Airport

Probably the most photographed beach on the list, Trunk Bay is the quintessential Caribbean getaway. Sparkling white sands, crystal-clear water, and swaying coconut palms make this beach the perfect Honeymoon spot. The laid-back Caneel Bay Resort is nestled in a national preserve near seven beautiful beaches making it well worth the splurge.

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 route to this hidden paradise.

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 Lobster Roll for fresh seafood eats.

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 and beachside retreats.

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 boats in a halo of light. Make sure to visit on a moonless or cloudy night.

 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 species, the Channel Islands are also where Jackie and JFK honeymooned.

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.