Adventure Traveling Guide

Perhaps a lighthouse might interest you. Check out Thimble Shoals lighthouse, purchased by a private citizen from the Coast Guard. An Amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act in 2000 made it possible for people to bid for eligible lighthouses if the Coast Guard could not find a state, city or nonprofit organization to take over ownership and upkeep. The Coast Guard is currently holding auctions online for about 200 lighthouses all over the country.

Carova Beach, Outer Banks, NC
Location: 27 miles southeast of Virginia Beach

Part of what keeps this area so underdeveloped is the lack of paved roads; Highway 12 stops north of Corolla. Four-wheel-drive is a must, as the only route to this 12-mile stretch of beach is a ride on the sand or a primitive system of dirt roads connecting vacation homes in the wooded interior. Drive slowly to see the wild mustangs that roam the protected dunes.

Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island, Fla.
Location: 27 miles southwest of Fort Myers

The secret’s out about the beauty of Sanibel Island’s beaches, but you’re sure to find a stretch of sand to call your own when you make the quarter-mile trek to Bowman’s Beach. Sanibel Island is also regarded as one of the best shelling spots in the country and offers minimal development and few amenities, though Bowman’s does have one thing no other Sanibel beach has: barbecue grills.

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.