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.
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 coral reef that’s worth the trip. Home to more than 600 marine species, the reef is so vivid and colorful it’s been called an underwater rainforest. Diving lessons are available, as are glass-bottom boat tours for the kids.
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 a July Fourth display to match.
Philadelphia
Philly takes their Fourth celebrations seriously, what with being the cradle of the nation and all.
