When You Just Need To See The Ocean
Two weeks ago we were in Los Angeles for some business. With just a few spare hours, cool weather, and no traffic, we hightailed it to the ocean! We didn’t have any beach equipment—not even bathing suits—but we are always, naturally drawn to the ocean. Over the many years we have been married, we have visited USA beaches on every coast, and have enjoyed every single one. There is no beach on earth without some redeeming quality that stands ready to provide you with a few hours of peace and calm as you stare into the surf listening to the birds and the waves as they hit the shore.
Are you a beach person, too? Let me share with you some of the great beaches we have repeatedly enjoyed on several different coasts.
Some Of The Best
I’m going from my beloved East Coast—where I grew up—across to the West Coast, where I’ve been for the past several decades. Even though I am often asked, I do not have a preference between the two coasts for USA beaches, although I will say that the Pacific is noticeably colder than the Atlantic in my experience. In my opinion, any beach you can get to is a great alternative, so I’ve included places that might be new or old to you—drop me a comment and let me know your favorite!
Wildwood, NJ
New Jersey has some splendid beaches, but nothing comes close to the soft white sand of this FREE location. A good half-mile walk from the Boardwalk to the water, I’ve burned my feet many times trudging through this beautiful beach. The area is approximately five miles long, and the accompanying Boardwalk—world famous for its attractions, carnival-like atmosphere and beloved tram car going the entire length—makes this beach a true destination. Did I mention it’s still free?
Outer Banks, NC
A favorite of Big Brother Bill, the Outer Banks in North Carolina is the name given to a string of beaches off the barrier island. A quiet and relaxing location for a vacation, the Outer Banks caters to week-long families who rent houses along the beautiful shore to enjoy the clean and dune-filled beaches. Absolutely beautiful, and another free beach location, the Outer Banks is a great destination for that relaxing holiday.
Ormond Beach, FL
Located a stone’s throw from famous Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach is only about 90 minutes from the famous Orlando theme parks, making this an excellent weekend addition to your vacation to Disney World. While it is free to walk on, this area boasts the only driveable beach left in the country, and is kept sparkling clean and lovely. Rent an umbrella and some chairs to watch some epic waves that are the best on this coast for surfing and boogie boarding.
Clearwater Beach, FL
It’s hard for me to classify something as a beach when it is actually on a Bay (that’s why Chicago’s Lake Michigan didn’t make this list!) but I have enjoyed many summers on Tampa Bay. This is an excellent alternative for families with young children, since you won’t have to worry about big waves or a terrible riptide. Still in the free category, there is a special kind of peace watching the sun set over this beautiful body of water.
Cabrillo Beach, CA
Never heard of this one, have you? It’s a small beach in the town Sweet Husband grew up in, and we have visited this beach park for decades. While we love the more famous USA Beaches of Huntington, Venice and Long Beach, we have a special affinity for this calm and peaceful beach. Once inside, with a small fee to park, you can enjoy a calm or a wavy side of the jetty. There is even a fantastic tidepool section of the beach, where my kids spent countless hours finding sea life. Walk out on the extended pier to either fish off the side, or watch the cruise ships as they leave this protected harbor. All of Southern California is fantastic for great, family beaches. Choose any one you want—or maybe check out Cabrillo and see why we love it.
Pacific Beach, CA
Another new one for you? That makes perfect sense, because Pacific Beach is a very small town next to Mission Beach in San Diego. Everything I said above about Southern California beaches goes for San Diego as well as Los Angeles. There are a wide number of beaches along the coast we have visited and enjoyed, so I decided to highlight my favorite of the bunch. Another free alternative, Pacific Beach is another great surfing spot, but a short but packed boardwalk area with restaurants and shops for you to visit. Walk out on the short pier to get a bird’s eye view of the surfers from above. This is a great jumping off spot if you are visiting San Diego, as the Zoo and Sea World are nearby.
Waikiki, HI
What is there to say about Hawaii? I’ve visited numerous beaches in Oahu and Maui, and it is impossible to choose a favorite. Beaches in Hawaii are legally free–it’s illegal to charge to get onto a beach in that state—and are extremely well maintained and beautiful. Whether you are visiting the North Shore during the winter for the big waves, or Lahaina in Maui for a relaxing beach vacation, you won’t be disappointed for a second. We have, literally, just stopped the car on the side of Hawaiian roads to check out a little beach and been thrilled with it every time. Hawaii is a beachgoers paradise, and absolutely not to be missed for anyone.
Vacation For Every Season
While you will pay a pretty heavy upgrade fee to enjoy beaches “in season”, which is usually the summer, I’d like to make a case for visiting beaches at all times of the year. Maybe the water will be too cold for you to go in without a good wetsuit, but the sand and the surf are eternal to me, and can be enjoyed 365 days a year, in all types of weather.
There is a special peace walking USA beaches in the winter time. The calm and the solitude do something wonderful to my thoughts and my soul, and I encourage you to try it sometime. Not only are hotel prices slashed during this time, but you will have no problem with parking or restaurants.
Packing Minimally
Sweet Husband grew up in a beach town. His needs for an hour at the beach are very meager—he just needs a parking spot. My needs, however, are quite a bit more developed and involved. Minimally, I need my chair—I prefer those low, sand chairs personally—and a beach blanket in case I want to lay down and take a little catnap. For me to truly be comfortable, I also need something to read, something to drink, and a little snack. Are these required? Nope. But for me to relax, those are the bare bones.
Notice I didn’t mention towels for either of us. Eh—you’ll dry off eventually.
Packing Heavy
But, Patti, I’m not going with just Sweet Husband! Believe me, I’ve been there too many times to count! If you are traveling in a pack—or maybe larger—you have other things to consider.
You need a bathroom.
Okay, that’s not for you to PACK, but it’s definitely something for you to consider if you are truly making your beach trip a full day.
So what should be in the car?
- Extra clothes—for after the beach
- Beach toys—for adults, too! I’m looking at you Smashball!!!
- Twice as much food as you think normal people will eat
- Towels—include a few extra
- Surf/Boogie-boards—even at quiet Tampa Bay, my people love to play on a boogie board!
Just Pack And Go
Most importantly, just get out there. Explore the USA beaches!
Those few hours at Manhattan Beach and the Santa Monica Pier a few weeks ago did a world of good for my stressed and over-thinking brain. We were in town for something that was quite exciting, but extremely stress-inducing to me. Just walking out on the Manhattan Beach Pier, where I’d been proposed to some 34 years ago, helped me get in the right mental state for the weekend. Eating a boardwalk hot dog while overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean was the perfect way to end a stressful day with part of my family.
We didn’t set foot on the sand, but we spent the day at the beach.
There is nothing better.
See you there~
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR
Thank you for reading all about USA beaches!
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