Beaches for Every Type of Traveler

Fun in the sun means something different to everyone. Whether you like adventurous water sports or just like sitting and watching the waves, here are the best beaches for every kind of beachgoer.

For the Snorkeler: St. Croix, USVI

St. Croix has beautiful beaches with crystal clear water but if you want to get a closer look at oceanlife, Buck Island offers some of the best snorkeling on the planet. Just a short boat ride away, Buck Island Reef National Monument features an underwater trail where snorkelers can explore stunning coral and fish. And newbies aren’t left out. The park features gorgeous coral grottoes where you can learn how to snorkel. We can’t think of a more beautiful place to learn.

For the Honeymooner: Poipu Beach, Kauai

Hawaii has long been a popular destination for honeymooners and for good reason but if you’re looking for more serenity than tourist traps, skip the big island and head to Kauai. Nicknamed the garden island, the beaches here are serene and you’ll feel like you have the whole tropical paradise to yourself.

For the Reader: North Fork, Long Island, New York

If curling up in an adirondack chair and reading a good book while you listen to the waves crash sounds like your kind of beach day, North Fork, Long Island is for you. This quiet gem is touched away from the Hamptons crowds and boasts some incredible wineries.

For the Family: Seaside, Florida

Picture perfect Seaside has a great beach but the real draw is the town. This beach community was designed to encourage less cars and more walking and biking. And the quaint record shop, ice cream parlor and bookstore are from a simpler time. Turn off the cellphones and just enjoy a day together exploring this adorable town.

For the Day Drinker: Tybee Island, Georgia

If you’re familiar with downtown Savannah’s open cup drinking policy, you’ll appreciate that fellow Chatham County town, Tybee Island, has a similar policy on the beach. Pack a cooler and head out to North Beach for a day of sun and sips. Just remember the beach has a no glass policy.

For the Windsurfer: Hookipa Beach, Maui

This Hawaiian beach is known around the world for it’s prime wind conditions. The beach hosts several professional windsurfing competitions and on most days you’ll see the pros out practicing. But remember it’s a prime location for a reason. The rip current and shallow reef can be nasty on newbies so take some advice from a local before you jump in.

For the Shell Hunter: Sanibel Island, Florida

If you’re an early riser who loves to go shelling, there is no better beach in the U.S. than Sanibel Island. This is for the uber serious as shell hunters from all over the world travel to this tiny island looking for everything from sand dollars to conch. Local hotels even offer rooms with special sinks for washing and cleaning shells and worktables for packing shells.

For the Artist: Venice Beach, California 

From pottery and handmade jewelry to the iconic graffiti walls, Venice Beach is an artist’s haven. If you love to people watch, come with a sketchbook and just take it in. One of the best times to visit is in August for the annual Venice Beach Music Fest. It’s free and open to the public.

For the Camper: Santa Cruz Island, California

The largest of California’s Channel Islands, Santa Cruz is completely preserved since part of the island is owned by the Nature Conservancy and the other part is owned and operated by the National Park Service. Camping here can feel like you have Scorpion Beach and the entire island to yourself. As this island is fairly remote, there are no resources on the island so it’s important to review park safety information and make sure you’re geared up (and take enough food).