Summer is a short but splendid season, often spent with family and friends enjoying the endless variety of festivals, foods and holidays. The summer season is also a perfect time for a romantic walk on the beach at sunset during a hot summer vacation night. Take advantage of those long summer days by exploring our list of beautiful beaches and vacation spots located throughout the United States. This summer, find your special beach destination, sunbathe and play on the pristine sandy beaches while creating summer memories that will last a lifetime.
Maine is one of the most popular romantic destinations for vacationers for a variety of reasons. The beautiful temperate climate and rocky coastlines with towering granite cliffs have provided unforgettable sights to summer travelers for over a hundred years. A popular summer destination in Maine is Bar Harbor, located in the Acadia National Park area, which offers beautiful white-sand beaches and refreshing waters to enjoy and help you relax. Also located within this summer vacation area along Route 1A in Maine’s southern coastal region are the quaint seaside towns of Portland and Ogunquit. Both offer smaller beaches, but are known for their quiet, romantic shorelines. Tired of the beach? How about a trip to Maine’s central coast to Southwest Harbor, where vacationers will find wonderful boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bed and breakfasts like never before experienced? And of course, no summer vacation in Maine would be complete without trying something from the local fair, including fresh-caught lobster, hot dogs, fiddlehead potatoes, and my personal favorite, New England clam chowder.
Another hot spot for summer vacations is New Jersey’s South Shore, with more than 140 miles of pristine beaches, renowned restaurants, and celebrated summer festivals and events. This region contains 7 of the top 10 beaches in New Jersey, including the number 1 beach, located in Ocean City. Known as America’s Largest Family Resort, it’s a fantastic location for family reunions, group retreats, and of course beach weddings. The 2.5-mile-long boardwalk is complete with great restaurants and a downtown shopping area for adults, and two amusement parks, go-cart rentals, and a water park for the kids. Don’t forget the many miniature golf courses, enjoyable for the whole family! There truly is entertainment for all ages in Ocean City, NJ. And no trip to New Jersey’s South Shore would be complete without visiting the historic Victorian town of Cape May. Cape May offers a wide variety of summer activities including listening to the waves lap the shoreline, the thrill and excitement of walking the boardwalk, climbing to the top of one of Cape May’s many famous lighthouses, and enjoying the towering views and finally stay in a romantic Victorian bed and breakfast on the coast. New Jersey’s South Shore offers a wide variety of activities to ensure your summer vacation is a memorable one.
Known for its abundant year-round sunshine and crystal blue skies, the Florida Keys region, including neighboring barrier islands, has long been a favorite destination for vacationers. Key West offers soft, white-sand beaches that line its scenic perimeter, and is famous for its outdoor activities that include world-class fishing, scuba diving, water sports, and golf. After watching a sunset like no other in Key West, enjoy the many nightlife activities, including live entertainment from the city’s many musicians and street performers. Treat your taste buds to an island specialty and dine at a local open-air café or gourmet restaurant, and enjoy a drink at one of the island’s many legendary pubs and open-air bars. Lodging in Key West is as diverse as the island itself, from world-class resorts to traditional shell houses to comfortable bed-and-breakfast inns. In a city of fascinating contrasts and inspiring diversity, it’s easy to imagine setting aside your continental concerns and spending your summer vacation in beautiful Key West, Florida. I have personally visited Key West several times, immersing myself in the memorable sites during the 4-hour drive from Key Largo to Key West, and would highly recommend the drive along scenic US 1 to any vacationer seeking an unforgettable beach getaway. this summer.
Home to some of the best beaches in the United States, the South Texas Gulf Coast region attracts millions of visitors each year, especially during the summer vacation season. With more than 350 miles of coastline stretching in a gentle arc from just north of South Padre Island to the Louisiana border, this Texas game park is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Native cordgrasses and wetlands provide the ideal ecosystem to support rich marine life and winter nesting grounds for migratory birds. In the North Gulf Coast area, you can explore the historic coastal communities of Galveston and Crystal Beach. Galveston offers 32 miles of magnificent soft-sand beaches, world-class dining and live entertainment, and one of the largest and best-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country. Another popular summer destination in the Texas Gulf Coast area is Corpus Christi, which offers vacationers a rich mix of culture in the relaxed atmosphere of a historic seaside port. When traveling to Corpus Christi, one can expect to find soothing sea breezes, endless blue skies, and beautiful turquoise waters. Visit the bayfront promenade, arts and museum district, waterfront restaurants, and exciting nightlife on your Corpus Christi vacation. South Padre Island is located in the tropical extreme of Texas, on the border with Mexico. It is known as one of the best vacation destinations in the country offering beautiful beaches, tall sand dunes and warm Gulf waters. Contrary to popular belief, South Padre Island is one of the warmest places in Texas during the summer season, with sea breezes from the Gulf keeping temperatures in the moderate 80s and 90s. Some activities to explore while vacationing in this top-rated Texas beach destination include saltwater fishing, eating fresh seafood served at local island restaurants, and staying in a historic bed & breakfast or hotel. There is certainly something for all travel enthusiasts when they visit the Texas Gulf Coast this summer.
Located along the Pacific Ocean midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, California’s central coast stretches for thousands of miles from Santa Barbara to Monterey. The region is widely known for its romantic white-sand beaches and rock-lined coastal views, exquisite wine country tours, and artisan villages. Vacationers can choose from quaint, historic bed-and-breakfast inns to quaint seaside cabins. During the beautiful sun-filled days, discover surfing, water skiing, golf, hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, farmers markets, and film festivals. If you’re looking for beautiful blue skies, shopping, dining, endless activities, unforgettable experiences, and a marina complemented by a gorgeous beach, visit Santa Barbara, located on the southern tip of California’s central coast. Situated near the north end of Monterey Bay, 74 miles south of San Francisco, is the quintessential beach town of Santa Cruz. A wide range of attractions awaits you, from Santa Cruz’s award-winning boardwalk and majestic redwood forests, to arts and cultural events and award-winning restaurants. An enchanting blend of history and natural beauty awaits, ensuring your summer vacation on California’s Central Coast is both memorable and enjoyable.
The Bed and Breakfast Directory.com suggests summer beach vacation destinations based on personal experiences and other valuable input from travelers. Locations were selected based on overall entertainment options, beach quality and popularity, number of sunny days, soft sand, water temperature, and dining and shopping options.