Best Places to Visit: Beach Lovers

Vacation, the best part of the year! A priority to millions whether it's solo, with friends or with family, it's never a bad idea to plan a beach trip. With all the beautiful destinations and all the different things to consider when booking a vacation, it's not always easy to make a decision.

In this article, I will be providing multiple options for beautiful beach vacations, with all of the major decisions taken into consideration.

No Passport? No Problem

The crystal-clear water, the blue that radiates from the sea floor, the pure white sand that people dream of digging their toes into, seems like just a distant thought for some. But it's actually doable for all. The United States has multiple places that you can go to experience all the wonderful feelings of a tropical out-of-the-country vacation.

Key West

Who says you can't find an island paradise in the continental U.S.? Just off the coast of Florida, Key West is the southernmost city in the country and unlike anywhere else.

Giving you the feeling of being in the Caribbean but an easy drive straight from Miami makes it a perfect destination to kick back and relax. From exploring Duval Street, to boat rides and ample opportunities for snorkeling, Key West is a tropical oasis only a short flight away.

United States Virgin Islands

An incredible destination in the Caribbean, The Virgin Islands have been a part of the United States since 1917 when Denmark sold it to the US.

During your trip, you can visit three of the islands; St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John- St. Thomas being the most popular and the easiest to travel to. No worries, there are fierries you can use to take in between islands. There are a variety of activities you can do; visiting the Virgin Islands National Park, snorkeling at Trunk Bay, taking evening boat cruises that serve you dinner or visiting fresh markets that filet fish right in front of you.

Puerto Rico

This tropical island is located in the Caribbean, about 1,000 miles away from southeast Florida, and you can visit anytime as long as you have a valid ID card or birth certificate.

While you are in Puerto Rico, you can visit some of the best beaches in the world, enjoy a variety of water sports, go on hiking trails, and you can even take a kayak to Mosquito Bay where the water glows. All in all, Puerto Rico is the ideal destination for a vacation if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of applying for a passport.

Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands are a territory of the United States situated in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is made up of 14 islands, the southern most point is probably the most known of the islands. Ever heard of Guam? Since these islands are under US jurisdiction, a passport is not required for entry and exit. However, like other US territories, a valid ID card or birth certificate is still necessary.

Among the most popular island to visit, others include Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with Saipan being the largest. These islands offer breathtaking attractions such as Micro Beach, Mount Topachau, Banzai Cliff, and numerous historical landmarks.

Luxury

Sometimes luxury vacations is just something we need. Life can get stressful and doesn't always give you time to take a break. Being able to sit back, relax, and have everything you need waiting for you can be the best way to forget all your problems and let go of all the stress you're holding onto at home.

Beach vacations are preferably spent at a 5 star resort complete with indulgent spa treatments. But a good beach resort isn’t just about ocean views and idyllic beaches. It's about exceptional design, world-class facilities and living out a fantasy in a luxury heaven of unmatched natural beauty.

Mauritius

Zanzibar

Turks & Caicos

Thailand

French Polynesia

Fiji

Maldives

Seychelles

All of these places offer all of the above plus much more. All-inclusive options with Michelin-star dining, over-water bungalows, room service, plunge pools, crystal clear water that one can only dream about jumping into. They bring a whole new meaning to the word luxury.

Balling on a Budget

Everyone deserves to go on vacation, kick their feet back and realx for a week. But not everyone can always afford to go on the luxurious all-inclusive vacations. In fact, with inflation, cost of living and wages not keeping up with the times, most people currently have to ball on budget.

Even on a budget, you can still find places in the U.S. that have gorgeous scenery, budget-friendly activities and ample amenities.

Panama City/ Pensacola

27 miles of beach to explore with budget-friendly hotels, clubs and resturants all along the coastline. Catch an airshow, visit a museum and don't forget about browsing locally owned shops along the way.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Only about 15 miles southwest of Portland, this cute town offers a 7-mile stretch of sand. Visitors are able to stroll, sunbathe or explore the historic fishing pier that was built in 1898. There are plentlyof shops and restaurants nearby to occupy your time. Plus New England's only beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is a perfect spot for bird watching, searching for seashells and kayaking on the Back Bay Blueway. Cruise around Gulf State Park on a complimentary bike then play a round of min golf. The Gulf Shoes Museum gives you a chance to learn about the history of the area or get a better understanding of the local flora at the Gulf State Park's Nature Center. And don't forget to go for a ride on the Ferris wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

South Padre Island, Texas

With plenty of nature to explore and ways to learn about the marine ecosystems (South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary), this cute little island offers a very unique type of beach vacation. Don't forget to book a dolphin watching tour, since this a hot-spot to see them.

Daytona Beach, Florida

The Florida sun, Atlantic Ocean waves and 23 miles of beach to see, it's hard to passover Daytona. Don't forget about the bounty of shops and restaurants to explore a block behind the beach. There's even a chance to catch one of the two Nascar races held in Daytona each year. If they don't happen to be racing the week you're there, you can take a behind the scenes tour of the raceway for $25 a person.

Perfect for the Entire Family

Vacations at the beach aren't always just relaxing with your toes in the sand. When you have the kiddos to take into consideration, you have to make sure there are fun activities for the whole family to participate in when they get tired of the beach, or the sun becomes a little too much for them.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Known for it's ample celebrity- designed golf (regular and mini) courses, Myrtle is a hot spot for familes. The large boardwalk boasts arcades, restaurants, souvenir stands, an unlimited amount of ice creams shops and the SkyWheel, one of the country's tallest ferris wheels at the Family Kingdom amusement park. If you have dare devils in the family, don't miss out of the zip lining and rock wall climbing!

Virginia Beach, Virginia

A city located on Chesapeake bay and also gives you Atlantic ocean views gives you calm waters and wonderful beaches. A three mile boardwalk offers multiple family-fun options like min golf, indoor sky diving and a popular aquarium. Explore the Cape Henry Light House, Ocean Breeze Waterpark or visit popular museums like the Atlantic Fowl or Military Aviation. There's ample things to do to keep everyone entertained.

Ocean City, Maryland

With 10 miles of beach, there are plenty of things to do on East Coasthot spot. Spend the day enjoying the sun in the sand or grab a surf board and enjoy the waves. Stroll along the boardwalk to peruse the shops and indulge in a tasty meal. When the kids are done with the beach, they can visit the seasonal Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park- which boasts carnival rides, games and fishing. Drive to nearby Assateague Island to see wild ponies, or check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Along Florida's Gulf Coast, this island is home to pristine beaches and clear blue water. Pine Ave is lined with shops, hot-spot eateries and galleries, giving you a small-resort feel. Visit the pier that dates back to 1911, the Historical Society Museum or the Bridge Street Market that sells beautiful art and jewelry as well as food.

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Have places to add? Let me know in the comments!