Has anyone ever been able to pinpoint why, exactly, a day at the sea is so soothing to the soul? If we close our eyes right now and imagine the sound of the waves tickling the shoreline – and our toes – while our heads are tilted back toward the sun, we can almost feel it, right?
Let’s skip over the excitement of hotspots like Miami Beach and The Hamptons to seek out some quiet, soothing stretches of sand. When the tide comes in at these serene locales, it will wash away with every single care on our shoulders.
Sunset Beach, Florida
Finding Sunset Beach is like going on a treasure hunt. Everyone knows Tampa. Then, there’s its neighbor, St. Petersburg, which brings us to St. Pete Beach. Treasure Island is another well-known spot in the area.
Hiding at the end of Treasure Island, there’s a gorgeous expanse of land known as Sunset Beach that delivers, you guessed it, the most sublime sunsets this side of paradise. See if you can find her the next time you’re in the area. The peace that comes over you during a sunset on this beach is unsurpassed by anything else.
Ormond Beach, Florida
Those who need speed unite at Daytona throughout the year. However, just a few miles north, you’ll find a tranquil stretch of sand known as Ormond Beach.
You wouldn’t even know there was such a party going on eight miles to the south. The best way to enjoy this lovely expanse along the Atlantic is to book a few nights at Hilton’s Home2 Suites. Every room has an ocean view and is equipped with a tidy little kitchen, making this a peaceful, easy stay.
Amelia Island, Florida
At the tip of Florida, right before it gives way to Georgia, you’ll find Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island. The likes of Kenny Chesney have boasted about its glory, and that’s quite a testament since he can vacation anywhere in the world.
If you can swing it, the Omni Amelia Island Resort is the place to stay. With oceanfront rooms, delectable on-site restaurants, and easy access to the beach, you couldn’t ask for more – except you can. Their onsite spa is consistently awarded as one of the best in the nation. So, go ahead – treat yourself!
For more on that, here are 30 of the best weekend spa getaways across the U.S., including the Omni.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Further up the East Coast, we have the splendors of Tybee Island – about 30 minutes away from enchanting Savannah. Things can get a little crowded here on a weekend in the summer. But, if you can make your way to the easternmost tip of the island and park in the Chatham Avenue Parking Lot, you’ll find the waves – and the sounds – are a little bit milder.
This is the kind of beach retreat that’s just as lovely in the fall because, again, you can dip into Savannah throughout your stay. You might not be able to dive with the dolphins, but you can stroll the sandy shorelines with a nice sweater on for a peaceful reprieve.
South Nags Head, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are noted for their untouched beauty and huge helpings of peaceful serenity. Sure, they can get a little crowded in the summertime, but there are ways around that. First, you can come off-season to experience the feeling of having the whole place to yourself. The wild horses won’t mind.
Or, you can take aim at one of their quieter shorelines. South Nags Head is known for being quieter than its contemporary – Nags Head – while still offering easy access to the shops, restaurants, and nighttime entertainment options.
Alternatively, Carova Beach is another place to stay, especially because the wild Corolla horses call it home. The only thing to note there is that it’s only accessible via a 4×4.
Cape May, New Jersey
Not only does Cape May have gorgeous beaches, but it also has beautiful architecture to marvel at. This is the land of old Victorian homes and, boy, are they pretty. You can choose to nestle into any number of them as a converted B&B.
Or, you can really treat yourself and stay at Congress Hall. Here, you’ll enjoy an oceanfront room, a quick stroll across the street to the beach, and one of the best restaurants in the entire town: The Blue Pig Tavern. While you’ll want to roam the streets to see all the pretty houses, you don’t – technically – even have to leave the property to enjoy your stay.
Little Hunters Beach, Maine
Little Hunters beach is a special slice of heaven within the ever-popular Acadia National Park. The whole park, as well as Bar Harbor, is well-worth the trip. But, Little Hunters Beach is specifically reserved for those who like peace and quiet as the waves lap the shoreline.
It’s so secluded that it’s nearly impossible to see from Park Loop Road. But, if you find this treasure on the map, you can pull off to the side of the road and walk down a wooden stairway to find true bliss.
While you’re here, you might want to make your way to Bass Harbor Head Light Station at some point, as well. It’s a beautiful lighthouse on the edge of the sea cliffs that sits up there, pretty as a picture.
Hole In The Wall Beach, Washington
Sounds perfect, right? When traveling, sometimes those hole-in-the-wall restaurants deliver the best meals. In Washington, however, you’ll find one of the best beaches in the state. Although it’s located within Olympic National Park, it certainly is tucked away.
To access it, you’ll want to park in the Rialto Beach parking area. You’ll have to pack light because it’s a 3.5-mile hike from there. When you arrive, all you have to do is lay out your towel and sit down to take in the sights, including the towering sea cliffs and beautiful Pacific waters.
Black Sands Beach, California
Just look at the naming conventions here: you’ll be visiting Black Sands Beach in the town of Shelter Cove on California’s Lost Coast. If that’s not poetry, what is? This will be a wonderful memory because how often do we stand on black sands amidst the backdrop of the deep blue sea?
Most people come here to walk or hike more than swim. We’ll get to that down in San Diego. Here, the sea cliffs, natural rock formations, and connections of caves will enthrall you. There’s a bit of a haunted feeling to these shorelines, and it’s certainly something that will stay with you forever.
Enderts Beach, California
How about a visit to a forest full of Redwoods before finding a secluded beach with its very own ravine and tide pools? This place is so magical that, at low tide, you can see sea stars and other beautiful bits of maritime life.
To find this hidden beauty, you’ll want to hop on the Coastal Trail and follow the Last Chance section of the trail. It’ll lead you right to Enderts, where, truly, those tide pools will fascinate you as they swirl together in countless shades of turquoise blue.
Swami’s Beach, California
San Diego’s Ocean Beach is certainly worth a gander when you’re in this neck of the woods. Everyone who’s spending some time there really seems to know a thing or two about the good life. They’re either surfing, playing volleyball, strumming a guitar, or enjoying each other’s company.
When you’re ready to hear nothing more than the sound of the surf hitting the sea cliffs, however, you might want to head to Swami’s Beach. Located at the south end of Encinitas, it’s still a hotspot for surfers. But, it’s fairly hidden beneath a bluff and requires a long trek down a set of stairs – so it’s not quite as popular as Ocean Beach.
Because of its location, there are plenty of ways to seek the shade. And, if you happen to come on a busy day, you can try walking a little bit further north to another beach that’s also known for its solitude: Boneyard.
Secret Beach, Hawaii
How does a secret beach in Kauai sound? Pretty magical, right? This is a little bit like Hole In the Wall because you have to hike through a dense forest to get there. But that certainly adds to its allure. When you exit the forest and come upon this stretch of sand, you’ll feel like St. Peter just let you in through the gates of heaven.
Here, you’ll find a long stretch of white sand, glistening clear waters, towering sea cliffs, and a sense of seclusion and serenity that, dare we say, exists nowhere else in America. The trail starts at the Kilauea Lighthouse, and while it’s only about a mile long, its hilly terrain can make it a bit of a climb. However, your reward will certainly feel like it was worth it.
Let Nature Soothe Your Soul
What do you say? Shall we meet at Sunset Beach, Little Hunters Beach, or Secret Beach? All we need is a towel, a book, and a bottle of water. Nature will take care of the rest.
Whether you’re headed to the East or West Coast, we have a destination guide in the lineup for you. Together, we’ll help you curate the perfect itinerary to see the sea, enjoy some fine dining, and let nature soothe your soul. She’s more than happy to do so.