The whole summer is ahead of us, and we can all agree—the beach is a wonderful place to spend those sunny days. After all, there’s something there for everyone. Active types are happy to swim or paddle. If you’re just looking to relax, get out a thick novel and settle into the sand. But here’s the thing—after a day or two on the shore, we’re often looking for more to explore. Here are six beach towns that deliver it all—the beach, a side of culture, and plenty to engage with and enjoy beyond simple sun and sand.
Encounters With Wildlife
A harbor seal lounging at Children's Pool in La Jolla, Calif. Mary Swift/Shutterstock
Just a little north of San Diego, La Jolla is a Southern California paradise. Perched above the Pacific, La Jolla has many options when it comes to beaches, including a number of small coves. These include the Children’s Pool, where you share the sand with seals and sea lions, plus the longer stretch of sand at La Jolla Shores. Then, take some time to visit the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, where you can see everything from a giant octopus to tiny little blue penguins, up close. If you have time, the many compelling attractions at San Diego’s famous Balboa Park beckon.
White Sands and Museums
A busy day on the beach in Siesta Key, Fla. Juergen_Wallstabe/Shutterstock
Siesta Key sits just off the western coast of Florida. It’s a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico with some of the best beaches in the United States. Spend time at the broad, white sands strung along the aquamarine of Siesta Beach, or nearby Crescent Beach, which is a little quieter. Then, explore nearby Sarasota, which has a surprisingly amazing array of museums. These include the Ringling, set on a massive estate, where the exhibits range from fine art to circus magic. Motorheads shouldn’t miss the Classic Car Museum, and the nearby Bishop Museum of Science and Nature exhibits everything from prehistoric fossils to the wonders of the heavens at their planetarium.
Hawaii, Unplugged
A view of Halawa Valley in Molokai, Hawaii. Enrico Della Pietra/Shutterstock
Anyone who has been there will tell you—Molokai is a place apart. Hawaii, unplugged. It’s like a far-flung South Pacific destination—despite being just across the water from some of Maui’s busiest beaches. Relax at Papohaku Beach Park, one of the longest stretches of white sand in the whole state (3 miles), where the views stretch all the way to Oahu. Then, encounter the ancient culture of these islands with a guided cultural hike into the lush, green Halawa Valley, which Polynesians settled as far back as A.D. 650. Along the way, you’ll see and learn about worship sites, rock walls, taro terraces, and their significance through history. Finish with a swim under a postcard-perfect waterfall.
Maine Attractions
A view of Portland Harbor and the Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. Lucky-photographer/Shutterstock
The only public stretch of sand in Portland, Maine, East End Beach is like something out of a New England dream. Sit at the bottom of Munjoy Hill in the Eastern Promenade (the city’s largest park) and settle in for the day. Enjoy views out over the forested islands and picturesque sailboats on Casco Bay. Then, explore the many cultural attractions in Maine’s largest city. You’ll find many impressive galleries near the wharves and historic, restored warehouses at the Old Port. These include the Portland Museum of Art. Home to more than 19,000 works, you can enjoy everything from decorative arts to photography to paintings by homegrown artists and European masters alike.
Cape Explorations
Race Point Lighthouse at Cape Cod, Mass. Suncoast Aerials/Shutterstock
From the moment you cross the canal on the Bourne Bridge, you’ll find yourself in the land of beaches. Here’s the thing: the farther out you go on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the better they get. Perhaps the best is Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s broad and beautiful and pummeled with waves from the Atlantic. After a day of body surfing, explore the fun, sometimes quirky museums in the nearby small towns. These include the Whydah Pirate Museum, which features real treasure, artifacts from a local shipwreck, and a glimpse into the day-to-day 18th-century lives of these infamous raiders and marauders.
This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.
