7 Weekend Beach Destinations

This summer, visit one of our favorite beach vacation spots for a weekend away.


Mid-Atlantic:
Pack a bag and head to Rehoboth, where waves crash and breezes blow. Stroll the throwback boardwalk for some saltwater taffy and explore the serene beaches of Cape Henlopen State Park. Then hop the Jolly Trolley to Dewey Beach for a night of barhopping at coastal classics.

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Southwest:
Surfer sanctuary-slash-hippie haven Santa Cruz is a destination for more than just tall waves and good weed. Tool around the beach on a candy-colored cruiser or hike through the Victorian homes and coastal terraces of Wilder Ranch. Catch a wave of your own with Santa Cruz Surf School's year-round lessons.


Northeast:
Blow the dust off your driver's license or take the Jitney to the ferry to Shelter Island, the plot of land nestled between Long Island's two forks. A walk around Mashomack nature preserve does the body good with eleven miles of marked trails and ten miles of coastline. Be sure to squeeze in a sunset kayak paddle at Wade's Beach.

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Midwest:
Welcome to the Art Coast of Michigan. The quaint beach town is home to scores of galleries, dockside boutiques, and picturesque beaches. Oval Beach - towering sand dunes, serene shoreline - is the perfect place to unpack a picnic.

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The South:
Arkansas's Lake Ouachita is the ultimate water sports paradise. Spend the day Jet Skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving, or rent a boathouse for the weekend. Once you're sufficiently waterlogged, scavenge for jewels at Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only public diamond mine in the world.

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Pacific Northwest:
Those looking to get out of Seattle can head to Cannon Beach for Oregon Trail attractions, unparalleled sunsets, and views of Haystack Rock, as seen in The Goonies. Rent tricycles to roam the sand or explore an original fur trading post at Fort Astoria. After a long day outdoors, feast on Montrachet cheese and crab dip at Pizza A'Fetta.

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Southeast:
Just across the Everglades, Naples ups the ante of Gulf Coast white sand with prime dining, culture, and shopping. Absorb the aesthetics of Third Street, where boutiques alternate with galleries. Naples Philharmonic Orchestra (yes, Naples has a beautiful philharmonic) performs classic pieces, along with tribute shows to The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

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