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Selecting
these beaches was no snap. Given all the beaches in
the United States
and nearby, I wanted to include many more but could
only select 10. Therefore, each had to possess a unique
quality for every kind of romantic. I can now relate
to the work of a curator, having to select the right
placement for every painting in an exhibition, thinking
not just of the work on its own but how it fits with
the others. From the rugged to the sublime, each of
these ten beaches offers something irresistibly romantic
and is well worth a visit. I hope you agree.
1.
Captiva Beach - Captiva
Island, FL.
It's no secret that Captiva hosts some of the most spectacular
sunsets around, but " Captiva
Beach ," Florida
on the west side of the Island, is stellar. You're likely
to share the view with returning pelicans as well as
herons, sandpipers, egrets, gulls and terns. Bask in
the sun or select a shady spot beneath the greenery
consisting mostly of Australian pines, sea grapes and
palm trees. If it's time alone you seek, try this stretch
of flat, white sandy beach in the early hours. They
say morning also is a good time to collect keepsake.
Beachcombers arrive early, at low tide or just after
rainfall when the shores can be piled three feet high
with an array of seashells in colors to match the most
captivating of sunsets.
2. Carmel Beach - Carmel-by-the-Sea,
CA.
If romance is about anticipation, then arriving at Carmel
Beach by way of the famed Highway 1 is a must (preferably
driving a convertible during September or October, when
Carmel experiences summer). A walk along the sliding
coastline of Carmel
Beach , California
is what you've anxiously been awaiting. From above you
can pad the meandering pathway or descend the wooden
steps and walk the white sand next to the surf. A cool
dampness hangs in the air. The crashing waves calm your
nerves while making your senses stand at attention.
The rush of the tide, the foamy white bubbles at your
feet, the enormity of the rocks and the distinct cypress
trees invigorate. This is not a swimmer's beach, and
yet it is one of the most dramatic coastlines in the
world.
3. Coronado Beach - Coronado,
CA.
The difference between Northern and Southern California
is like night and day. Coronado
beach is SoCal at its best. And, just across
the water from the city of San Diego, Coronado feels
a world away. With the grand Victorian Hotel Del Coronado
as a backdrop, this beach feels like a throwback to
another time in history altogether. The plentiful white
sand extends for over a mile and a half, and the beach
offers every activity imaginable. From sunbathing to
surfing, whale-watching to picnicking, boogie boarding
to bicycling, there is something to do for everyone.
Of course, doing nothing is a great option too. Sunbathe
by day, and in the evening soak up the nostalgia with
a glass of wine al fresco at a candlelit table at the
hotel restaurant, and enjoy a glowing view of the Pacific.
4. Fuller Street Beach - Edgartown,
Martha's Vineyard, MA.
In the center of charming Edgartown, an old whaling
village, the Fuller
Street beach Massachusetts
itself is not very long, but offers contrasting serenity
to the bustling town. Amble from the lighthouse along
the dunes with marsh ponds on either side. Small fur
trees and pink plum roses dot the way. A breeze brings
salt, sea-mud and evergreen scents that intoxicate the
visitors who come mostly in search of a peaceful stroll
or quiet moment. Tucked in a nook, you may find others
enjoying the tranquility and gazing across to Chappaquiddick.
Native islanders say the beach is at its best in fall
(just outside of peak season) while the water is still
warm but the beach can be yours alone.
5. Driftwood Beach - Jekyll
Island, GA.
On the north tip of Jekyll Island is a nearly two-mile
stretch of beach aptly named "
Driftwood Beach , Georgia
" after trees that have been uprooted and re-deposited
on the shore. Emerging from under a canopy of oak trees,
one happens upon this isolated stretch of beach and
can walk (or ride one of the island horses) among the
massive twisted shapes. As if an open-air gallery full
of sculpture, this place is an organic exhibition, and
no two visits are the same. If you're lucky, you may
witness a dolphin swimming by. The light here is dominated
by golden hues and is beautiful throughout the day,
although sunsets are poetic and often set the horizon
ablaze with a display of fiery crimson, orange and bold
yellow. The St. Simons lighthouse off in the distance
serves as a reminder that the world beyond is at once
near and far.
6. Hamoa Beach - Maui,
Hawaii.
Hamoa Beach is an idyllic, verdant, tropical
paradise embodying the Aloha spirit of Hawaii.
It's a postcard-perfect spot and a gem among Maui beaches,
partially due to its remote location. The crescent-shaped
beach is surrounded by 30-foot black lava rock cliffs,
lush green grass and towering palm trees. The
beach itself consists of "black and gold"
sand that yields a splendid dark gray, formed by a mix
of coral and lava. The deep blue-green hued waters recede
into the vast ocean but can have powerful currents.
The way the surf breaks makes it a popular spot for
surfers and body surfers, but this beach also has a
calm area that offers good snorkeling. Daytime skies
are dominated by Crayola blues and cottony clouds, but
sunsets are the real show. The sky is painted spectacular
shades of purple, pink and orange. This quintessential
Hawaiian
beach hideaway will soothe and rejuvenate.
7. Montauk Lighthouse State Park Beach
- Montauk,
New York.
On the easternmost tip of Long
Island sits Montauk, with the unadulterated
beach and casual atmosphere that sets it apart from
the manicured perfection of people and places dominating
the rest of the Hamptons. Montauk impresses and inspires
without any dressing-up. While artists and writers seek
refuge here, even in the height of summer, it's never
crowded. The beach stretches on seemingly endlessly
and offers chilly, and often rough, blue-gray waters
typically found along the Eastern Seaboard. The jewel
on this rocky point is the lighthouse. Nothing beats
this beach at night if you climb the rocks that lead
to the lighthouse and find a perch on which to stargaze.
Let the sound of the waves be a lullabye and the sky
a dream. Locals claim the chances of witnessing a shooting
star here are excellent.
8. Maroma Beach - Maroma,
Mexico.
Whoever said good things come in small packages may
have had Maroma
Beach on the Mayan
Riviera in mind. This small but sweet treasure
is a perfectly cut diamond among other fine stones.
The soft white sand at this private cove provides a
wondrous cushion for lazing about and simply letting
the day elapse. The water, flecked with 1,000 blue and
green hues, will be the only thing occupying your mind.
Although there is plenty to do, including great coral
reefs, you may have trouble plying yourself from the
comfort of the beach and might instead prefer a seaside
massage. It's hard to believe only 30 miles separates
Maroma from the mayhem of Cancun.
Thatch-roof huts dotting the coast; torch-lit walkways;
lavish feasts; gracious hospitality calling you by name;
and blissful days and starry nights are all part of
what make this luxurious hideaway mesmerizing.
9. Pinks Sands Beach - Harbour
Island, Bahamas.
The Pink
Sands Beach is a beach-lover's heaven, so don't
be surprised to find yourself questioning if you have
arrived in the afterlife. The incredibly soft sand,
which is never too hot to walk on, consists of small
pink coral bits flecked with white. The combination
yields a delicate powder that cushions your every step
- imagine walking on feather pillows, and you get the
idea. This enchanting
beach stretches as far as your eye can see and
invites long walks underneath a panoramic sky. The gentle
breeze guides a rolling surf that blends from turquoise
to a deeply rich indigo until it meets the horizon.
Pink Sands is defined by simple, unadorned, natural
beauty.
10. Scott Beach at Caneel Bay - St.
John, USVI.
Nestled in the heart of the Virgin
Islands, St. John is a small isle that remains
unspoiled by tourism. It has mountainous terrain, colorful
flora and fauna, fine white sand and bathwater-warm
turquoise waters. Being more remote than other USVI
destinations makes for quieter beaches. Ride an open-air
taxi around the windy roads and arrive at the luxurious
Caneel Bay, home to seven private
beaches. You can't go wrong here Scott's Beach
is the choice for rest, relaxation and romance. Float
in the clear water and spot turtles grazing on sea-grass
on the ocean floor beneath. Select sun or shade at this
tree-lined beach and enjoy the soft carpet of sand.
Stroll along and let the sand slip between your toes
while the water sweeps it (and all your cares) away.
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