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Action
beaches, to me, are sandy spots where activities and
people come together, and there is a palpable vibe.
Action beaches don't have to mean adventure,
though sometimes they do. Action
beaches don't have to mean it's a scene, but
of course, they often are. What an action beach must
be is action-packed in some way or another. A word to
the wise: Most of these spots are crowded all the time,
but that's the price one pays to get a piece of the
action. And don't let that stop you - there's a reason
these beaches beckon. I like these beaches because they
offer a particular window into the culture of the place
(and in most of the cases below, a slice of Americana
that is rarely seen). Ranging from the highbrow to lowbrow,
sexy to seedy, these beaches
often feature people who are more evocative than the
views. Below, you'll find my selection of 10 beaches
in the U.S. or nearby where you can find action--and
a lot of it.
1.
Atlantic City Beach, Atlantic
City, N.J.
What you may not know about AC is that it's one of America's
oldest, seaside- resort communities-its with a history
is longer than its the famed fourfour4-mile AC boardwalk.
Given the millions that Atlantic
City New
Jersey churns out annually, the beach has only
just gotten a piece of the action, which was more than
overdue. A $24 million replenishment plan is underway
to add sand, dune grass, and fencing to protect it.
Many hope it will turn the tide and popularity of this
spot too. Just steps from the sand, adults can test
their luck in the casinos. Although visiting card-sharks
might not know it, during the summer, the beach offers
volleyball, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking,
and surfing. (Supposedly the best waves are found at
Delaware and Raleigh Avenues, particularly in late August
and September.) Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial
Day through Labor Day. So if you're looking to mix it
up this summer, Atlantic City is one place to try your
luck.
2. Hollywood Beach - Hollywood,
Florida.
Located on Florida's Atlantic coast, the scene at Hollywood
Beach is very different from the Californian
spot with the same name. However, it is a perfect setting
for people watching. There's a 27-foot wide "Broadwalk"
that extends for two and a half miles. Park yourself
on a bench at dawn and let the fun begin. In the span
of a day you can see the multitudes of walkers, joggers,
roller bladders, bicyclists, unicyclists, jugglers,
and skateboarders pass along the Broadwalk. Outdoor
cafes, Segway rentals, parasailing, and miniature golf
are also available. Along this six-mile stretch, you'll
find, among others, O'Malley's bar made famous by Rupert
Holmes in his "Pina Colada" song titled "Escape."
During summer the water is calm as a lake, but as soon
as the winter winds pick up, the surfers descend. Year
round, at 6 p.m. when the beach patrol leaves, folks
gather for concerts at the band shell, and the Broadwalk
is converted into a starlit dance floor.
3. Laguna Madre - South
Padre Island, Texas.
Although South Padre Island isn't actually attached
to the state, it's purely Texan. If the Longhorn State
prides itself on the theory that bigger is better, take
off your cowboy boots because South Padre kicks it Texas-style.
Don't even think about dressing up here--ties are illegal
in South
Padre, need we say more? The play-hard culture
dominates the beaches, and Laguna Madre on the bay side
is no exception. Go sailing, parasailing, power boating,
windsurfing, and kite surfing. You'll need strength,
balance, and coordination for that last one, but there's
no harm done in trying. Hey, you can always belly up
to the bar when you're done. Though a bit busy for naturalists,
you can bird or dolphin watch here too. At night, grab
a flashlight and go crabbing. Take the test and see
-- how many sand crabs can you grab?
4. Herring Cove Beach - Provincetown,
Massachusetts.
P-town,
as it's affectionately known, has long been the landing
spot for the proud with a capital "P." Anything
goes in this charming New England fishing village with
faded paint on clapboard, salt-sprayed houses. The place
is a-buzz all summer by a vastly diverse crowd ranging
from drag queens to preppy urbanites that come for food,
fun, and festivities. Herring
Cove, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore,
with its high dunes and moors. You'll feel the undercurrent
here as you slowly make your way from Route 6 passing
bikers and those ambling through the narrow streets
of the tightly built town to Herring Cove. The crowded
Inns, cafes and shops teem with eager tourists who overflow
into the streets. Also a thriving center for the arts,
it's home to potters, writers, and filmmakers also making
their way, enjoying the wildflowers, sipping coffee
and padding the Herring Cove Trail to the beach.
5. South
Beach - Miami,
Florida.
"Sobe," as enthusiasts lovingly refer to it,
is the beach of the pretty and proud. A strong Latin
influence inspires the food, music, and even the fashion.
Here you'll see beachgoers parade in bright and bold
colors to match the lifeguard stands. Both men and women
sport skimpy suits and hard, bronzed bodies. The flashy
view is in sync with the Miami mood that pervades, where
it's all about the people and the pulse. Not surprisingly,
it's home to many a celebrity, including J-Lo and Ricky
Martin. Sit in a street-side cafe and overlook the beach.
If you can forget the people, the beach is quite a treat.
The soft, pale-yellow sand rivals the glow of the year-round
sunshine (hottest in July and August). The boardwalk
along the beach is good for walking, especially with
a small pooch on a stylie leash, but neither is a requirement.
(Oh, it's also good for jogging, blading or biking.)
In a style-pinch, the nearby Collins Avenue boutiques
can save you, should you feel the need to keep up with
the fashionistas.
6. Venice
Beach - Los
Angeles, California.
The Ocean Front Walk, known also as the Venice Boardwalk,
stretches for three miles alongside one of the finest
beaches in Southern California.
It's a destination in itself, but beachgoers love the
wide stretch of sand for walking and picnicking, as
and also for swimming. In summer, the average water
temperature is a cool 66. The colorful boardwalk beckons
all kinds. Blade, bike, or boogie board and bring your
own equipment (or rent it nearby), and you won't have
to sit down all day. Children will enjoy playing in
the park and spotting fisherman who catch Pacific mackerel,
bonito, barracuda, and stingrays on the pier. Be sure
to check out the boutiques, the famed "Muscle Beach"
where body-builders pump-iron in the sand, and the artists
who sell original works. Forecast your future by sitting
with one of the many fortunetellers, palm, or tarot
card readers. Venice
Beach delights, amuses, bewilders, and entertains
every minute of every hour, all day long throughout
the year.
7. Waikiki
Beach - Honolulu,
Hawaii.
As one of America's most famous beaches, Waikiki is
stunning because it's a hopping beach at the edge of
a major city. At parts near the eastern end, one side
of the beach is a bustling thoroughfare with heavy motor
traffic and business types dressed in suits (or at least
Hawaiian shirts and khakis) that dodge throngs of international
tourists. The other side is why you've come: It's the
most astonishing beach
and rolling blue surf. The place is littered with sunbathers,
surfers, and party seekers. Where else can you find
such a contrast? Not just city though, this one and
a half mile stretch of sand is also the home to many
hotels and resorts. There isn't a water sport you can't
do here. Take a morning afternoon or sunset sail. Swim,
boogie-board, bodysurf, sail, dive, snorkel, canoe,
play volleyball, dine, or shop. Perhaps just plant yourself
and watch the scene as daylight wanes and the magnificent
Hawaiian
sun sets around you while tiki torches blaze and the
parties get started. ...
8. Magen's Bay - St.
Thomas, USVI.
Each year, beach tourists flock to the Caribbean for
picture-perfect
beaches with warm, turquoise waters, soft white
sand that stretch endlessly beneath your feet, and gentle
breezes to keep you cool, even on the hottest of days.
Magen's Bay beach offers all of that and more. The
beach is crowded with both locals and tourists
because it doesn't disappoint. The gates are open from
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for visitors to sail, scuba, fish,
kayak, paddleboat, Jet Ski or simply lounge (preferably
in a rental chair). It tends to be crowded though, so
arrive early to stake out your spot along the mile-long,
crescent-shaped beach. The views are stunning throughout
the day. Although, there is only one restaurant and
bar here, Magen's bay remains the place to sunbathe
on St.Thomas.
Good for families, couples, and singles alike, it's
long been a very hot spot.
9. Playa Centro - Sayulita, MEXICO.
This old fishing village boasts a casual, authentic
Mexican vibe. Don't expect too much from Sayulita, as
you might be disappointed. Here, you're likely to see
chickens roaming in the cobbled streets on your way
to the beach. So, if you're wondering why it's on the
action list, it's because of the surf--the surfing action
to be exact. Twenty-five miles north of Puerto
Vallarta, surfers have put Playa Centro beach,
in the otherwise sleepy Sayulita, on the map. The surfer-cool
gives the town a funky, unique feel, but they haven't
overrun the place. Local food stands make edibles cheap
and easy to obtain from the
beach, as are handmade crafts too. The beach
is long and "swoosh" shaped and the waves
reportedly have long, consistent breaks. Also popular
here are boogie boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
The village also offers horseback riding, whale watching,
and fishing
excursions. If you're in search of great waves, visit
Sayulita while it's still officially a find.
10. Seven Mile Beach - Negril,
Jamaica.
Seven Mile beach is a bustling stretch of soft white
sand in Jamaica's hotspot, Negril. Sip a Red Stripe
brought to you by one of the beach-hawkers who will
also happily braid your hair or sell you a souvenir
to bring home. You can even have a cold one while sitting
in one of the many open-air restaurants that line the
beach. Anything and everything goes because it's all
no problem, mon. Some sections of the beach are clothing
optional. (Perhaps the nudity was a draw to the flower
power set who made this beach popular in the 1960s.)
To this day, the vibe remains very chill and is open
for enjoying, relaxing, and indulging. If you can motivate,
you can check out the coral reefs or go snorkeling,
diving, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, or even deep-sea
fishing.
The clear water and palm trees make it a perfect
beach for lounging, but it's also a great place
to explore.
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