Summer is the ideal time to go to the beach, so you can swim and soak up some sunshine. However, it’s also the busiest time of year for beaches, especially in certain areas. The good news is that some beaches offer a more secluded and relaxing vacation spot. Instead of dealing with crowds and lots of noise and activity at the beach, consider visiting one of the following beach destinations this summer.
Seaside, Florida
Some areas of Florida, such as Fort Lauderdale and Miami, are known for being prime beach destinations in summer, and the crowds attest to this. Seaside offers a much different beach experience. Visiting this northwestern Florida town means you can enjoy a quiet, slow-paced vacation. At Seaside, you can swim in the Gulf of Mexico, relax on white sand beaches, and take strolls or bike rides through town. In fact, once you park your car, you won’t need to drive it anywhere until you leave. Seaside is a friendly place to visit where you won’t have to deal with crowds. Instead of hotels or high rises for accommodations, you can spend a relaxing vacation in one of the famous Seaside vacation rentals, luxurious cottages with a neighborhood feel from an earlier age.
Assateague Island, Maryland
Assateague Island offers a great beach vacation spot if you want to camp during your stay. The island is famed for the wild horses that can be seen running along the beach. When you’re not watching the horses trotting around, you can go fishing, kayaking, or crabbing. Assateague Island also offers many other activities, including hiking on unpaved and paved trails, biking, and horseback riding if you bring your own horse. You won’t find cabins, cottages, or hotels at this beach. Staying on Assateague Island means you get to sleep under the stars or enjoy a quiet night’s rest in a tent or RV.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island offers secluded beaches, wild horses, and much more for a memorable and laid-back beach vacation. During your stay, you can tour historic ruins, hike over 50 miles of trails, go swimming, and go boating. The island has more than a dozen miles of undeveloped beaches to explore. Pack up your camping gear, and spend your vacation at one or more of the island’s five campgrounds. Cumberland Island has both designated campsites with amenities and wilderness campsites for those who want a more rustic experience. Instead of camping, you can book a stay at the historic Greyfield Inn or another hotel or inn and take the ferry to the island during the day.
Oxnard, California
Oxnard isn’t far from Los Angeles, but don’t worry about noise and crowded beaches. This seaside city offers several relaxing beaches to enjoy during your beach vacation. Silver Strand Beach is a great place to go for surfing and kayaking, while Hollywood Beach provides ideal spots for picnics. Explore the dunes and rolling hills of Oxnard/Mandalay Beach on a beach cruiser, or bring the kids and pets to Kiddie Beach for gentle waters – a great place for those very young children who are still in their swimming lesson years. The Oxnard area offers different places to stay, including luxury hotels, rental houses, and campgrounds for RV and tent camping.
Sandbridge Beach, Virginia
Despite being part of the Virginia Beach area, you won’t find tons of visitors at Sandbridge Beach. This beach offers a more secluded place to stay, so you can look forward to having a relaxing vacation. Sandbridge Beach has 5 miles of sandy beaches that offer a serene environment. Spend your vacation swimming in warm waters and sunbathing. You can also head to False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking. Sandbridge Beach has several oceanfront condos and beach vacation homes with luxurious amenities.
Second Beach, Washington
Washington state has many secluded beach destinations where you can enjoy quiet surroundings and scenic sights. Second Beach is one of the top beach areas for this kind of vacation. This beach, located in the northwestern area of Washington, provides opportunities to catch sight of whales in the water or eagles soaring in the air. You’ll need to do some hiking through the rainforest in order to reach Second Beach. Once you’re there, you can pitch a tent and camp on the beach during your vacation. If you prefer other accommodations, you can find quaint bed and breakfasts, lodges, and resorts nearby.
South Manitou Island, Michigan
South Manitou Island, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, offers a great lakeside place to go for a beach vacation. Spend your vacation swimming in the waters of Lake Michigan, climbing the sand dunes, scuba diving, kayaking, and hiking. You can also explore ghost towns, visit the local lighthouse grounds, and take a wagon tour. The island has a few designated campgrounds. The Weather Station Campground offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan, while Popple Campground is a bit more secluded.
Harbor Island, Bahamas
Harbor Island in The Bahamas is not the United States, so a passport is required, but getting there is easy, and Harbor Island provides a tropical beach getaway without crowds of tourists. The island’s pink sandy beaches and gorgeous blue waters offer stunning views, as well as ideal places for swimming and sunbathing. You can also go snorkeling and boating, or go horseback riding along the coasts. Harbor Island has a wide range of accommodations to choose from, including vacation rental homes, hotels, and resorts.