Is your ideal beach vacation as simple as warm sun, crashing waves, bronzed bodies and a tropical drink in your hand? Or do you want something that goes beyond the typical vision that comes to mind when thinking of a beach getaway?
Beach vacations mean different things to different people, but one thing most of us can agree on is that when the weather gets cold at home, a trip to the sun and the sand is pretty inviting. Fortunately, not all beaches were created equal. Here’s a guide to a few beach destinations, each with its own local flavor:
Venice Beach: Amidst the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, this bohemian beach neighborhood is less about style and more about eccentricities. Take a walk down the oceanfront promenade, and wannabe athletes at Muscle Beach and outdoor basketball courts will compete for your attention with throngs of street performers and artists. Some of the area’s hippest bars and restaurants occupy the oceanfront and Venice’s downtown. Flights to Los Angeles tend to be relatively affordable given its two airports’ volume of traffic.
San Diego: The beach plays a big role in San Diego vacations; surfers are constantly looking to find the best swells along its 70 miles of coastline. Coronado features the classiest of resorts, shops and restaurants and two live theaters. Mission Beach is a popular location for sunbathing and sporting activities. Nearby laid-back neighborhood bars provide the venue for beach bums to relax after a long day soaking up sun.
Costa Rica: With 800 miles of coastline, finding the beach in this tropical Central American nation is easy. With so much oceanfront property, Costa Rica vacations can range from the luxurious to wild and primitive, and not surprisingly, the country is a leader in ecotourism. Costa Rica’s climate makes it a perfect winter getaway, as its dry season starts in December and lasts until August.
