By Traci Magnus
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a beach vacation. There’s everything you could ever need—sun, water, sand, cool island cocktails, time to sit and read or take an afternoon nap. But, if you’re planning to go to one of the most popular tourist beach destinations, you’re probably not going to be as relaxed as you’d like with hundreds of other people vacationing in the exact same place. If you’re looking for a destination that still has all the luxuries of a beach vacation without the hassle of too many other tourists, check out some of these hidden beach getaways. You can plan on visiting Charleston, S.C. to relax on the gorgeous shores of this Southern city or make your way to a beachside oasis in Orange Beach, AL. Here are some of our favourite places to travel when we’re looking for a unique beach vacation.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is one of the best beaches in the area when visiting Charleston, S.C. Although there are a few other beaches to visit while you’re in the city, Folly offers visitors miles of beach, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. If you’re looking to party on the beach and hang out with other people vacationing on Folly, you can set up shop by the pier. But, for those times when you want to simply lounge on the sand in peace, you can head further away from the pier to get some privacy.
In fact, one of the best places to chill on Folly Beach is known as the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. When you drive out to Folly, you’ll arrive in town on Center Street. Take a left turn on East Ashley Avenue and follow the road until it ends. Here, you can park along the street and take the short but interesting walk to the beach where you’ll have a beautiful view of the Morris Island Lighthouse in the distance. If you have a beach hammock, be sure to bring it along and relax between the old driftwood trees that decorate the beach.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
The Outer Banks may be the most popular beach destination in North Carolina, but this area is so popular you’re sure to be lost among the sea of other travelers. Instead, you can experience the same beautiful blue water with less crowded shores on Wrightsville Beach. Spend your days lounging on the sands of this adorable little beach town and then go out and explore the area. You can still enjoy the gorgeous outdoor weather when visiting the Airlie Gardens, a public garden that has been around since the 1880s. One of the greatest advantages of visiting Wrightsville is that you’ll have quick, easy access to the beach in addition to other attractions, like the gardens or the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.
Orange Beach, Alabama
When planning a beach vacation, Alabama isn’t usually the first state that comes to mind, but the Gulf Coast region has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the country. The sand is soft and the water is a gorgeous shade of cerulean blue. But, for most people who do know the beauty of Alabama beaches, they’re typically headed to the city of Gulf Shores. To avoid the crowds but still take advantage of the beautiful beaches, plan a trip to nearby Orange Beach. If you’re the type of traveler who loves adventure, Orange Beach is just the place for it as it’s well-known for the variety of water sports practiced here. Whether you’re an expert or an amateur, you can participate in everything from standup paddleboarding to water skiing.
Solana Beach, California
California is one of the top destinations for beach getaways, which means that the shores of the most popular destinations are almost guaranteed to be packed all year round, especially because of California’s beautiful climate. If you’re itching for a trip to the West Coast, California is the perfect destination for an intimate beach trip because there are so many beach towns along the coast. One of our favorite secret getaways is Solana Beach, which is just 30 minutes north of San Diego. You’ll be able to enjoy the peaceful vibe of this quaint beach town, but you can also drive into the city if you want to explore some of the downtown areas. Solana Beach is known for more than just its surf and sand, however. You can explore the many shops and restaurants and even catch free concerts during the summer months.
Ogunquit, Maine
Maine is one of the most gorgeous coastal cities in the entire country with scenic lighthouses galore. However, Maine’s beaches are extremely popular in the summer, so to escape the crowds, head to Ogunquit, an adorable beach town with a name that literally means “beautiful place by the sea.” There are plenty of places to lounge, walk and swim here as the beach is surrounded by the ocean on one side and a river on the other. Enjoy the beautiful flowers that blossom here in the summer, making for some truly perfect vacation photos. However, keep in mind that the ocean water in Maine is still pretty chilly in the summer. If you’re not a fan of cold water, you may want to head to a location further south to do some swimming.
Relax Surfside in These Charming Destinations
The next time you’re planning a big beach getaway, skip the same boring tourist destinations and opt for someplace new. These quaint little beach towns throughout the country offer a more relaxing experience while still providing the opportunity to participate in watersports and soak up the sun. When you visit destinations in Charleston, S.C. or Solana Beach, CA, you’ll also be close to city environments, giving you the choice to stay on the beach for your entire trip or explore metropolitan areas. So, pack up your best bathing suits and some sunscreen and get ready for your next oceanside escape!
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media