Summer is right around the corner, Captains, so to get you excited for summer, we’ve got some awesome beaches for you to add to your bucket list! Make sure, no matter where you go, you pack healthy snacks, lots of sunscreen, and drink plenty of water!
1. Clearwater Beach, Florida
This beach is super fun to go to. Located about twenty minutes away from Tampa, Florida, Clearwater is just that: a beach with clear water. There are tons of cute shops along the strip of beach that faces the Gulf Coast. The waves are calmer, the water’s usually warmer… watch out, though, because sometimes the wind can be so crazy that you get sand covered on everything! It can get really busy, too, since a lot of tourists visit it. If it’s too noisy and crowded for you, drive an extra hour south to Maderia Beach of St. John’s Pass. Both are equally as clear as Clearwater, but they’re usually filled with more locals than tourists.
2. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Ever wondered where those cute cottages and rocky cliffs in movies are located? Nantucket is one of them. The water is calm, and the community is quaint — perfect for a short weekend getaway! You can see some awesome gated communities, meet some great people, and see a bunch of historic lighthouses.
3. Kapalua Beach, Hawai’i
Kapalua is a small inlet beach in Maui, Hawai’i. A lot of people will recommend staying at the Big Island when vacationing in Hawai’i, but Maui is definitely the better of all the islands. The feel is more authentic, and there’s more history there. Kapalua Beach is located in northwestern Maui, near the mountains. It’s full of clear water, white sand, and your hotel or Airbnb is going to be located near a bunch of other things to do: zip lining, hiking, parasailing, and more! Bonus: the Road to Lahaina features views to an area that is home to one of the world’s most famous international surfing competitions and features some of the highest waves on record! I have been to the beach a lot, being from Hampton Roads and all, and this is definitely the best one I’ve been to. 10/10 would recommend.
Where are some of your favorite beaches, Captains?