My Favorite Beaches (And A Few I Haven't Made It To Yet)
I'm a beach girl. I love to collect sand from beaches around the world. There's something about the ocean that heals my soul and keeps calling me back even though I'm totally landlocked 99% of the time. Here are some of my favorite beaches (and islan...
Prince Edward Island
Visiting PEI was a dream of mine since I was a little girl, and it definitely didn't disappoint. It's actually been several years since my husband and I visited, and I can't wait to get back to this wonderful (and smallest) Canadian province.
It's hard to pick a single beach, or even a single area, in Prince Edward Island as my fav. I was actually watching the movie Anne of Green Gables one time when my husband walked through the room and said, “Where IS that?” I told him about PEI (altho...
If you only have a short time in PEI (like if it's a port of call on your cruise), this tour crams a lot of iconic Prince Edward Island spots into a fun-filled, jam-packed day.
It's not a trip to PEI without a lobster supper (or three). My hubby and I went to this one and had a blast (and a LOT of food).
Great link to places to stay with reviews.
I love a good lobster roll, and Richard's has a delicious one, along with a non-fussy menu and atmosphere that's perfect for a quick meal.
30A Beaches
Beach please! I love the sugar white sandy stretch of beaches along Highway 30A on Florida's Emerald Coast (so named because of the gorgeous, clear turquoise waters). It's such a beautiful, laidback, family-friendly area, and I've enjoyed exploring s...
I love all the sugary white sand beaches along Highway 30A on the Emerald Coast of Florida's panhandle. Santa Rosa may be my favorite, though. It's family-friendly, not overly crowded, and a great place for a family reunion. (We have visited many tim...
Even if we don't stay in Seaside, we always make sure to visit their adorable square and walk through their quaint neighborhoods. You may actually be more familiar with Seaside than you realize, even if you've never visited. The Truman Show was taped...
It's not a trip to the 30A without a stop at Sundog Books in Seaside.
Love, love, love this sweet watercolor map of the 30A shore. There's a reason this stretch draws so many people back year after year.
It's not a trip to the 30A without a stop at Bud & Alley's. They have a great, diverse menu, and of course fresh seafood!
Aruba
My husband and I went to Aruba on our honeymoon, and I count down the days until we can go back. Such a lovely, welcoming island.
My hubby and I stayed at the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort on our honeymoon and spent every day lounging on Flamingo Beach on their private island. To call it amazing is an understatement. It was pure magic.
The best breakfast spot. Poffertjes are these little Dutch pancakes that are like a cross between a mini pancake and funnel cakes. Healthy? No. Delicious and addictive? YES.
SO much fun. Snorkeling through beautiful coral reefs, water slides, banana boats, swimming. We also added snuba to our package so we could dive deeper into the reef and really explore.
A local recommended this seafood restaurant, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We dined on some of the best food I've ever had, with my barefoot toes curled into the sand and waves, with the most memorable, amazing ambience I've every exp...
There are gorgeous, picturesque areas of Aruba you can't reach without roughing it a bit. This Jeep tour gets you to some spectacular locations!
Castaway Cay
Disney Cruise Line's private island, Castaway Cay is a complete blast. If you have the opportunity to visit, be sure to make the most of your day there.
My family and I have been on two Disney Cruises, both of which included a day on Castaway Cay, their private island. In short, we had an absolute blast both times. There's so much to do, see, explore, and enjoy.
While I've enjoyed every cruise I've ever been on, Disney spoiled me a bit for all others. They pay attention to every detail and make every guest feel special and treasured.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know that this is technically cheating. It's a landlocked water park, but you can do a really fun cruise & park combo and have the best of all worlds when it comes to a Disney Cruise.
Make your stateroom easier to find (and come home with a cool keepsake) with this custom Disney Cruise Line cabin door magnet.
Carry your stuff out to Castaway Cay and back in style with this custom embroidered Disney Cruise tote bag.
Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor
Coastal Maine has such a unique charm, especially in the summer and fall.
Acadia (and Maine in general) is such a unique, pristine, scenic area to explore. Summer is a fun time to visit, and fall, with the changing leaves is just stunning.
A top-rated, affordable hotel right in the middle of everything
Don't pretend like you're going to go all the way to Maine and not stuff your face full of lobster.
Put your art where your heart is. I love this customizable rustic Maine map art.
Mackinac Island
Ever since seeing the Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour movie “Somewhere in Time," my husband and I wanted to visit Mackinac Island, the quaint, picturesque location of its filming. There are no cars allowed on the island, but plenty of bike rental...
It doesn't get much more quaint than Mackinac Island in Michigan. There are no cars on the island, and everything has a turn of the century (twentieth century, that is) feel to it. Our stay was absolutely charming.
This waterfront resort is the definition of relaxation. With a sloping green lawn sprinkled with ample Adirondack chairs, that leads up to the lapping waters of Lake Huron, it's the perfect summer escape from the hustle bustle. This resort is actuall...
If you truly want to feel like you've taken a leap back in time, you have to stay at the Grand Hotel (or at least visit). While the cast and crew stayed at Mission Point while filming Somewhere in Time, this is where the majority of the movie was fil...
O'ahu
There are actually a lot of beaches in O'ahu, but it was such a beautiful, welcoming island when I visited that I wanted to highlight and share as many recommendations as I could from across the whole island.
O'ahu is a beautiful island, period, and Aulani is a gorgeous gem within it. Traveling with kids, staying on Disney property is always a sure bet. They always go above and beyond.
While entrance to the Pearl Harbor memorial is free to the public, reservations are required (and go quickly--seriously, book now). By taking a private tour, you get a more in-depth experience and get to hear personal histories and stories that you w...
If you've ever had a Dole Whip at Disney World…well, if you know, you know. And you need to come try the original at the Dole Plantation. There's a fun tram ride around the plantation that's fun and educational (and scenic!) and a beautiful botanical...
This little poke shop might just be the best deal on the island, and it alone is worth the drive to the North Shore. And, I mean, the spectacular views aren't shabby either.
Beautiful public beach. Family-friendly, and nice calm waters.
CocoCay
Also known as Little Stirrup Cay, CocoCay is the privately operated island of Royal Carribean, located in the Bahamas. Whether you like wild water adventures or just lounging on the beach or by the huuuuuuuge pool, it's an absolute paradise and so mu...
I've been on several Royal Caribbean cruises, and I've absolutely loved every single one and had amazing experiences. Great food, an incredible array of activities to choose from, and of course their “Perfect Day on CocoCay” where you can relax and p...
Can't wait to dig my feet into the sand in CocoCay for the holidays!
The Best Beach Gear
My crew and I burn just thinking about being out in the sun. We got this easy pop-up tent for our last beach trip, and it worked great! Blocked out the harsh afternoon rays but with plenty of airy ventilation.
This is the BEST sunscreen. Once I discovered it through my dermatologist, it's the only one I'll use. It's non-oily, and it's so light, it truly feels like absolutely nothing on my skin.
I've had this Land's End tote bag (the XL version) for almost 20 years, and it is so durable and versatile. Highly recommend.
My mother-in-law travels a LOT, and she finally got curious and asked her pilot one trip what luggage they used. They answered, “TravelPro” without skipping a beat. Super lightweight but also sturdy, steers like a dream, and not too expensive. I've b...
Okay, so full disclosure, I'm an author, and Georgia Kains is my pen name, but if you love beaches and murder mysteries, I think you might like my mystery set on a cruise ship, Death In A Deck Chair <3
Big Sur
There's something magical about Big Sur, about the water flowing from the rocks, the steep, jutting cliffs, the crashing waves. It's a beautiful area where many have found inspiration.
There's something magical about the lush forest coming up to the roaring ocean, and this lodge captures the best of both. It's perfect for couples or anyone who wants to just go soak in nature.
Road conditions can sometimes make Big Sur inaccessible. If you can't reach it, you can at least go there in spirit with these yummy, woodsy smelling scented candles.
Just up the road from Big Sur, Monterey and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are a must visit if you love the sea and sea animals.
Watercolor captures the incredible beauty of Big Sur in such a natural way, and in a way that few other mediums can.
Truly, Big Sur is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth. Put it on your bucket list if you haven't already.