While relaxing in the sand and working on a tan may be top priorities, there are plenty of other things that go into a well-rounded week at the beach. The following pages focus on 20 unique beyond-the-beach experiences at coastal destinations across the United States. The list includes enjoying fish tacos in San Diego, taking a stroll along Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk and kayaking through an estuary in Miami.
If it’s San Diego, it must be fish tacos
One of the most enduring parts of coastal life is the cuisine. In San Diego, the equation is simple: beach food = fish tacos. While Mexico was the birthplace of the fish taco, the tasty treat was first introduced in the U.S. in San Diego by Ralph Rubio in 1983. Across the last three decades the city has taken the traditional fried and grilled fish tacos to another level by offering more experimental versions at restaurants, food trucks and roadside stands.
How many hot dogs can you eat in 10 minutes?
Ever since it became a popular seaside getaway for the growing New York City population in the early 1800s, Coney Island has carved out a place in the city’s lore. From the legendary 1927 Cyclone roller coaster and the 1918 Wonder Wheel to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and its can’t-look-away 4th of July eating competition, the amusement park on the sands of the Atlantic Ocean offers up a true slice of Americana.
Close to South Beach, but a world away
While chic South Beach remains a top draw in downtown Miami, the area also is home to one of America’s most unique NPS sites, Biscayne National Park. The park’s four ecosystems are popular spots for snorkeling, kayaking and glass-bottom boat tours, which reveal coral reefs, manatees, sharks, rays, crocodiles and more.
S’more, s’more, s’more, how do you like it, how do you like it?
What started off as a way for Jennifer Morkert to do something special for an NTA tour operator has turned into a popular ongoing activity for groups staying at the Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites in Newport, Oregon. A few years back, Morkert put together a beach bonfire—a traditional activity enjoyed by locals—that included toasting s’mores, and she’s been doing it ever since.
“Our beaches are not overly crowded, but on a nice night you will see couples, families and visitors watching the sunset and hearing the waves crash. Now, you also see tour groups there relaxing and roasting marshmallows for s’mores on the beach. Some clients have never done this, and others say it brings up childhood memories.”
Goin’ mobile for Mardi Gras
Mobile, Alabama, stakes claim to having hosted America’s first Mardi Gras celebration back in 1703. The tradition continues each year during the two weeks that culminate on Fat Tuesday. The event fills the seaside city’s downtown with the sights and sounds of marching bands and decorative floats, from which masked krewe members throw beads, doubloons and confections to eager onlookers.
Surf’s up, dude
The sunny sands of L.A.’s Redondo Beach get pretty crowded each summer during the five-day International Surf Festival. In addition to its signature lifeguard competitions, the popular August event includes surfing contests, paddleboard races, volleyball tournaments and a pier-to-pier swim.
The shrimp boat soon will be making another run
Abundant fresh seafood and more than 60 miles of sandy beaches make Mississippi’s Gulf Coast popular with groups. In addition to sampling the catch of the day at local restaurants, travelers can take a behind-the-scenes look at the seafood industry during a cruise with a shrimp boat captain or as part of a visit to a catfish farm.
So much more in southern Maine
The southern part of Maine has 30 miles of white sand beaches and seaside towns with all the classic New England amenities: locally owned inns, lobster shacks and lighthouses. Between the popular coastal cities of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport is Wells Reserve at Laudholm. This 2,250-acre nature sanctuary includes hiking and walking trails that pass through mature forests and barrier islands en route to Laudholm Beach.
Hawaii delivers black sand, big surf and Papa’s favorite beach
When it comes to diversity in its beach culture, Hawaii stands alone. Oahu boasts calling-card Wakaki and the surfer’s favorite, North Beach. On Oahu, you’ll find Hamoa Beach, which Ernest Hemingway once called the world’s best beach. The Big Island includes the iconic black-sand beaches, and Kauai is known for hidden beaches that rest below the jagged peaks of the Na Pali Coast.
A grand time at the Grand Strand
Thanks to its wide-open stretches of sand, kitschy boardwalk, renowned amusement parks and championship golf courses, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, remains a top draw for sun seekers. Groups craving live entertainment can enjoy a show at NTA-member attractions, the Alabama Theatre and The Carolina Opry.
Channel your inner inventor and the Outer Banks
Wilbur and Orville Wright made history in 1903 when their glider took flight in Kitty Hawk, a coastal city in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Groups visiting Wright Brothers National Memorial can see the hill where that famous flight took place, view exhibits on the brothers’ early experiments and see replicas of test gliders.
Come for the view, stay for the food
The NTA membership includes two seaside dining spots on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts that blend regional cuisine with great ocean views.
The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood restaurant has been serving ocean-fresh fish for more than 30 years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Groups can enjoy crab legs, shrimp, oysters and more as part of the 170-item seafood buffet. The 1,000-seat restaurant has 11 dining rooms, each decorated with historical nautical items, that can accommodate both large and small groups. originalbenjamins.com
Rusty’s Surf Ranch is situated on one of Los Angeles’ top beach attractions, the Santa Monica Pier. Patrons can choose from a wide selection of traditional American food and Baja cuisine—seafood appetizers, beach burgers and daily fish specials—and sample one of Rusty’s specialty “shark bite” cocktails. The restaurant began a major expansion project in November of 2017, so call for details. rustyssurfranch.com
Never bored at this boardwalk
Among the many famous boardwalks found along the U.S. east and west coasts, Atlantic City’s stands above the rest. Forever immortalized by the board game Monopoly, the oceanside city is home to dozens of confection and taffy shops, amusement rides, luxury hotels and glitzy casinos.
Two of Southern California’s finest
A drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in California takes travelers past some of North America’s most beautiful parcels of land. Along the scenic byway, groups can visit two NTA-member attractions to learn more about unique aspects of local culture.
The grounds at Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in northern San Diego County are covered each year from early March through early May with thousands of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. In addition to seeing the colorful buds, groups can enjoy a range of tours, special events and themed activities. theflowerfields.com
A visit to Hearst Castle in the coastal city of San Simeon provides a firsthand look at what life was like for newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. Guests can see priceless works of art—all part of the Hearst’s vast collection—which are highlighted on themed tours to the various buildings, gardens, terraces and pools. hearstcastle.org
Whatever floats your boat
Each September, a section of the Rhode Island coastalong Newport’s America’s Cup Avenue is filled with more than 600 boats and nearly 800 exhibitor booths during the Newport International Boat Show. In addition to seeing new and vintage boats, attendees can take part in educational sessions led by boating industry experts. The 48th installment of this popular event will take place Sept. 13–16, 2018.
Where to go to see sea turtles
Corpus Christi boasts more than 100 miles of beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast, and the city is home to Padre Island National Seashore, which is one of only a few nesting grounds in the world for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. From mid-June through August, visitors can watch as scientists release newly hatched sea turtles into the wild at Malaquite Beach.
Scenery that’s par excellent
The gorgeous stretch of California coast that runs through Monterey and Carmel is a hot spot for golfers. The area is home to Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, both of which are staples on the bucket list of any self-respecting golf enthusiast. As players tackle these challenging courses, they can take in sweeping views of the picture-perfect coastline.
A salute to sand sculpting
Each November, thousands of people descend on Fort Myers, Florida, for the American Sand Sculpting Championships. The local beaches become the canvas for the creations of the some of the world’s best sand artists, who take part in juried competitions. In addition to watching the artists create their masterpieces, festival-goers can enjoy live music throughout the 10-day event.
Top photo: Coney Island
Photo by CC Wikimedia Commons/MusikAnimal: bit.ly/2zuzCb7
