Top 10 Beaches
As winter approaches (it dropped below 70 this week in Miami….brrr), I thought I’d remind us all of warm, sunny days by featuring some of my favorite beach spots.
1) Miami Beach, Florida - This is my local beach so I usually overlook it, but it is truly one of the best in the world. It has a nightlife like no other (South Beach is world famous) and yet there are also family beaches where you can hang out with the kids and not get judged if you aren’t model skinny.
2) Positano, Italy- This beach was completely unlike other beaches I’ve visited. The “sand” was really tiny black pebbles and the water was cold…really cold even in July. The views from above as you walk down to the sea and the view of the city clinging to the side of the mountain are absolutely gorgeous. These pics are from our trip two years ago.
3) Paradise Island, Bahamas - I love this place! The water in the Bahamas is just amazing! It is a transparent blue-green that almost seems CGI enhanced. It has colossal resorts (Atlantis) and quiet getaways.
4) Kauai, Hawaii - It’s Hawaii so need I elaborate? I haven’t been there in a very long time, but I fell in love with the natural beauty of this island and its beaches. Beautiful.
5) Panama City Beach - this is the beach of my childhood. There is no place on earth that I have seen that has pure-white, flour-like sand like this area of the Florida Panhandle.
6) Carmel, California- Here you have a rolling hill of sand that meets the cold Pacific Ocean. There is a certain elegance and poetic beauty to this place.
7) San Sebastian, Spain- A beautiful city with wonderful people. The beach is just an extra bonus.
8) Cancun, Mexico - Yes, this is a Spring Break Mecca (similar to Panama City Beach) and it can get a bit crazy there, but the brilliant blue water, dazzling sandy beach and Mayan ruins a short car ride away make this a must visit.
9) Grand Cayman - I haven’t visited in a while, but the island itself is laid back and gorgeous…there’s even a place where you can hang out with friendly stingrays. Plus it has a wonderful indie bookstore (Books & Books) which is part of the Miami-based indie store by the same name.
10) St. John, U.S.Virgin Islands- A small island where I saw some magnificent coral and fish while snorkeling. Looking at this picture reminds me that I absolutely HAVE to take my kids there…and soon. It is AMAZING and it’s part of the U.S., so no passports needed.
So now it's your turn. Tell me what beaches are missing from this list and why you love them.