More of Wildwood's beachfront is going to the dogs this summer.

The city's 3-year-old dog beach which last year ranked second in a national poll of favorite canine-friendly U.S. beaches is being expanded and moved slightly south on the oceanfront when it reopens this month.

Wildwood with its famous half-mile wide strand is one of only a handful of towns along the New Jersey Shore that does not charge a fee for access to the beachfront. The dog beach also will remain free.

"Over the course of just couple of years, we saw our dog beach become one of the most popular places on the East Coast to come and enjoy a day at the beach with your dog," said Wildwood City Commissioner Pete Byron of the Poplar Avenue site. "We knew we had to expand."

From Labor Day to Memorial Day, the Jersey Shore can be a dog-walker's paradise, but finding actual beaches designated for canines during the summer, where one can sit on the beach or swim in the ocean with their pet is rare.

In the world of "best-of" competitions, Wildwood's dog beach ended up second behind Lake Michigan's Montrose Dog Beach in Chicago, but ahead of locales from California to Florida, according to the USA Today poll.

The number of off-leash dog beaches and parks has more than doubled in the U.S. over the past decade from about less than 300 in 2007 to more 600 making it the fastest growing park segment in the country, according to the Trust for Public Land.

Despite the accolades for Wildwood's designation, some boardwalk merchants early on feared the beach might hurt their business.

"I was upset at first because I worried it would impact business in some way. But then we soon realized the dog beach was actually drawing more people to this section of the boardwalk," said Soltan Moy, manager of the Gifts & More, a store that ultimately brought in a line of dog-related gift items T-shirts, key rings, shot glasses and others.

Others caught on to the canine craze right away.

"We have a dog-friendly outdoor dining area and we are planning a "Yappy Hour" this summer. It's been great for business," said E.J. Dougherty, who owns a nearby restaurant and bar called Captain Jack's and a Stewart's Root Beer stand. "We embraced the idea of the dog beach immediately. People love their pets and more people want to travel with them when they go on vacation."

So in a fashion typical to Wildwood a Cape May County town with decidedly kitschy vibe celebrated and purveyed to tourists in its 1950s and 1960s Doo-Wop style architecture, music and activities the Poplar Avenue dog beach featured a two-story tall red fire hydrant to welcome man's best friend.

The fenced-in area at Poplar Avenue and the Boardwalk, encompassed about a city block and allowed pups under the supervision of their owners to run freely and frolic in the surf. That location was closed as of May 1 to allow city public works crews to begin dismantling the fencing and other infrastructure for the move.

The new dog beach which will include the giant hydrant will be about a block away on the oceanfront between Maple and Glenview Avenues, and will take up nearly two blocks, Byron said.

Up and down the Jersey Shore, and across the U.S., animal-friendly attractions like Wildwood's dog beach have become a trend because so many pet owners want to go to the beach with their four-legged friends, according to BringFido.com, a travel directory that lists pet friendly hotels, restaurants, activities and travel destinations.

BringFido and other sites give two paws up to New Jersey places like Island Beach State Park near Seaside Park in Ocean County, where for a $10 park admission fee, dogs are permitted on a leash 6-feet long or less just about anywhere in the park, except on the lifeguarded swimming beaches or the Spizzle Creek Bird Trail.

In Brigantine, Atlantic County, leashed dogs are allowed on the city's north end beaches year-round. In summer, a beach badge is required for the humans who accompany Rover.

Another Atlantic County spot known as the Longport Dog Beach although it is actually in Egg Harbor Township welcomes dogs for a run on the sand or a dip in the water for free at the foot of the Ocean Drive Bridge and Route 152.

In Ocean City, Cape May County, dogs are never permitted on the oceanfront beaches during the summer, but they are always welcome to roam off-leash at the Ocean City Dog Park, a free, 42,000 square foot sandy area at 45th Street and Haven Avenue.

In Stone Harbor, where beach badges are required for humans, dogs on a leash can tag along year-round between 80th and 83rd Streets. And at the 11,000 acre Cape May Wildlife Refuge, leashed dogs can enjoy the trails except at the Two Mile Beach section. Admission is free.

Brigantine: Leashed dogs allowed on the city's north end beaches year around. Beach tag required for humans beach-goers.

Longport Dog Beach: The Egg Harbor Township beach allows dogs for free. Located at foot of the Ocean Drive Bridge and Route 152.

Ocean City: Dogs not permitted on oceanfront durng summer but allowed off-leash at Ocean City Dog Park, a free, 42,000 square foot sandy area at 45th and Haven Avenue.

Stone Harbor: Dogs on leash permitted year-around between 80th and 83rd Streets. Beach tag required for human beach-goers.

Wildwood: Dog beach being relocated this month to Maple and Glenview Avenues. It will take up nearly two blocks. Admission free.

Visit link:

Wildwood's wildly popular dog beach expanding - Allentown Morning Call

New York Times

A Half-Century of Walking Cape Cod's Beaches New York Times This may be a book about one of America's most magnificent shorelines, but the nature writer Robert Finch isn't dishing up a breezy beach read. The Outer Beach is a collection of more than a half-century of Finch's observations and ruminations on ...

See the rest here:

A Half-Century of Walking Cape Cod's Beaches - New York Times

You don't have to head to the coast for a beach experience this summer as there are a surprising number of places which have shallow water and beautiful scenery inland.

Whether it be swimming in water near ancient ruins or a river near a country pub or simply relaxing in one of the countryside's historic meadows there is plenty of options.

We have looked up and down the country and enlisted the help of Daniel Smart a wild swimming expert and he has helped spot some unlikely places to go.

After more staycation inspiration? Check out our British Breaks page for everything from beach breaks to the prettiest cities.

Probably best to be discreet at this pebble beach at a location designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest which provides an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, picnic or family day out.

The reservoir was created in 1965 to provide people with drinking water and was immediately colonised by wildlife.

It's a bird watchers dream.

The nature reserve surrounds the western side of the reservoir and contains ancient and plantation woodlands, grasslands and wetland habitats such as reedbeds, willow and open water.

A local nature reserve at Wollaston in the Upper Nene Valley.

Explore this network of wild gravel lakes along the R Nene, or take a dip in the river itself.

There is bird watching and if you are lucky you might glimpse an otter.

The top ten best beaches in the UK for the perfect sandy getaway

In Little Barrington there are perfect riverside pubs and in Minster Lovell it flows past the remains of a fifteenth-century manor. Here, alongside the great old arches and ruined walls, you can bathe in the blue-tinged waters and catch crayfish big enough for supper.

A small, clear, pretty Cotswold river running through romantic grounds of the ruins. Just deep enough to swim with deeper sections downstream at footbridge.

The best places to stay for a UK walking holiday - great if you're on a budget

Undeveloped and picturesque stretch of river along the edge of the Chiltern Hills. Clear with chalk beaches.

An outdoor river swimming spot suitable for distance / endurance, family friendly activities.

Pangbourne is where the River Pang joins the Thames. Its most notable resident was Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows so keep your eyes open for wildlife.

The three Hampstead Heath swimming ponds are probably the best known of central Londons wild swims. The Mixed Pond is the closest to the tube and always rings with a holiday air.

Groups loll about on the lawn, picnics are consumed, friends breast-stroke down the avenue of trees catching up on old news and gossip.

The Mens Pond is bigger and Ladies Ponds wilder, but both are a little more difficult to reach if you dont have a bike.

The ponds date back to the end of the seventeenth century when the Hampstead Water Company dammed two brooks that drain the Heath, piping the water down to the city in hollowed out elm trees.

A painting by Constable depicts people bathing at Hampstead as early as 1829.

Popular stretch of grassy river bank and meadows. Steep banks and deep water.

Just north of Rodmell and Charleston, upstream on the Ouse, the open fields of Barcombe Mills are a perfect place for cricket, leapfrog and other riverside games.

The Ouse here is deep with pretty grassy banks, ideal for cooling down after cartwheels or diving in for a long swim among the rushes.

The well-known Anchor Inn is nearby, just a mile upstream, at the bottom of a dead-end lane.

You can hire one of its fleet of blue rowing boats or swim for over two miles through remote countryside, the spire of Isfield church the only building in sight for the entire journey.

Sandy lake with beaches and buoyed-off swimming area. Set among forest and open heathland. Parking, caf and small museum. Popular with young families.

Frensham Little Pond is on the A287 and feeds into the Wey which flows down into Tilford.

This is a truly English scene with a cricket green and pub, river paddling above a ford and a bridge built by medieval monks.

Its a perfect place to while away a summer afternoon with lunch and a paddle or swim there is a rope swing below the weir and some deeper sections above the bridge.

12 affordable British destinations perfect for your 2017 summer holiday

Just half a mile south of Guildford. Sandy slopes running right into the river one side, flat grassy area the other with a footbridge.

Sandy beach, ruined chapel and bridge for jumping on the old Pilgrims Way.

This is apparently a beautiful space , with a sand pit that rolls down the hill into the west bank of the river creating a beach.

Pretty village pool with shelving access, grassy banks and bench. White chalk shingle riverbed.

The river holds many smaller fish, including minnows, stone loach, bullhead and the rare brook lamprey.

Cheap holidays 2017: The best travel deals on all inclusive trips, hotels, flights and more

Ancient but little known common in tight loop of Wye providing large shingle and sandy beach shelving to large deep pool.

This area of meadow has age-old commoner rights and occupies the inside of a large, deep meander.

A wide pebble beach has been deposited over time on the inside bank and large deep swimming holes have been eroded on the outside.

The sand and pebbles are beautifully graded so you can even bring your bucket and spade.

Close to Whitby, on the other side of the A169, is Falling Foss, romantically set in deep woods by the fairy-tale cottage of Midge Hall.

Set over a deep black chasm into which a small stream flows, smoke was billowing from the chimney and in the evening light it was a scene reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel.

Its a fair trek to reach the bottom of the falls, backtracking and then picking a way along the overgrown stream bed.

Standing on the shingle beach looking up, the waterfall flows down the jet black cliff like a white veil, breaking into hundreds of competing rivulets.

A tall plume and small deep plunge pool at the head of a wooded gorge. Shingle beach. Overlooked but feels secluded.

The best UK hotels for an unforgettable staycation in 2017

A popular stretch of river in front of the priory ruins. Upstream of stepping stones and bridge is deeper section where people sometimes use boats.

Downstream are the shallows but underground rocks make swimming difficult and diving dangerous.

The great ruins of this major monastic enclave sit on a bend of the river above a stretch of pebbly beaches.

During the hottest days it becomes a Yorkshire Costa del Sol: a mass of swimmers and sunbathers mixed with suntan lotion and sloppy ice cream.

Upstream the river is deep enough for swimming, downstream it is shallow enough for paddling and stone skimming.

Amazing wild ruined castle with secret pools in river downstream.

Reputed to have been founded by Uther Pendragon, the father of King Arthur. According to legend, Uther Pendragon and a hundred of his men were killed here when the Saxon invaders poisoned the well.

Four miles beyond Hell Gill on B6259, turn L at Pendragon Castle and after mile, at cattle grid, follow footpath track (signed Wharton). After five mins youll spot a corner pool with beach below.

Pendragon castle is on private land. Access is permitted, but care must be taken it is in a potentially dangerous condition despite some recent restoration.

Considered by some to be the most beautiful valley in the Lakes. A steep-sided vale, running ten miles from its sources beneath Scafell down to the shores of Derwent Water, it is spectacular and remote, with waterfalls, deep pots and high tarns.

An old lady who lived on St Herbert Island in Derwent Water once told Beatrix Potter the story of a squirrel that swam out from the mainland to collect nuts each summer.

The lake is scattered with wooded isles and the story and location became the inspiration for The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, in which the squirrel and his friends built a raft of twigs and used their tails as sails to reach the island.

Now the lake is a little too busy with ferries for my liking, though there are still plenty of places to bathe along the shore, and squirrels do still swim here.

Meadows and common land on outskirts of Hereford.

The meandering Lugg bores deep holes in the bends with plenty of little beaches.

These are the largest known modern example of Lammas meadows in Britain, with ownership divided into strips marked by dole stones.

The meadows are still managed in accordance with this medieval system and an active commoners association controls the grazing rights.

With its intermittent gravel beaches and deeper pools.

1) Never swim in canals, urban rivers, stagnant lakes or reedy shallows.

2) Never swim in flood water and be cautious of water quality during droughts.

3) Keep cuts and wounds covered with waterproof plasters if you are concerned.

4) Avoid contact with bluegreen algae.

5) Never swim alone and keep a constant watch on weak swimmers.

6) Never jump into water you have not thoroughly checked for depth and obstructions.

7) Always make sure you know how you will get out before you get in.

8) Dont get too cold warm up with exercise and warm clothes before and after a swim.

9) Wear footwear if you can.

10) Watch out for boats on any navigable river. Wear a coloured swim hat so you can be seen.

Wild Swimming: 300 Hidden Dips in the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Britain is available from Amazon.

More here:

Britain's best secret 'beaches': 15 scenic spots near you which are perfect for swimming, paddling and picnics - Mirror.co.uk

JERSEY SHORE Tourism contributed some $44 billion to the New Jersey economy in 2016, and about half of that amount is generated at the Shore, said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin at an annual media event, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortiums State of the Shore.

It was the 15th annual event advertised as an annual tradition, kicking off the Memorial Day weekends unofficial start to the summer beach season.

Martin gave updates on New Jerseys water quality and beach projects during a PowerPoint presentation held at Tim McLoones Pier House in Long Branch. He was followed by Professor Jon K. Miller, a coastal expert from the Stevens Institute of Technology, and then the men answered questions from members of the press.

The beaches are going to be beautiful, theyre in great shape, the water quality is excellent, so were now in a great position as we move forward into the summer, Martin said.

The DEP administers the Coastal Cooperative Monitoring Program along with the state Department of Health and local health agencies, utilizing two components: water quality monitoring and aerial surveillance.

Ocean water monitoring began on May 15, and would continue through Labor Day, he said.

Martin said that the DEP collects data on 216 ocean and bay beaches every Monday and the results are posted on their webpage by Tuesday.

Water samples are collected from primary stations located in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties, he said.

The DEP conducts aerial surveillance to look for floatables, debris, algae blooms and anything else that might affect bathing water quality. Six weekly coastal surveillance flights that run up and down the coast would begin this week, Martin said, and run through the entire summer until mid-September.

In 2016, beaches were open 99.9 percent of the time, and bay beaches were open 99.6 percent of the time. Most closures were due to pollution caused by stormwater runoffs after rainfall, when fertilizer and animal waste gets into the sewers, he said.

Dr. Miller said that New Jersey beaches are in good shape since the shore had a relatively mild winter. We got lucky, we only had two major storms, he said.

The three contributors to beach erosion is the water level, the size of the waves, and the duration of the storm, Miller explained.

The noreaster in late January resulted in moderate to severe ocean erosion, but it peaked and subsided quickly, he said.

He said the tropical storm forecast for the upcoming summer is higher than expected, with experts predicting 11 named storms, four hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

We need to be prepared, said Dr. Miller. It only takes one storm, so we have to maintain vigilance, he said.

After their presentations, Martin and Miller took questions from the press.

Several reporters asked about the proposed federal budget which would cut the EPA budget by about a third. The NJDEP relies on federal funds for many of its projects and programs.

We have all the money we need this year its too premature to talk about the Federal government, Martin said. We have to wait to see how it plays out. Im confident that cooler heads will prevail. We have representatives who understand our problems.

The Brick Times asked Martin how he would respond to the opinion of some coastal experts who say that with rising sea level some seaside communities might have to be vacated.

We are not retreating from the shore, its a $20 billion industry in New Jersey, Martin responded. I want to be crystal clear about that.

In response to a reporters question about the cost to NJ for post-Sandy coastal protection projects, Martin said that the vast majority were paid for with federal dollars because of Sandy legislation. He said the state portion, which was less than 10 percent, is being paid for with a long-term interest-free, federal loan.

Dr. Miller said that due to the sea level rise nuisance flooding has become more commonplace during high tides and full moons.

There are studies underway. Were doing work on back-bay areas and we might need to bolster some projects there, he said.

Some of the engineering projects would include raising roads, creating berms, building bulkheads, pump stations, and more, he said.

We have to think and plan long term to minimize impacts, Miller said. We can handle sea level rise for the moment. Although if theres a catastrophe and the ice sheets melt, there would be a whole new scenario.

Martin said that over the past several years the DEP has partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers on a number of post-Sandy coastal projects, including:

Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club Jeff Tittel attended the media event and said New Jersey is not responding to the environmental needs of the shore in any real way. For example, they are not planning mitigating or adapting to sea level rise.

The sea walls are a false hope, and the dunes they are building are not real dunes. A berm is not a dune, and the next big noreaster will wash them all away, Tittel said after the presentation.

He said the planned dune and beach replenishment project would only make back bay flooding worse.

They are taking away the sandbars in the ocean, which makes the waves get bigger and pushes more water into the bays, Tittel said. The New Jersey coast is facing some very serious problems, he said.

In a press release, the Sierra Club said that the testing of beaches on a Monday leaves five days of untested water before the weekend, when most people swim. There is less money for testing, so the water is tested less and the beachgoers are ill-informed.

Photo ops and press events do not make up for weakening environmental standards and the failure to protect our coasts, Tittel said in the press release. New Jerseys way of dealing with the coast is just pumping more sand on the beach that will wash out in the next storm. They have no real plan to protect our coasts. We want people to go to the shore and not have to worry about the potential for illness. We want coastal communities to be able to be resilient against climate change. We want to have healthy ecosystems in our waterways. We want to make sure we have clean water for the people who use our beaches. We hope we have a very good summer season, but unless we start changing our policies and working to protect our shores, were putting New Jerseys entire coastal environment and economy at risk.

Continued here:

State: Beaches, Shore, Ready For Summer - Micromedia Publications

10

Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about

Virginia Beach has 35 miles of waterfront, with 14 of those beachfront miles free and open to public access.

Try Another

Audio CAPTCHA

Image CAPTCHA

Help

CancelSend

A link has been sent to your friend's email address.

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

USA TODAY 7:45 a.m. ET June 1, 2017

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Virginia Beach's 31st Street Park is home to the beach's iconic bronze statue of King Neptune. Taking a photo in front of the statue is a tourist tradition.(Photo: Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)

If Virginia Beach is known for nothing else, it is known for its boardwalk though it's technically not a boardwalk at all but rather a 3-mile concrete walkway along the oceanfront connecting hotels, restaurants, clubsand amusement rides. The most popular place to be besides the beach itself, this boardwalk also sports an array of nautical-themed statuary, including the iconic bronze statue of King Neptune.

Largely a family destination, Virginia Beach is situated where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city has 35 miles of waterfront, with 14 of those beachfront miles free and open to public access. The long ribbon of golden sand between 1st and 40th Streets is definitely the main attraction here and draws sunbathers, swimmers, and jet skiers with its family-friendly waters. Virginia Beach has pretty ample public parking with nearly 3,000 off-street municipal parking spaces and almost 700 on-street metered spaces. All are within short walking distance to the boardwalk and oceanfront.

Other beaches include Chesapeake Beach with its shallow and calmer waters on the bay and the more secluded area of Sandbridge along the city's southern shore.

Take a photo tour with the gallery above.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Read or Share this story: https://usat.ly/2rt3y34

See the rest here:

Photo tour: The best beaches in Virginia - USA Today - USA TODAY

WEST PALM BEACH

The Boys of Spring are gone but the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches has a full summer lineup.

As the nearly crisp 70-degree weather has given way to hot and heavy 80s and even 90s, the new ballpark and its 12 nearly pristine practice fields remain busy with Houston Astros, Washington Nationals and a steady lineup of athletic events, from soccer to lacrosse to high school and Division I and Division II college baseball and a University of Miami-coached football camp for youths.

The 160-acre, $148.5 million facility is even advertising itself as a wedding venue but no takers yet, said Brady Ballard, general manager of the ballpark since before it opened in January.

Athletes seem wedded to the place, though. For a full listing of events, visit ballparkpalmbeaches.com and click on events and then, tournaments.

On Wednesday Miami coach March Richt is holding a football camp for youths from age five through rising 9th graders (Anyone who has taken high school classes is not eligible).

A new wood bat league, Collegiate League of the Palm Beaches, has a full schedule at the ballpark this month through early August. The games take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with one feature game every Saturday in the stadium. The public is welcome to attend, with tickets ranging from $3 to $5, depending on age.

While theres no minor league team set up at the ballpark and none anticipated anytime soon, Ballard said the league gives the facility to host one stadium game a week.

The Palm Beach Classic, one of the largest high school age baseball tournaments, takes place from June 9-14. Some 280 teams will play.

Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is the event hub but the games also will be played at the Lawnwood Sports Complex, Roger Dean Stadium, the Santaluces Sports Complex and Tradition Field.

Though most of the Astros and Nationals major leaguers cleared out at the end of March, 82 Astros and 73 Nationals still train at the ballpark, every day but Sunday, starting as early as 7:15 a.m. The players are there for a variety of reasons: to extend their spring training, recondition themselves after an injury, or if they havent yet earned a roster spot on a minor league team, to work their way up.

The stadium is closed during these workouts but the public is free to wander by the practice fields and watch the stars-in-the-making.

A number of local high school and college baseball players already have had the chance to dig their cleats into the manicured fields. Oxbridge and Dwyer students have played there, as have teams from Florida Atlantic, Keiser and Lynn universities. A soccer tournament also took place a couple of weeks ago, on the county fields constructed as part of the ballpark project. Meanwhile, the city park on the southwestern portion of the site is under construction.

Ballard said the summer events show the new ballparks ability to cater to a number of sports. As the summer rolls on, the facilitys most consistent visitors construction crews continue to show up, as they complete the touch-up work they couldnt get to before the Astros and Nationals descended for spring training.

Have a West Palm Beach new tip? Contact Staff Writer Tony Doris at tdoris@pbpost.com or 561-820-4703.

Link:

At vacant Ballpark of Palm Beaches, lots of events maybe a wedding? - Palm Beach Post

Hawaii Island features some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the islands. Here youll find not just white sand beaches but black sand and green sand beaches with olivine crystals. And along with beautifulresortbeaches, Hawaii Island also has rugged, off-the-beaten-path sands that are wild, remote and rewarding.

Kolekole Beach Park: Twelve miles north ofHiloon theHamakua Coastyoull find this jungle garden by the ocean, with a nearby stream lined with smooth lava rocks and a waterfall. A banyan tree leans over the river with a rope swing.

Onekahakaha Beach Park: A favorite with locals, this small, shallow sand-bottomed ocean pool just east of the Hilo Airport is one the safest swimming areas along theHilocoast, with tide pools and inlets. Perfect for family snorkeling, it also offers lovely views of Hilo Bay.

Richardson Ocean Center/Lelewi Beach Park: The shallow bay fronting Richardson Ocean Center is the most popularsnorkelingsite on the east side of the island. The center, which is two miles south down Kalanianaole Avenue from Onekahakaha Beach, has picnic pavilions, restrooms, parking and showers.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach: 30 miles south ofHawaii Volcanoes National Parkis Hawaii Islands famous black sand beach and a great place to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) basking on the shore. An adjacent campground is popular with local families and fisherman.

Anaehoomalu Beach: This stretch ofKohala Coastbeach next to theWaikoloa Beach Marriottis a place to rent kayaks, hydro bikes and body boards or to snorkel, scuba dive or sunbathe. There is ample parking, along with picnic facilities and restrooms. A historic Hawaiian fishpond also hugs the beach.

Hapuna Beach: The largest white sand beach on Hawaii Island, this world-renowned beach is located adjacent to theHapuna Beach Prince Hotel. There is ample parking with restroom and picnic facilities.

Holoholokai Beach: This small beach park with full facilities near theFairmont Orchid Hawaiiisnt a sandy beach, but its a beautiful place to explore tide pools and snorkel. Its a short walk from thePuako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, where youll find hundreds of ancient carvings in the lava rock.

Kaunaoa Beach: This near-perfect crescent of sand leading to calm water has been voted among the Top 10 beaches in the U.S. by Conde Nasts Traveler magazine. Adjacent to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, parking spaces are limited, so its good to arrive early.

Kahaluu Beach: Located just south ofHistoric Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)in theKeauhouarea, Kahaluu Beach is known for honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) that frequent its shores. This is one of the Keauhou and Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) areas most popular beaches, great for snorkeling.

Laalao Beach: Also known as Disappearing Sands and Magic Sands, this white sandKonabeach is located on Alii Drive just south of Historic Kailua Village.This popular pocket of sand is great for splashing in the surf, body-surfing and body-boarding. There are restrooms, showers and a lifeguard, but limited parking. This small beach may disappear overnight due to tidal shifts or strong surf, but always returns.

Samuel Spencer Beach Park: Popular among families, thisNorth Kohalabeach, located a half-hour north of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), is well protected by an outside reef, which allows for calm swimming and snorkeling waters on most days. The beach park has picnic pavilions, tables and barbeque grills and is within walking distance ofPuukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

Note: Heed all warning signs and be aware of changing conditions, strong currents and reefs. Use your own best judgment to determine whether a particular beach is appropriate for you and your ability level.

Excerpt from:

Beaches | GoHawaii.com

With 120 miles of coastline, Maui boasts over 30 miles of beautiful beaches. On these world famous shores youll find white, black and red sand beaches, renowned surfing and windsurfing spots as well as some of the best beaches in the world to simply swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Many are easily accessible beach parks with lifeguards, picnic facilities and restrooms. Others are undeveloped, "secret spots" found off the beaten path. Discover Mauis world-famous beaches below:

Kaanapali Beach: West Maui's "signature" beach, Kaanapali Beach offers three miles of white sand. Easy walking access from all Kaanapali hotels, this was named "America's Best Beach" in 2003. Puu Kekaa, also known as Black Rock, on the northernmost section of the beach is excellent for snorkeling.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park: This classic Kapalua beach was named "America's Best Beach" in 2006. Facilities include picnic tables, restrooms and lifeguards.

Kapalua Beach: Known to Maui veterans as Old Fleming Beach, Kapalua was the first of Maui's beaches to be named "America's Best Beach" in 1991.

Launiupoko Beach Park: Just south of Lahaina, this local favorite offers a unique natural pool surrounded by a lava rock wall excellent for small children. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.

Puamana Beach County Park: This Lahaina beach provides swimming, picnic tables, restrooms, grills and a grassy park with waves that are excellent for beginning and intermediate surfers.

Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, & III: Ample parking, lifeguards, volleyball courts and excellent swimming conditions make the Kamaole Parks in Kihei local favorites.

Keawakapu Beach: A beachcomber's delight with classic views, this Kihei beach is a half-mile walk to the Wailea Resort.

Kihei Beach: A series of beaches, coves and tide pools along six-miles of Kihei coastline. Some areas offer lifeguards, restrooms and picnic facilities.

Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach): Makena Beach State Park is one of Maui's signature beaches. With white sands extending nearly 2/3 of a mile long, it is one of the largest beaches in Maui.

Polo Beach: This Wailea beach is popular with Maui locals and visitors. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.

Wailea Beach: Named "America's Best Beach" in 1999, Wailea offers excellent swimming with restrooms and equipment rentals. A paved beach walk lets you meander past Wailea's hotels, restaurants and shops.

Kahana Beach Park: World famous for its excellent windsurfing conditions, Kanaha also offers good swimming and diving. Close to Kahului, this beach is a popular spot for locals. Lifeguards, restrooms, showers and picnic tables are available.

H.A. Baldwin Beach Park: This picture-perfect Paia beach with excellent swimming and bodysurfing. Also features a "baby beach" with a lagoon. Lifeguards, restrooms and picnic facilities are available.

Hookipa Beach Park: A world-famous contest venue for professional windsurfing. Winter surf can be massive, with excellent and safe viewing for photography. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.

Hamoa Beach: Author James Michener called Hamoa Beach the most beautiful in the Pacific. This Hana beach was named one of "America's Best Beaches" in 2006. Youll find outstanding swimming and bodysurfing as well as showers and limited facilities on this family-friendly beach.

Hana Beach Park: A favorite with local families, Hana Beach Park is one of the most popular swimming beaches on the island. Many local community events are held here.

Wainapanapa State Park: Excellent camping facilities make Waianapanapa State Park one of Maui's best beaches. Youll find a black-sand beach with good swimming, snorkeling and freshwater pools.

Note: Heed all warning signs and be aware of changing conditions, strong currents and reefs. Use your own best judgment to determine whether a particular beach is appropriate for you and your ability level. View the Maui County Ocean Safety video.

Read the original:

Maui Beaches | GoHawaii.com

7 Photos

When you think of beautiful surf, your mind don't necessarily envision Africa--but it should. The continent is home to paradisiacal stretches of sand and water, whether on the Atlantic or Indian Oceans, or even near freshwater lakes. These standouts span from the Ivory Coast to the Seychelles, and all the way down to South Africa.

When you think of beautiful surf, your mind don't necessarily envision Africa--but it should. The continent is home to paradisiacal stretches of sand and water, whether on the Atlantic or Indian Oceans, or even near freshwater lakes. These standouts span from the Ivory Coast to the Seychelles, and all the way down to South Africa.

A dune-filled island off the coast of Mozambique, Bazaruto sits within a marine park in the Indian Ocean. Known for its prime snorkeling, diving, luxury digs like &Beyond Benguerra, Bazaruto also offers easy fly-in access.

Otherwise known as "Sunset Beach," North Island in Seychelles is where giant tortoises graze in the grass, the sea turns pink as the sun sets, and the West Beach Bar buzzes with the low hum of famous voices--celebrities like George and Amal Clooney, and Prince William and Kate Middleton have honeymooned here, and if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for you.

Kenya's Diani Beach, about an hour south of Mombasa, is part resort, part zooyou'll probably spot colobus monkeys swinging around, and camels strolling, which you can hire for rides when you're not bathing in the clear sea, sunning, or perusing crafts from local vendors.

The original capital of Cte d'Ivoire, the colonial town of Grand Bassam suffered a decline from its heyday as a seaport until the 1930s, but that led to its revival as a resort town beginning in the 1960s, and now it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palms line its biscuit-colored shore, and you'll be hard pressed to beat its Ivorian seafood.

Flat, dry and dotted hotels, cafes, and restaurants ranging from the low end to the high end, Santa Maria, on Sal Island in Cape Verde, is a windsurfers haven with pool-blue waters.

Hippy luxe rules at this Tanzanian freshwater lake. The sand at Tanganyika is utterly pure, and you can can kayak or swim, but be advised of the odd croc and hippothis isn't the Caribbean. If you're looking for remote, that's what you'll get, whether you're listening to the pant-hoots of chimpanzees from your safari lodge, or trundling along in a dhow boat for a sunset cruise.

An old fishing village 90 miles north of Cape Town, Paternoster is defined by its cottages with white-washed walls and thatched roofs, and these days, several serve as lovely B&Bs.

An Error occurred while compiling your sass files. 🙁 Please find out what went wrong by consulting your friendly terminal. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Read the original here:

The 7 Best Beaches in Africa - Cond Nast Traveler

BBC News

Three Cliffs Bay among lifeguard patrol beaches BBC News Lifeguard patrols have begun at a beach where three people died in two years. RNLI staff were back at Three Cliffs Bay on Gower on Saturday. Over the Easter weekend there will be lifeguards at Tenby South Beach and Whitesands in Pembrokeshire, ... and more »

Go here to read the rest:

Three Cliffs Bay among lifeguard patrol beaches - BBC News

by Tami Pokorny

Last April, during the Washington Coast Cleanup, over 1,400 volunteers removed at least 20 tons of trash from more than 50 beaches on the outer coast and into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Registration is now open for the Washington Coast Cleanup to be held on Saturday, April 29.

We will be cleaning many of the same beaches as in the past, but new this year, will be the opportunity to recycle some of the plastics that are collected due to a partnership with TerraCycle. Stay tuned to learn more about this opportunity. If you want to help specifically with sorting recyclables at one of the beach stations, let us know and well see if theres a location where we can put you to work!

Post Cleanup BBQs

We appreciate all the time, energy and gas money that volunteers contribute to come to the coast and thats why we provide barbecues in a range of locations. The following are some great opportunities to rub elbows with fellow beach cleaners and get some good food too:

Hobuck Beach Resort (near Neah Bay): Surfrider Foundation (12-3 p.m.)

Chito Beach Resort (near Clallam Bay): Lions Club (12-3 p.m.)

Ozette Ranger Station: Friends of Olympic National Park (12-6 p.m.)

Lost Resort (near Ozette): Robs Famous Bean Soup (12-3 p.m.)

Three Rivers Fire Station (Near Forks): Surfrider Foundation (12-3 p.m.)

Kalaloch Campground: Kalaloch Lodge (12-3 p.m.)

Twin Harbors State Park (near Westport): Surfrider Foundation (12-3 p.m.)

Peninsula Senior Center (Klipsan Beach) Soup Feed: (12-1:30 p.m.)

Free Camping

Front country camping at the coastal campgrounds is on a first-come, first-served basis, and camping will be free for Cleanup participants on the nights of Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29. If you will be wilderness camping within Olympic National Park, youll need to check in at the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles to get your permit, but camping and permit fees will be waived for Cleanup participants on the nights of April 28-29. The park will also waive all wilderness permit fees and entrance fees for coastal areas during the Cleanup for participants. The WIC in Port Angeles will be open from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For directions, trail status and other info, call the WIC at 360-565-3100 or see the WIC website.

Film Festival

If you are in the Forks area for the Cleanup, you will have a unique opportunity to take in the River and Ocean Film Festival at the Rainforest Arts Center from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, April 29. This event is free and open to the public, no registration is required. The River and Ocean Film Festival is presented each year by the North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee, Washington Sea Grant and partners and offers film explorations of our regional rivers and oceans. The films highlight the beauty and opportunity of this region and the issues facing its marine and freshwater habitats.

Want to Help Clean Beaches Without

Leaving the House?

We understand that not everyone can spend a day on the coast participating in a beach cleanup. If you value clean and beautiful beaches but are unable to join us for whatever reason, you still can support our efforts by making a donation to support Washington CoastSavers. We are a program under Discover Your Northwest which is a 501(c)(3) so your donation will go directly to keeping the coast clean. To support our efforts go to http://www.discovernw.org/ select donate.

See the rest here:

Tens of Thousands of Pounds of Trash on Our Beaches! - Forks Forum

Meredith Ennis

Floatopia 2009 grew and grew and grew out of control compared to earlier incarnations due to social media promotion. To avoid a repeat, the county closes Isla Vista beaches this year April 8-9, and UCSB holds multiple sanctioned festivities.

UCSB Diverts Students withEvents

Floatopia will be a whimper, not a bang in 2017 if the county has anything to do with it. Rain in the forecast aside, as well the preparations underway for Deltopia the weekend of April 8, Santa Barbara County will close Isla Vista beaches on Saturday and Sunday to prevent a repeat of the ad hoc party. All county law enforcement agencies have plans to support UCSB Police and Isla Vista Foot Patrol, and the CSO escort service, which provides safe walking for any student, has all hands ondeck.

The monster float fest in 2009 left beaches strewn with trash, human waste, and wasted humans, and it raised the problem of responsibility for the garbage and hospital bills since the event was largely social mediadriven. Since then the beaches have been closed when the float is announced, and UC Santa Barbara has increasingly stepped up alternative concerts andevents.

This year, The Warm Up is a concert for students only at the universitys Thunderdome, and features RL Grime and Destructo, with more entertainment ongoing all over campus. Roller skating takes place at the Rec Cen along with food and music. Public service announcements cover Isla Vista, advising students to hold private parties, avoid the crumbling cliffs, keep strangers out, stay off the rooftops, and keep the town as tame as it has been the last twoyears.

The City of Goleta has issued parking passes for the neighborhoods bordering Isla Vista, and campus will ticket and tow if cars are found in parking lots that have beenclosed.

Be succinct, constructive, and relevant to the story. Leaving a comment means you agree to our Discussion Guidelines. We like civilized discourse. We don't like spam, lying, profanity, harassment or personal attacks.

Originally posted here:

Isla Vista Beaches Closed for Floatopia - Santa Barbara Independent

10

Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about

With 500 beaches on more than 1,000 miles of coastline, the Golden State isn't lacking in variety.

Try Another

Audio CAPTCHA

Image CAPTCHA

Help

CancelSend

A link has been sent to your friend's email address.

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

USA TODAY 7:56 a.m. ET April 6, 2017

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Montarra Beach in Half Moon Bay provides astonishing views of the Pacific Ocean from its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs.(Photo: Jay Graham)

With 500 beaches on more than 1,000 miles of coastline, the Golden State isn't lacking in space or variety. Explore your artistic side in one of the 70 galleries that line Laguna Beach, play the boardwalk games in Mission Beach, gawk at the weightlifters on "Muscle Beach" or catch a wave off of Santa Monica's shores. Whether you want to see and be seen while catching rays on Hollywood-perfect stretches of smooth white sand, or you prefer hiking among tide pools and windswept cliffs, California has got you covered.

See more of the USA's best beaches:

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/2oMqfLN

0) { %>

0) { %>

See the original post:

Photo tour: The best beaches in California - USA Today - USA TODAY

Following a number of coastal towns, South Bethany is considering a ban on beach smoking.(Photo: File photo by Amanda Rippen White)Buy Photo

South Bethany has passed an ordinance to ban smoking on the beachesand on all walkways leading to the beach.

At the third reading of the ordinance on Friday, April 7, the council specified that the definition of "smoking" will include any inhaled and exhaled substance. Specifically, the ordinance places a sweeping ban on cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vaporizers and anything else that is heated and inhaled. The ordinance will be enforced year-round on public beaches, with no designated smoking areas.

Council member Tim Shaw described the ordinance as a violation of personal rights.

"I know this is going to pass, but I'm not comfortable voting for an ordinance that infringes on personal rights that doesn't solve a clear problem we're having," Shaw said. "We shouldn't be passing laws that take away freedoms for no good reason."

Council of South Bethany at meeting on Friday, April 7.(Photo: Staff Photo by Gino Fanelli)

South Bethany falls into a long line of smoking bans enacted in the coastal Maryland and Delaware region. In 2014, Rehoboth Beach passed an ordinance that banned smoking on its boardwalk and beaches, withOcean City, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island following in tow.

Council member Frank Weisgerber called the ban practical as it solves a clear problem on their beaches.

BACKGROUND: S. Bethany may become last town to ban beach smoking

"Have you ever been on the beach downwind of someone smoking a cigar?" Weisgerber asked Shaw. "It's not just a personal rights decision at that point; it's a violation of everyone in the area's right to clean air."

Weisgerber pointed to large community support for the bill, with 72 percent responding positively to a survey to the 1,400 property owners in the area. Despite this, Shaw remained ardent in his stance.

"I'm not saying I like smoking," Shaw said. "My wife smokes. I hate it. It will probably kill her, but it is still not my decision to take her rights away."

The ordinance ultimately passed at the vote of 5 to 1, with Shaw as the sole dissenter.

Read or Share this story: http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/delaware/2017/04/08/south-bethany-smoking-ban/100206130/

Read the original post:

South Bethany Beach bans smoking on the beach - Delmarva Daily Times

Long Beach Island offers some of the United States' best beaches for family vacations, according to a travel website.

In compiling its top ten list, Family Vacation Critic says the selected beaches deliver "a chance for everyone to relax, with the convenience of calm, lifeguard-protected waters; restrooms/showers; and nearby attractions."

LBI joins Ponce Inlet, Florida; Jones Beach State Park, New York; Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; Coronado Beach, California; Balboa Beach, California; North Beach Park, Wisconsin; Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts; Weirs Beach, New Hampshire; and Seaside Beach, Oregon.

In describing the southern Ocean County barrier island comprised of numerous municipalities, the travel website says "nobody does a classic beach vacation like Long Beach Island." Family Vacation Critic cites the 18 miles of shoreline, various accommodations, and numerous offerings off the beach, including Fantasy Island, the main amusement attraction on the island.

The latest honor is just another in a string of recent accolades for the Jersey Shore.

In February, Expedia named LBI's Beach Haven as among 21 of the East Coast's most scenic towns.

The community, known as the Queen City because of its Victorian and Edwardian charm, was first established as a summer resort to accommodate wealthy Philadelphia residents.

According to the borough's website, the Queen Anne style mansions built at the end of the 1800s "are among the most beautiful historic buildings in the state."

It was also the location of the first of numerous Jersey Shore shark attacks that spurred panic during the summer of 1916. In the Beach Haven incident, a 25-year-old man bled to death after a shark bit his legs while playing with his dog off the Engleside Avenue beach.

Further south, in JanuaryCoastal Living magazine named Cape May as one of country's happiest seaside towns, and Ocean City was named the country's beach town last year in a reader survey conducted by the same magazine.

Self-billed as "America's Greatest Family Resort," Ocean City was named the state's most popular beach in 2009, 2014, and 2015.

In 2015, Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Monmouth County's Asbury Park as number 10 in a list of 50 destinations to travel, ranging from the tropical Andaman Islands off India to Douro Valley in Portugal and everything in between.

The magazine in 2016 again bestowed honors on the Jersey Shore when its residents voted Cape May and Atlantic City as among 15 of the country's favorite beach towns in the publication's "America's Favorite Places" survey.

Original post:

Long Beach Island's beaches named among best for families in US - Newsworks.org

The great whites have satellite tags and are tracked by OCEARCH, giving a new perspective on the movements of the sharks known as "the lions of the deep."

WILMINGTON --Cisco and George, two male great white sharks tagged by shark research nonprofit OCEARCH are currently swimming off New Hanover County beaches.

Satellite tags attached to the sharks allow researchers and the public to follow their movements along the East Coast, either on the OCEARCH website or with the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker app. Acoustic tags attached to the sharks or surgically implanted send signals to stationary receivers as the sharks swim along the coast.

"We are in the early stages of being able to track these large white sharks in history," said OCEARCH Founding Chairman Chris Fischer. "We're all watching them show us what is normal right now."

Cisco an immature shark coming in at 8 feet, 7 inches long and weighing 362 pounds. In 2016 he was tagged by OCEARCH in Nantucket, Mass. As of Tuesday, his satellite tag showed he was off the coast of Wrightsville Beach.

George, a mature shark is 9 feet, 10 inches long and weighs 702 pounds. He and Cisco were tagged by OCEARCH on the same day and location. As of Wednesday, he pinged off the coast of Kure Beach. Fischer said George is the first mature male white shark SPOT tagged in North Atlantic history.

Further down off the coast, off of McClellanville, S.C., is Hilton, a mature male great white weighing 1,326 pounds and 12 feet, 5 inches long.

"We have only three large males tagged and a total of 23 sharks in the North Atlantic, and all three of them right now are in your region," Fischer said Friday.

It is not a coincidence that the males are in the area.

"We do know that over the course of the year the male white sharks and the female white sharks live separate lives," Fischer said. "They only come together to where they mate. We believe that's farther north."

Cisco, George and Hilton are likely in the area feeding before they head north as the water warms during the summer.

"They clearly like it there. There must be a lot of food, which means you have a really healthy abundant system," Fischer said. "It's a great tribute to the management that is going on in that region that you've got three male white sharks nearby."

Cisco, George and Hilton also have their own Twitter handles and are followed by thousands on the social media platform.

Reporter Elizabeth Montgomery can be reached at 910-343-2066 or Elizabeth.Montgomery@StarNewsOnline.com.

Read more:

2 male great white sharks ping off New Hanover beaches - News ... - StarNewsOnline.com

MICHIGAN CITY Overcast skies, temperatures in the mid-30s and a strong, biting wind that sent grains of sand hurtling through the air like tiny needles doesn't sound like ideal beach weather. Despite the conditions, there was a steady flow of traffic into Michigan City's Washington Park Beach on Thursday.

Sustained winds around 20 mph with gusts to near 40 churned up 14- to 18-foot waves on Lake Michigan. The conditions prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to warn people to stay away from beaches, and stay off rocks, jetties and piers.

"The Coast Guard is advising people to stay away. It's just not safe," Petty Officer 3rd Class Luis Morales, of the Coast Guard's Station Michigan City. "The Coast Guard is advising recreational boaters not to go out at all and is urging caution for commercial operations."

Through late morning Thursday, Morales said Coast Guard crews in Michigan City hadn't been called out for any rescues.

"Thankfully, I think people are heeding caution and are staying away from the water," he said.

At Washington Park Beach, curious onlookers came in a steady stream and ventured to the walkway next to the beach for a view of the surf pounding the shoreline.

"We decided it would be a great time to bring my granddaughter to see what it's like when it's not so sunny and warm," Susan Salzer, of LaPorte said.

Salzer and her granddaughter, Shyanne Fulton, 12, of Elkhart, bundled up in heavy coats and hoods posed for photographs for spring break.

"I think this is pretty cool," Fulton said.

The unseasonably cool weather, that included a few snow showers early Thursday across the South Bend region, is expected to move out as the weekend approaches.

Christopher Roller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service northern Indiana office, said beginning Friday temperatures will begin a steady warming trend with highs in the mid-40s on Friday, around 60 degrees on Saturday and near 70 for Sunday and Monday.

"High pressure will be building in across the region which will cause the wind to shift around and come out of the south allowing for the warming trend the area will see this weekend," Roller said.

The weather is continuing to be atypical following a mild and largely snow-free winter. Since October 1, South Bend has only recorded 41.6 inches of snow a full two feet below normal.

While the snow hasn't fallen to a large degree in South Bend, raindrops have been plentiful.

Roller said South Bend has seen 11.82 inches of rain since January 1, more than 4.5 inches above normal.

"We were running near normal for precipitation through February," Roller said. "As soon as we hit March we've had quite a barrage of low pressure systems hit the area. It's been quite active."

Continued here:

Strong winds, heavy surf batter Michigan City's beaches - South Bend Tribune

Florida offers every type of adventure, experience and entertainment, but many would say its most alluring asset is the soft, sandy shorelines of Florida beaches.

With 800 miles of beaches to choose from, its hard to resist the relaxing waters, stunning sunrises and sunsets and sand that ranges from powdery smooth and white to hard-packed and dotted with seashells and other treasures. Indeed, Florida beaches are among the best beaches in the world, consistently taking top rankings in international travel publications and on beach expert lists.

From Pensacola Beach to Daytona Beach to Siesta Key to Miami Beach, each coastal oasis has its own vibe. Whether youre looking for quiet seclusion, a place to surf the waves or an all-day party, do a little research to find the right Florida beach for you. The Sunshine State draws a diverse array of visitors from all over the world, eager to experience a spa-like experience in nature, with the soothing lullaby of waves, sea salt air, the soft song of seagulls and beautiful sunsets and sunrises casting beautiful colors against the sky.But not all are here for just mere beauty and serenity. Some like the quirky beach shops and bars, some crave sport fishing and snorkeling, while others like music, dancing and the company of others late into the night.

Beaches in Florida have it all, as long as you know just where to look.Theres no shortage of charming getaways, nightlife hotspots and fishing meccas along the states coastline. Both the Gulf and Atlantic sides have plenty of cool or quaint towns with their own sandy shores, attracting both young and old looking to escape busy lives.

Northwest Florida beaches are known for some of the best seafood catches, particularly oysters and shellfish, and the Gulf beaches are also known for great fishing. There are few better foodie experiences out there in the world than stumbling upon a local favorite dive and discovering its special of the day was caught in the very waters along which it sits. Or if fine arts and culture are your thing, several Florida beaches in the Sarasota and Miami areas are within walking distance from galleries and artsy shops.

While almost all the beaches in Florida offer the basic necessities sand, water and mesmerizing beauty each has its own identity. Its worth the extra day or two on your trip to research, explore and make the most of your dream vacation.

Original post:

Florida Beaches: Discover the Best Beaches in the World & Florida

"We are getting a lot of animals close into shore feeding on the feed stock. That means there are more interactions with the fishing fleet.

"There are other causes of death that we are identifying. A lot of animals are undernourished and are starving, and there has been an increase incidence of disease and lower immunity."

Paul Trebilcock of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation said although fishing gear did occasionally interact with dolphins, fishermen had done everything they could to avoid it.

He said it was "unlikely" that fishermen were the reason for the increase.

Rob Deaville, from the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, told the Western Morning News that the organisation was aware of76 deaddolphinsand porpoises in January.

Port-mortems were performed on 13 of them, and five of those showed signs of having been caught in nets, while some others died of natural causes.

Read more here:

More dead dolphins washing up on Cornish beaches than ever, figures show - Telegraph.co.uk

Views of soaring mountain peaks, pristine sandy beaches and proximity to the natural beauty of Stanley Park undoubtedly make the West End one of Vancouvers most desirable neighborhoods. Densely populated with low-rise buildings, it has a traditional character and is home to a culturally diverse community.

The boundaries

Situated on an ocean-fronted peninsular, in downtown Vancouver, the district is bordered by English Bay to the west, West Georgia Street to the east, Stanley Park to the north and Burrard Street to the south.

Price range

One-bedroom apartments start from around C$550,000 (US$412,770) and two-bedroom homes start from C$700,000 (US$522,000), according to real estate agent Nicolas Blachette of Condo in Vancouver.

Expect to pay more for renovated properties one-bedroom condominiums cost about C$600,000 (US$444,000) and those with two bedrooms cost between C$850,000 and C$1 million (US$629,000-$740,000), according to Gregg Baker of Engel & Volkers in Vancouver.

Mr. Blacette added: The average price per square foot for an older home costs C$800 (US$597). Newer homes, unsurprisingly, are more expensive. "The average price per square foot for newer buildings range from C$1,000 to C$1,500 (US$746-US$1,120), he said.

Homes in premier buildings, with uninterrupted views of the city or water or both, cost approximately between C$1,800 and C$2,000 (US$1,332-$1,480) per square foot, Mr. Baker added.

The West End has traditionally had a huge supply of rental properties. In fact, around 80% of the homes are privately rented, according to Mr. Blachette.

More:Residential Sales in Greater Vancouver Dropped 40% in January

Housing stock

The neighborhood is apartments-only. The oldest homes are two-stories, from the turn of the-20th century and have been converted into multi-unit dwellings.

The area also has many low-rise apartment blocks, which were mainly constructed during the mid-20th century. Typically of wood-frame construction, they come with parking, outside space and elevators.

However, the appearance of the district is likely to change over the next few years. The Jervis, a 19-story, 58-condominium building by Intracorp and Inform Interiors, is the first major large residential project for decades.

Launched to the market in 2015, the development sold out off plan and broke price records for the area. Prices range between C$1 million and C$4.3 million (US$740,000-US$3.2 million) and sizes range from just under 1,000 square feet to about 2,500 square feet, according to Mr. Baker.

Prices at The Jervis have increased quite considerably since the pre-sale marketing in 2015, he added. It shows there is a real demand for boutique, high-end developments. People want contemporary, high-spec homes with good amenities.

Mr. Blachette continued: Developers are purchasing existing buildings, demolishing them and constructing high-rise blocks on the land.

Every home that is demolished has to be replaced with a home of the same tenure, so developers are building taller blocks so they can deliver a larger number of homes on the same size plot, he said.

More:Some Foreign Buyers in Vancouver Might Be Getting Tax Refunds

What makes it unique?

The combination of being right in downtown Vancouver and having access to beaches and the green spaces of Stanley Park is unique. The views are impressive, too. You can see the mountains and sea, which is quintessential Vancouver, Mr. Baker said.

The downtown peninsula has a similar feel to Manhattan, Mr. Blachette said. It feels like an island because youve got water on three sides.

Its got old-world charm, too. The streets are quiet and lined with trees, some of which are more than 100 years old.

Extending to 1,000 acres and featuring dense forest and beautiful beaches, Stanley Park is almost completely surrounded by the waters of Vancouver Harbour and English Bay and is larger than New York Citys Central Park.

The West End is also home to Davie Village, a hub for the city'sgay community, which centers around Davie Street and DenmanStreet.

More:A $38M Vancouver Mansion That Originally Sold for $9.5M in 2014

Luxe amenities

Robson Street is the West Ends main thoroughfare and the citys most famous shopping street. A wide street with a European vibe, it is home to many international, mid-priced shops such as Zara and Banana Republic.

Close to Robson Street are department stores Nordstrom, Hudsons Bay and Holt Renfrew. Alberni Street, located one block north of Robson Street, has high-end luxury brands such as Gucci and Christian Dior.

Denman Street, just off the northern end of Robson Street, has lots of eateries and boutique shops, including Fast Frames, an art gallery and framing shop and True Confections, a dessert shop.

The neighborhood is also home to the Vancouver Art Gallery. Located in the former main courthouse for Vancouver, a neo-classical building, it features the works of Marc Chagall and many more.

The Cactus Club Caf, a casual-dining restaurant chain, has an outpost on Beach Avenue. Located on the beach overlooking English Bay, it serves contemporary global-inspired cuisine.

More:Vancouvers Foreign-Buyer Tax Bruises Luxury Home Sales

Who lives there?

Families, young professionals, older people, international buyersreally everyone. Because the area has a good range of high-end and affordable private and rental homes, the area attracts a socially diverse community.

Mr. Blachette said: Young people can afford to live here because there are affordable rental studio apartments. It also attracts people who have moved to the city from overseas for work.

Notable residents

Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson reportedly owns a penthouse apartment south of Davie Street, near Alexandra Park, a small green space with an original 1910s bandstand and big views of English Bay.

It has been reported that Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a. The Rock, rented a three-bedroom penthouse apartment on Beach Avenue while he was in the city filming The Tooth Fairy Jeff Bridges also made the apartment his home while he was filming Tron: Legacy.

The English poet and novelist Malcolm Lowry lived in several locations in the neighborhood in the early part of the 20th century.

More:Hong Kong, Sydney and Vancouver Lead Worlds Least Affordable Markets

Outlook

Demand will continue to rise because Vancouver is receiving an influx of people from overseas, Mr. Blachette said. Prices look set to increase over the coming year as demand is outstripping supply.

As mentioned before, bigger buildings are on their way, which could help at least in terms of inventory.

Up next: 1550 Alberni, a 40-story curved glass tower with 180 condos, set to become a landmark of the Vancouver skyline. Designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the building is expected to complete in 2020.

High-rise development will transform the district, but it is going to happen over the long term, Mr. Baker said.

Follow Mansion Global:

Stay up to date with Mansion Global newsletters

Sign Up

Follow this link:

Vancouver's West End Offers Proximity to Green Spaces, Beaches - Mansion Global