Counting continues

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Waving goodnight; Seal pup at dusk
Not a care in the world - a Farnes Seal pup

Watching us - a mother Grey Seal

Monday 9th November comments:
Its been an excellent few days as fine weather and calm seas have been the order of the day and this allowed the team to enter the Seal colonies once again to count and tag the pups born on the islands. The number born on a daily basis continues to increase and after the weekend counting, we were almost on 700 and things are looking good.
Last seasons star pups, Archie, Lucky and Nemo will all be one year old now and Seals around the Farnes are doing well at this moment - although a change in the weather can and will change all of that, so fingers crossed for some calm weather. As for migrant birds, its all quiet on the islands as migration starts coming to a slow end.
Grey Seal pup population: population counts so far
North Wamses 204
South Wamses 283
Longstone 1
Brownsman 40
Staple Island 133
Northern Hares 29

Total 690

Save at Sandals Resorts

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sandalsAlthough Private Islands are the ideal for most islomaniacs, many members of the “general” population are content with a more traditional  island vacation on one the larger islands of the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. For these travellers Sandals Resorts is currently offering some excellent deals.

With 13 resorts scattered among the islands of Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas, Sandals resorts are regarded as the pioneers of the luxury holiday. Their resorts are regarded as vibrantly unique hotels that are the known for their beachfront locations, exemplary standards of service, exceptional cuisine s and world class accommodations that is truly world class with a choice of suites that culminate in private plunge pools and Butler Service.

Sandals Resorts is currently offering a 35% discount at their new Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas, which includes a Greg Norman designed golf course with challenging  fairways set right on the waters edge, and the first ever Marina by Sandals with 133 slips for avid sailors.
To read more about this deal visit: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1220332/You-save-35-plus-free-nights.html#ixzz0Vi7i0cNW

Marvelous Mediterranean: Skyropoula Island

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skyropoula-island-greece-images-1Many of the islands of the Mediterranean and Greece in particular, are not only beautiful, but steeped in myth in and history.  This unique combination of characteristics makes a Mediterranean Island a highly coveted piece of property among both island lovers and the wealthy elite.

A new island on the market is Skyropoula Island in Greece, which is truly a rare offering. This island which is over 1000 acres in size is located in the heart of the Mediterranean. Ideally located one hour away from Athens, Greece, in the middle of the Aegean the island is surrounded by turquoise waters.

Skyropoula is one of the rare islands that has its title ownership in complete order and is irrevocably recognized by the Government of Greece and the EU. The island is currently on the market for 21,000,000 euros. For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

Branson Talks Necker Island

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richard-branson-420x0Richard Branson, founder of Virging Corp and owner of Necker Island recently sat down with The Age, and Australian news paper and talked about his travels and the private island he calls home. Necker noted that he spends about 6 months of the year ont he expansive and luxurious private island and spends the rest of the year traveling the world, fullfilling his obligations as CEO of the Virgin corporation. Here is what Branson had to say.

Tell us about the holiday destinations you own
I’m really fortunate to own a number of great places that I love visiting but all of the destinations we own work as a business, even Necker. It has a staff of 60 and has to work as a viable business.

In South Africa we’ve got the Ulusaba game reserve. We’ve also built a lovely place in the Moroccan mountains called the Kasbah where I try to spend a bit of time as it’s so peaceful and then there’s the a ski lodge in Verbier which is great fun.

Source: The Age

Hog Island: Affordable Nova Scotia

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hog-island-nova-scotia-2There is no shortage of affordable islands out there, you just have to know where to look. One place I always recommend to island shoppers on a budget is Nova Scotia. Friendly people combined with incredible scenery makes Nova Scotia and ideal place to own a private island.

At $165,000US Hog Island is currently one of the best deals on the market. This georgeous, undeveloped 20 acre island is located in the protected Barrington Bay and has incredible views out into the Atlantic. Enjoy an amazing variety of bird life, including two Ospreys nesting on the island.

An additional small second island is attached and included with this sale. Easy to get to from the mainland and a short drive from the Yarmouth Ferry. Build your dream getaway cottage. For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

The Banyan Tree: Seychelles

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banyanseychilles_080529_sshThe Banyan Tree is regarded the world over as one of the leading resort brands in the world, when they opened their resort in the Seychelles in 2002, they really raised the bar. Recently the Financial Mail explored decided to explore this remote oasis to discover what makes the Banyan Tree brand so appealing. Here is what the Financial Mail had to say.

So powerful is the brand that die-hard devotees are known to pick their holiday destinations on the strength of whether they can check into a Banyan Tree property or not.

 

Since then, top-end tourism in the Seychelles has grown exponentially and the choice of grown-up, sophisticated hotels offering First-World luxury in an unspoilt setting has never been more alluring, from spa resorts such as Maia and the Four Seasons on the same coastal stretch of Mahe as the Banyan Tree to private-island eco-retreats such as North Island and Fregate.

To read the full article visit the Financial Mail

Celebrity Secret Vacation Spots

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Celebrity Getaways

Celebrity Getaways

If you are rich and famous you may require a lot of privacy, but fortunately you have the luxury of being able to afford to go wherever you want. This is why countless celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Tom Hanks and Mick Jagger all retreat to private islands and private island resorts on their vacations. MSNBC recently wrote an interesting article featuring some of the more exclusive island destinations that celebrities jet off to when needing a little R&R. Here is what they had to say.

Question: If you’re Jennifer Lopez (the ninth-richest woman in entertainment with a net worth of $110 million), you have a $350 million fragrance and fashion empire, and your husband just bought ownership in the Miami Dolphins, where do you spend your winter vacations?

Answer: Anywhere you damn well please, of course.

T0 read the full article visit msnbc.com

Star Island

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star-island-ontario-1Although tropical islands are beautiful, if you are looking for space consider looking North. Canada, is home to some beautiful islands and their reasonable prices mean that potential island owners get a lot of bang for their buck. One of my favorite properties is Star Island, an 1,100 acre island in Ontario.

The island features hills and valleys, dramatic cliffs with spectacular overlooks, many exposed rock outcroppings and an untouched forest of old growth timber. Black Spruce, White Spruce, Cedar, Poplar and Birch are the predominant tree species on the island. In the center of the island is a small lake hidden away and stocked with Brook Trout.

The island has been improved with 10 kilometers of marked hiking trails. The island is home to healthy populations of moose, black bear, lynx, foxes, wolves, ruffed grouse, eagles, hawks and many other forms of wildlife. The waters surrounding Star Island are well known for great Northern Pike and Pickerel fishing. Totally unspoiled and natural; owning Star Island is like owning your own National Park.

The island is available for just #1.5M. For more information visit Private Islands Online.

7 Islands in 7 Days

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thatchRecently a reported with the National Post, one of Canada’s leading newspapers ventured to St Vincent’s and the Grenadines to explore this popular Caribbean tourist destination. During her week long stay she was able to explore seven of the island chains 32 islands, including the ultra exclusive Mustique. Here is what she had to say.

Mustique Tommy Hilfiger, Mick Jagger and Bryan Adams are just some of the stars who have purchased a spot on this private island. The Firefly bar is the place to visit; they have both a Champagne and a Martini Club wherein members get recognized with a T-shirt once they’ve consumed every version of champagne or martini cocktail on offer. Guests have been known to earn their T-shirts after an extended 14-martini lunch. (Pierce Brosnan, I hear, wanted to earn a T-shirt, but unlike 007, he doesn’t drink martinis. He left the task to his son

Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/arts/story.html?id=2304049#ixzz0Z2Ln54Q1

Isla Kiniw: Incredible Island Rental

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isla-kiniwIsland ownership isn’t for everyone, many people choose to travel to a new private island or private island resort every year rather than own their own island. For those people interested in island rental their is no shortage of possibilities. From the Maldives to Maine their are literally hundreds of private islands and private island resorts around the world available for rent.

One of my favorite islands for rent is Isla Kiniw in Curacao. A small, idyllic three acre island located in the Spanish Water bay in Curaçao, the island has just one villa. The only way to get there is by boat, so ultimate privacy for you and your guests is assured.

Isla Kiniw is an excellent spot for all kinds of water sports and is well known for it’s big game fishing (Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, etc). The picturesque town of Willemstad is only a 15 minute drive away on the mainland.  The town, which is a Unesco world Heritage site offers a wide variety of restaurants and shops for your enjoyment.

The villa consists of three coupled buildings, one containing the main living area with kitchen, one containing guest- and bathrooms, and the last one with storage, washer, dryer, and a separate caretaker’s apartment.

The island rents for $4950/week. For more information, or to inquire about renting this island visit Private Islands Online.

Panama City Beach May Not Welcome Spring Breakers in 2010

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Concerned that spring breakers are giving Panama City Beach a bad reputation, the Bay Area Tourist Development Council recently voted to withdraw its funding support for the month-long party, refused to issue permits for the annual Beach Scene Music Festival, and severed ties with MTV, which films the annual event. According to the Panama City News Herald, “A consensus emerged among TDC board members that Panama City Beach needed to shift the model of how tourists viewed the destination, marketing the area as a more “family friendly” year-round region, especially as the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport comes online in May.” Accordingly, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched its new campaign, “Spring Break, Family Style,” hoping to lure parents looking for sun and fun during Spring Break 2010, rather than the party hearty crowd.

Panama City Beach is just the latest in a string of communities that have chosen not to welcome the college spring break crowd. Issues such as excessive public drunkenness, security, and stress on public infrastructure and services have been cited by local authorities who decided to ban spring break activities in past years. In the case of Panama City Beach, two stabbings during a Lil’ Wayne performance last year may have been the impetus for the decision.

Local businesses are concerned about the potential loss of revenue from college students who flock to the area each March, as Spring Break is one of the largest money-making events of the year. Private entities have stepped up to replace the TDC sponsorship, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to raise enough cash to attract the big name stars of previous years. The News Herald is already reporting that South Padre Island in Texas is the likely candidate for the Beach Music Festival in 2010.

Video credit: MaLaKaY289

Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

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In Awe at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, Japan

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Yes, you are right, aquariums are not beaches but hey! What is a beach but the very meeting point of the land above and the land below? Is an aquarium not the same? In any case, Okinawa’s Churaumi Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, I believe it may even be second to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The specific aquarium featured in Jon Rawlinson’s video posted on Vimeo, is known as the Kuroshio Sea Aquarium. It holds 1,981,290 gallons of water.

By Sebastien Tobler

Colliding Continents

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S-Turns Beach in Rodanthe, Outer Banks of North Carolina, Wiped Out By Nor’easter

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Tropical Storm Ida stalled off the coast of North Carolina from November 12-15, 2009, wreaking havoc on the oceanfront communities of the Outer Banks. The southern beaches of Hatteras Island were hardest hit, with the worst damage occurring in the village of Rodanthe, made famous by the film Nights In Rodanthe, starring Richard Gere. However, even before Gere and company put Rodanthe on the map, its S-Turns Beach was famous with surfers.

S-Turns takes its name from the the highway that fronts the beach, U.S. Rt. 12, which curves in an “S” shape at this particular point in the road. Surfers have long been congregating here for the perfect waves that form just offshore, and spectators are usually on hand by the score to watch surfers work their magic. Over the years, S-Turns has been slightly damaged by the occasional storm, but when this Nor’easter rolled in, huge waves not only stripped away the beach, they overwashed the road and tore out a stretch of pavement. With access between the main northern beaches and Hatteras Island cut off, the State of North Carolina quickly arranged for a ferry to carry cars and passengers around the breach on the calmer Sound side of the barrier island and immediately began rebuilding the highway and the barrier dune between the road and the ocean. However, the  beach was severely eroded and may never be replenished, since the Federal government no longer authorizes funds for beach nourishment and the Outer Banks municipalities have no funds for such projects.

The house used in the filming of Nights In Rodanthe is still standing, although there is no beach whatsoever in front of it and the ocean is washing under the house. The County has declared the house a danger and put the owners on notice that they must have the house torn down. The above video from the Virginian Pilot shows both aerial and ground footage of the storm surge and many other videos documenting the damage are available on YouTube. For the moment, surfers and beachgoers are holding their collective breaths in hopes that S-Turns Beach is not beyond repair.

Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

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Swimwear in 2010 combines key trends

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Next year’s swimwear trends look very exciting. In 2010, the focus is on print, color, and detail. What is really cool about the upcoming season is that designers are mixing it up and combining all of these elements into a single suit, whether it be the triangle, bandeau, or one-piece.

On this Gypsy Bandeau & Gypsy Skimpy Pant, Rusty combines a flirtatious mauve ruffle with confetti and snakeskin, a popular animal print in 2010 swimwear collections.

Toughen up girly mauve ruffles with snakeskin print. Image courtesy of Transworld Business.

Toughen up a girly bikini with snakeskin print. Image courtesy of Transworld Business.

Roxy updates the traditional triangle with graffiti writing in neon colors, reversible in black.

This traditional triangle bikini becomes edgy with neon graffiti writing.

This traditional triangle bikini becomes edgy with neon graffiti writing. Image courtesy of Delia's.

Earthy geometric tribal prints go uptown with gold hardware and black and white punk edging in Leilani’s Bali Lounge bandeau.

Ethnic meets urban with a touch of hardware. Image courtest of Transworld Business.

Ethnic meets urban with a touch of hardware. Image courtesy of Transworld Business.

My favorite is Kooey’s Spear Neck One Piece. Who can resist the contrast of the demure leg with the plunging neckline, gorgeous detail and that hot color!

One piece suits go glam with plunging necklines and gorgeous detail. Image courtesy of Transworld Business.

Glam it up in this one piece with plunging neckline and chic detail. Image courtesy of Transworld Business.

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Best Beaches for Collecting Sea Glass

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All people who walk slowly down the beach, hunched over, peering down at the ground are not looking for shells. These days, many beachcombers are looking for sea glass. Defined as glass that has been tumbled by natural wave action to the point where there are no sharply-defined edges and all surfaces exhibit a frosted or etched appearance, sea glass is created when debris from glass objects end up in the ocean, breaks into pieces, and is smoothed by the action of waves and sand.

SeaGlass1

Sea glass specimens

In the days before environmental laws prohibited such actions, some of this glass came from trash dumped off ships. In other cases, the source of debris was old garbage dumps located near the ocean. Over the years, wind and rainstorms caused trash to migrate toward the shore, tumbling until it disintegrated, leaving behind only the more durable glass. In areas where perfect geography, wave action, and wind combined, sea glass deposits grew deep and were left undisturbed, since the glass was still regarded as useless trash.

Gradually, people began to notice the beauty of this delicately etched glass. They marveled at colors ranging from frosty white to deep turquoise, cobalt blue, and even blood red. Initially collected as pretty baubles to be displayed in a glass bowl, jewelry makers eventually began creating pieces from the unique material. Today sea glass is in such demand that it is growing scarce; many of the beaches that had contained thick beds have been thoroughly picked over. However, the following beaches still offer beachcombers a good selection of quality sea glass:

Bar Island – Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar island is a tidal island in Bar Harbor, Maine that is located directly north of the West Street town pier (look for Bridge Street on the north side of West Street to gain access). Glass found on the island has a tendency to collect at the high tide line. Check for the local times of low tide and plan to stay no more than one hour before and after low tide.

Bar_Island_From_Cadillac_Mountain

Farthest left island, Bar Island, which is connected by the mainland at low tide, offers excellent sea glass hunting

Rosario Beach, Fidalgo Island, Washington State
Sea glass on this beach is typically mingled with agates, shells, tumbled pebbles, and driftwood, so beachcombers may need to look closely, but 6-15 jewelry grade pieces can normally be found in less that two hours. To find Rosario Beach, going north on Highway 20, turn left about 1/3 mile past Deception Pass Bridge and follow the signs.

SeaGlass2

Sea glass collection in a glass brandy snifter

Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, California
For many years the people in this town dumped their trash over the bluffs and onto a strip of beach owned by the Union Lumber Company. Locals simply called it “The Dumps.” In 1967, city leaders closed the area and various cleanup programs were begun, but by that time, much of the glass had been washed down to the shore, becoming the small, smooth, colored pieces that coat the beach today. Although much of the material has been carted away by collectors, there is still a good deal left. A few years ago, this beach was taken over by the California State Park Department, which voiced concern over disappearing sea glass. Rumors soon began circulating that sea glass could no longer be taken. While it is true that the Parks Department discourages the collecting of sea glass, California beaches are public up to the mean high water mark, thus collecting cannot be banned. Current opinion seems to be that it is perfectly legal to collect glass on any of the beaches in Fort Bragg, although care must be taken not to trespass on surrounding private properties to get to any of the three collecting sites. Of these, the best known is Glass Beach, located inside McKerricher Park, which is said to holds the highest concentration of sea glass in the world. Although generally depleted of the larger specimens, great quantities of small pieces are abundant and larger pieces can still be found after storms churn the beach. The path to Glass Beach is located at the end of Elm St.

Sea glass layer is many inches thick at Fort Bragg Beach

Sea glass layer is many inches thick on Glass Beach at Fort Bragg

Seaside State Beach, Monterey, California
Located just northeast of Monterey, California, Seaside Beach is very long and is flanked by sand dunes and sand cliffs. On the main beach at high tide, sea glass is found in a narrow five-foot band just above the water line, as well as underwater near the shore. At low tide, much more of the glass is exposed on the beach. For better pickings, head north to the rocks, where sea glass can be found by the handsfull. Fort Ord Dunes State Park and Sand City lie along the same stretch of beach and are also good collecting sites.

Monterey State Beach, Monterey, California
Beginning next to Fisherman’s Wharf and continuing to the town of Seaside, Monterey State Beach is popular with beachcombers who often uncover sea glass. Pieces of vintage green are often discovered here, the source of which is an old beach dump site.

Cannery_Row_Sea_Glass

The beach at Cannery Row, California, near Monterey State Beach

Glass Beach, Port Townsend, Washington
A 90-minute hike from North Beach (also not too shabby a site for sea glass), the area known locally as Glass Beach lies at the foot of a bluff that once served as the town dump. Although this particular shoreline is unmarked, collectors know they have arrived at the correct spot when they spot corroded auto parts jutting out of the sand.

Playa Media Luna, Isle Mujeres, Mexico
Collectors have reported finding two pails full in about two hours. There are numerous beaches on this small island, and any of them are likely to offer up sea glass treasures, but the best scavenging is found on the rocky northeast side of the island.

Isla_Mujeres_Sea_Glass

Isla De Mujeres, Mexico

Antonio’s Beach to River Mouth Beach in Puntas, Rincon, Puerto Rico
Antonio’s Beach to River Mouth is a favorite place to hunt for sea glass. From the public parking lot at Antonio’s Beach adjacent to the new Punta del Mar Beach Resort development, head north to the river. Sea glass becomes more abundant nearer the river. On some days, it is not unusual to gather a plastic bag full of pretty pieces in less than an hour.

Rincon_Puerto_Rico_Sea_Glass

River Mouth, Puntas, Rincon, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
From the capital building, descend via steps along the fort wall to Playa Ocho, or look around the public beaches down from La Perla (near the stadium and the Caribe Hilton). It is best to go right after high tide and look in the rockier areas on the edges of the beach. Pieces of all sizes and colors are easily found here.

Glass Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai’s Glass Beach isn’t mentioned in many guide books, mostly due to its location in the middle of an industrial zone not far from the popular tourist area of Poipu on the southern end of the island. To get there, take the Port Allen exit off the highway, then turn down a street past some warehouses, then follow a very rutted dirt road to the water. It’s worth the effort, for this beach is inches thick with sea glass of all colors – even the rare cobalt blues. But don’t get greedy; local law limits each person to a gallon of the shiny stuff per day.

Photo credits, in order of appeaarance: Patricia Scott Interiors (sea glass in brandy snifter); Barbara Weibel (Bar Island); Patricia Scott Interiors (sea glass in bowl); BillLovesMarcy (Glass Beach at Fort Bragg); brunkfordbraun (Cannery Row Beach); sarunas.b (Isla de Mueres); Richard Monteverde, Rincon, Puerto Rico.

Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

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San Diego, CA – Ocean Beach Dog Beach

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Ocean Beach Dog Beach - San Diego

Ocean Beach Dog Beach - San Diego

As blogger Barbara Weibel noted, our country has a nice selection of dog beaches where you can have some fun in the sun with your pooch. Barbara pointed out a lovely dog friendly beach in Carmel, but San Diego has a handful of other terrific dog beaches.

One of them is Ocean Beach Dog Beach. I used to visit this dog beach frequently when I lived in San Diego - it’s so much fun! Not only is it a completely off-leash beach, but there are shallow portions of water where even smaller dogs can easily splash around and swim. I love to just put down a towel and watch the doggie mayhem – on warm summer days, there might be up to 100 dogs running around playing. It’s great fun to get in the water with them. (Just don’t go too far out!! This part of Ocean Beach is known for some nasty rip tides, so make sure neither you nor your pup venture out too far in the warning, especially if you notice the warning flags. )

You can also choose to walk your pet on a paved sidewalk that runs along this portion of beach – less sand, but just as much fun.

There’s no entrance or parking fee, so you can visit as frequently as you like.

Photos: Dagmar61

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Beach Hotels in Ocean Park, Washington

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Washington Coastline and Beaches

Washington Coastline and Beaches

When many people think about the beach and hotels on the beach, they picture beaches in Florida and California. Fair enough – the beaches in both states are gorgeous and known worldwide for their surfing and sunbathing possibilities. But what about the fantastic beaches in the Northwest such as those in Washington State? Talk about picturesque! The water here many not get as warm as it does in Florida (though Southern California beaches can have very chilly water as well!), but the picturesque scenery, quaint towns and fresh, breezy beach air more than makes up slightly cooler waters in summer. 

Ocean Park, Washington offers almost thirty miles of sandy beaches, all of which are less crowded than those you’ll find on the East Coast  in summer. You’ll also find quaint historic villages, beautiful Willapa Bay and more spectacular scenery than your digital camera card can likely capture.

If you plan to visit Ocean Park, you’ll likely want to stay for a few days and enjoy everything that the area has to offer. There are numerous Ocean Park hotels which can offer you ocean views and beach access, as well as those which are steps away from the charming towns and villages. Check out the following hotels the next time you’re in the area!

Blackwood Beach Cottages

Very close to the water - and if you like them enough, you can purchase them as well!

Charles Nelson Guest House

Overlooks beautiful Willapa Bay – it’s a B&B, and the breakfast is generous!

Ocean Park Resort

Only 4 blocks from the beach! You can camp as well as stay in lovely accommodations.

Photos: Akarmy

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Hunting Island State Park – Dog Friendly Beach in Beaufort, SC

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Hunting Island State Park - Beaufort, South Carolina

Hunting Island State Park - Beaufort, South Carolina

Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort, South Carolina is  South Carolina’s most popular state park, and its beach areas are heavily visited as well, especially in summer. Visit just once, and you’ll soon see why. The beach here is clean with white sands and dotted with assorted sea grasses, and at low tide, the beach looks incredibly wide – perfect for exploring tide pools. Don’t forget to take your dog with you to Hunting Island! Dogs are allowed on the beach, so long as they are on a six-foot (or less) leash. Unfortunately, they’re not allowed in any of the cabins or campground areas. If you  have a dog like mine though, sometimes it’s nice to be in complete control over them at all times. As much as she loves me, I’m not sure my dog would ever come back to me if let off leash on such a beautiful beach as this!

There are over five miles of beach to explore with your pooch, and there is plenty of room to jog and walk on the beautiful sand.

When you drop your dog off at a nearby pet-friendly Beaufort hotel, you can explore the historic lighthouse here as a variety of lagoons, marshland and tidal creeks.

Photo: Hawkwild

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