Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that is not crowded. From a national park located on a remote island to a state park packed with driftwood to a cove known for its whale migration, here are some secluded beaches with ample elbow room.
Beaches that will blow your mind
At Big Talbot Island State Park, on an Atlantic Coast barrier island between Amelia Island and Fort George Island, youll find a beach that might not be what youd expect to see in Florida. About a half-hour drive fromJacksonville, Boneyard Beach (aka Black Rock Beach) is not your typical white sandy beach. Along the coastline and among the 30-foot bluffs, youll find massive driftwood trees. Climbing these beauties will make you feel like a kid again, and if you stick around for sunset, youre in for a treat. The driftwood makes for a lovely silhouette shot. Eventhe geological formations here are super unique only 3.5 percent of land in the U.S. has this type of black rock.
From sand dunes to sea cliffs, Michigan is full of natural wonders worthy of a quick escape. Talk to any Michigander for recommendationsand Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshoreon South Manitou Island will surely come up. Trekking to the top is practically a rite of passage. If you take the Dunes Trail, the whole trip is about 3.5 miles and takes 2 to 4 hours depending on your fitness level and the weather.
The peaceful area is home to 35 miles of shoreline, so choosing your own spot is very simple. With bright blue water in the foreground and sand dunes behind, its serene to the nth degree. After beach lounging, hike among conifers and hardwoods. But remember, cougars sometimes roam around these parts.
With just 60,000 annual visitors, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the nation. Known for its amazing coral reef system, historic fort and sea turtles,Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 nautical miles west ofKey West, is a pretty special place to visit. Nearly 99 percent of the parks hundred square miles are submerged beneath the water where moray eels, Goliath grouper and nurse sharks flourish.
During the day, spend time snorkeling, kayaking and learning about when Ponce de Leon first stepped foot here in 1513. When the ferry boat leaves, if you camp on the beach here and youll have the island almost to yourself. Major bonus: its relatively bug-free because theres no freshwater to attract mosquitos.
Located across the Calibogue Sound from Hilton Head Island, this South Carolina island is surrounded by beautiful uncrowded beaches and ancient oaksdripping with Spanish moss. Theres no bridge to the mainland, so book a ferry ride or hop in your own boat to get there. Once you arrive, golf carts, bikes or your own two feet are the best way to explore. Take time to learn about the Gullah/Geechee influence, soak up therich art scene and sample the Lowcountry cuisine.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach in Half Moon Bay is one ofNorthern Californias under-the-radar beaches. Pack a picnic lunch (theres a picnic area on the bluff with a spectacular view) and if you are there during the Gray Whale migration (November to April) be on the lookout for the gentle giants. The whales often come fairly close to shore. When you venture down to the beach, just know that there is a nudist area on the north end. So, if you arent into that, go left at the bottom of the stairs.
Five gorgeous islands off the Southern California coast make up the remoteChannel Islands National Park. Arrive by small plane or boat or kayak to the 100-foot-wide Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world. And its not the only one: There are 30 sea caves dotting the islands and plenty of dramatic sea cliffs. Known as the Galapagos of North America, many come to see the endemic plants and wildlife.
On land, look for the endangered island barberry and the soft-leaved paintbrush plant. In the water, its common to see bright orange garibaldi fish, harbor seals, sea lions and giant sea kelp. If youre a hiker, visit Anacapa to see the lighthouse. Dont forget Santa Rosa IslandsLobo Canyon for sandstone formations, pygmy mammoth fossils and, if youre lucky, local island foxes.
From camping to the Carnegies,Cumberland Island sure is a special place. This nationalseashoreis a haven for wildlife. On the beach, youll find wild horses and loggerhead turtles. Hike through the islands interior, which is shaded by enormous oak tree canopies, for the chance to see armadillos, deer, hogs, rabbits, turkeys and raccoons. Except for the wildlife, its never crowded because the only way to get there is by boat or ferry ride, and once you are there, youve got 17 miles worth of sandy shores to choose from.
Unusual beaches you have to see to believe
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The 7 best secret beaches in the USA - Lonely Planet Travel News