Discovering Hidden Beaches and Secluded Getaways
Do you desire an uncrowded beach experience or wish to discover uncharted shorelines? There are countless off-the-beaten-path destinations around the US worth exploring that are worth your while.
Some of these remote beaches require crossing water to reach them, but once there, the rewards will more than make up for your travel costs and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
1. Totaranui Beach
This stunning beach is situated at the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park and boasts turquoise waters with golden sand – an idyllic spot to soak up some sun, swim, kayak or relax under an umbrella.
To reach Anapai Bay from Totaranui you will have to hike along an intimate coastal track that winds its way through forest. After some distance, you will reach this tranquil cove which reflects the sky on sunny days – Anapai Bay will welcome you with its sandy shoreline and stunning cove.
Discover New Zealand’s unique landscape and experience its unspoiled natural beauty while traversing it on foot, bike or horseback – an adventure not to be missed!
2. Glass Beach
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, Northern California, is an unparalleled coastal treasure. One of the premier beaches for finding sea glass, Glass Beach offers incredible natural beauty of Mendocino County as a backdrop.
The beach consists of three small coves that have become covered with smooth pieces of colored sea glass due to years of trash dumping during the early 20th century.
From 1906-1967, residents of Fort Bragg discarded household items over the cliffs into the ocean below. Over time, this trash eventually made its way up onto the beach where waves and tides polished it down further, polishing away sharp bits of glass to leave smooth, polished pieces behind.
3. Cassis Beach
Cassis is an idyllic seaside town in Southern France that provides visitors with a respite from crowds while taking in breathtaking landscapes.
Village ports beckon visitors with glittering shores and traditional sailboats that bob along their waters’ edge. Stroll through its streets and go shopping for local goods such as market totes or linen tablecloths!
No trip to Cassis would be complete without visiting the breathtaking Chateau de Cassis, an impressive medieval castle that sits high atop town and offers tours as well as guest rooms available for rent.
4. The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands stretching over 175 miles along North Carolina’s coastline from Back Bay to Cape Lookout. Separating them is Pamlico Sound – one of the largest estuaries on the East Coast.
The islands are covered with towering sand dunes that reach up to 100 feet (30 meters), providing critical habitats for biodiversity. National seashores such as Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island and Ocracoke provide vital protection of this natural beauty of the region.
The Outer Banks first came into greater focus during the late 19th century when technological and transportation innovations made visiting easier. For example, the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal linked upper banks of Outer Banks to other parts of the country, creating markets for local fishers while opening new vacation spots to both Northerners and Southerners alike.
5. Pupukea Beach
Pupukea Beach (the Hawaiian word for “white shell”) is an idyllic coastal gem on Oahu that rarely sees crowds while also boasting some of the finest snorkeling in all of Oahu. This 80-acre marine life conservation area on the North Shore features two main swimming areas called Shark’s Cove and Three Tables as well as Old Quarry with tidepools for accessing swimming areas.
Surfers and snorkelers alike should make this destination their top priority. Its waters are peaceful thanks to rocky barriers forming an enclosure, while there are plenty of fish as well as lava cave formations to be seen here.
You can take a break from the crowds if you are heading towards Shark’s Cove Beach by parking here and visiting one of the local grocery stores nearby at the traffic light, before enjoying your picnic on this quieter beach.
