Best Weekend Beach Getaways In The US
While traveling throughout the past six months was likely the last thing on all of our minds, many individuals are finding ways to go on mini vacations and remain completely safe in the midst of a global health crisis. Many people are taking road trips to avoid public transportation and hitting the beaches wherever they can! Wherever you are in the country, there are plenty of amazing beach towns that can be accessed in a safe and efficient way, here are few of the most popular ones:
The Hamptons, New York: If you’re from Long Island or New York City, you’ve likely visited the Hamptons at one point or another. East Hampton, Southampton, and Montauk are some of the most popular beach tourist destinations every summer, and thanks to a multitude of new health and safety procedures from major hotel chains and rental companies like Airbnb, people can still go and safely enjoy a beach weekend.
East Hampton, New York
Monterey County, California: Fans of HBO’s Big Little Lies are likely very familiar with the beauty that is Monterey Country in California. It’s known as being one of the most picturesque spots on the California coast with large and open white sandy beaches, great local dining and shopping attractions, as well as several water sport rental businesses. During your weekend getaway, be sure to take the iconic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway towards Big Sur for some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see.
Saugatuck, Michigan: This beach town is about three hours from Chicago and is known as one of the most ideal destinations for Midwestern beach vacationing. Lake Michigan has a wonderful 10 mile stretch of shoreline, ensuring there’s plenty of room to social distance from any other beach goers. The surrounding area is known as the “art coast of Michigan” for its slew of galleries and small businesses.
Outer Banks, North Carolina: The string of islands that make up the Outer Banks area of North Carolina is the perfect area for those who like water sports. It’s peaceful environment allows for isolated enjoyment, and by car it’s less than five hours away from Washington D.C.. The beaches in Outer Banks have long been known as the best beaches in North Carolina, and the local town has plenty of options for shopping, eating, and sleeping.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Cape Cod is less than two hours from Boston, depending on traffic, and is known as a “quintessential Massachusetts beach getaway.” There are plenty of quaint little towns to walk around in and enjoy, and six major swimming beaches that are family-friendly. The beaches often offer great conditions for surfing and fishing as well.
Florida Keys, Florida: Out of the thousands of beaches in Florida the Florida Keys take the cake as one of the most popular destinations for Floridians. The Keys are about three-and-a-half-hours from Miami, and that drive is known as the “ultimate beach road trip” by locals. If you go to Key West you can also visit the southernmost tip in the continental US.
Tybee Island, Georgia: This island is about four hours away from Atlanta and is the perfect beach getaway for those who need a break from their busy city lives. Georgia actually has a lot of beaches, but Tybee is definitely one of the most popular destinations for the state. Back River Beach specifically is known for being a small and isolated area, making it easy to social distance and avoid crowds.
Galveston, Texas: When one thinks of Texas, a beach normally isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, Galveston proves that maybe it should be, as it’s home to a multitude of carnival attractions that are normally open under non-pandemic circumstances. The beach town also has a famous pier, museum, waterpark, and much more. There are several beaches to go to so you’ll have plenty of options to avoid large crowds as well.
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.