The beach is not the only place you can relax and unwind. Many beach cities also offer city sophistication and fantastic beaches. Port Aransas and Guilford Beach are two such examples. You can also visit nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea. You will not regret the decision to visit these cities.
Port Aransas
If you’re into the arts, there’s plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The Port Aransas Community Theatre has been around for more than 25 years and has been a staple of the town’s cultural life. It features seasonal events, local talent, and interactive summer programs. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday from 6:30 pm to 10 pm and Sunday from 1:30 pm to 5 pm.
Located on the beach, you can learn about the area’s history at the Port Aransas Museum. Located in an old 20th century house, the museum features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. There are also permanent exhibits on the town’s history. The museum also offers guided tours of other nearby historic sites. For example, the Little Chapel on the Dunes was built for Texas poet laureate Aline Carter.
The city has a beautiful bay and plenty of things to do. Visitors can take a ferry ride across to Corpus Christi in less than 10 minutes. If you’re looking for something more active, consider taking a kayak tour around the lighthouse. Boat rides are especially popular around sunset. The town also features the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.
Taking a scenic flight is another great way to experience Port Aransas. While the city is famous for its outdoors, it’s also a thriving art scene. Besides hosting a monthly show of mixed media artworks, the sanctuary also offers several art classes. You can even purchase artwork from the exhibits at the gift shop.
Beaches are a staple of the Beach City, and there are several public beaches worth exploring. The IB Magee Beach Park has a nice sand area and clean water for swimming. It’s an excellent place for families and is very centrally located.
Guilford Beach
For those looking for an unspoiled Connecticut beach vacation, there are a variety of destinations to choose from. Lake Quonnipaug is a popular choice for those looking for calm, serene waters. Located just 3.5 miles from Guilford Beach, the lake has a beach and picnic area. The lake is popular with locals who fish for bass. The town offers a seasonal beach pass and an entrance fee for non-residents.
The Place Restaurant in Guilford is a traditional outdoor seafood restaurant that was first established as an informal clambake along Route 1. This restaurant has more than 50 tables and an 18-foot fire pit. The menu features roasted savory clams and smoked lobster, as well as ribeye steaks and other classic American fare. Guests can also enjoy grilled chicken, sweet corn, and vegetable kebabs.
The Guilford Town Marina is another good place to visit in the area. It features a town-managed marina, public boat launch ramps, boat trailer parking, and seafood-themed dining options. A short walk from the marina is Jacob’s Beach, which has lifeguarded swimming and a playground and picnic area. The town also manages moorings along the East River.
Guilford is a coastal town in New Haven County, Connecticut. The town center is home to more than 600 historic buildings. The Henry Whitfield House is one of the oldest buildings in New England, predating the town by months. The town also has many museums and art galleries.
For nature lovers, there are several trails. The Bluff Head area has some of the most dramatic geological formations. It rises 600 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view of Long Island Sound. The Northwoods trail system is another option. The Westwoods trail system is 40 miles long and has many fascinating natural formations.
Port Angeles
A visit to Port Angeles is a must if you’re looking for an outdoorsy vacation. This coastal town is home to beautiful hiking trails, pristine beaches, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. There’s also a visitor center with plenty of exhibits and park rangers. If you’re looking for more culture, there are several boutique stores and restaurants to peruse. Families may also enjoy a trip to the Olympic Game Farm, where you can see bears, deer, and llamas.
You can stay at Port Angeles hotels, rentals, or inns. You might consider staying at the historic George Washington Inn, which is located on a clifftop. The hotel has an excellent location and is a replica of the President’s mansion in Virginia. If you’re visiting during the summer, you can also head to the nearby Hoh Rain Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another place to visit is the Port Angeles Aquarium, which has an educational goal while providing hands-on experiences for visitors. This aquarium is run by ocean experts, and the collection of marine creatures is unique. In addition to the aquarium, Port Angeles is home to several beaches. The Feiro Marine Life Center, which is located near the Olympic Coast Discovery Center, offers touch tanks and aquariums filled with seawater from the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Salt Creek Recreation Area is located just 15 miles west of the city. The 200-acre park is home to a giant kelp forest and an underwater park for shore divers. The recreation area also has picnic shelters and camping sites.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you are planning a vacation to the Central California coast, you should make a stop at Carmel-by-the-Se, a charming seaside town with an old Spanish mission and an endless supply of activities. The town is home to over 100 art galleries, dozens of fine restaurants, and numerous wineries. There are also lots of boutique shops to browse along Ocean Avenue. You can also enjoy the picturesque beaches and the gorgeous European architecture.
While most people associate the beach town with the brash and edgy Melrose Avenue, this quaint coastal town has more to offer than booze. Visitors will find quaint Victorian buildings, charming storybook cottages, and tree-shaded streets that give it a quaint village vibe. The beaches are also popular with hikers, families, and dogs. You can also find luxury spas here.
If you are looking for a luxurious stay in Carmel, a vacation rental is an excellent option. Vacation rentals are affordable and can be shared between family members and friends. Guests can find rooms that sleep up to eight people and are located right on the beach. Alternatively, a cozy three-star hotel is also a great option. These accommodations are near Ocean Avenue and have free breakfast.
While you’re in Carmel-by-the-Sean, be sure to take advantage of its artistic community. Artists have been flocking to the town for decades. Carmel Art Association, the Bennett Sculpture Center, and Galerie Plein Aire are among the many galleries in town.
Carmel-by-the-Seal is a charming seaside community in Monterey County. The town has many attractions and is a popular stop on road trips from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Visit Carmel Visitors’ website for more information about the town’s activities.
Nags Head
Nags Head, North Carolina has an abundance of dining options. The local eateries feature fresh local seafood, award-winning wines, and even all-you-can-eat buffets. Restaurants are located all over the town, from walk-up burger shacks to more formal seafood restaurants.
The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the iconic lighthouse at Bodie Island. Visiting this landmark is a great way to get a feel for the area’s rich history. The town is also home to the oldest outdoor theater production in the country – Lost Colony, which is a tribute to the settlers of Roanoke Island.
The town is also home to one of the nation’s largest sand dunes, Jockey’s Ridge. While driving through the town, it’s impossible not to see the imposing ridges. The ridges provide the perfect spot for hanging gliders and kites. Parking is available.
The town is a popular vacation destination. There are over 100 vacation rentals and a number of attractions. It’s also home to the largest concentration of public beach accesses. For those who want to do more than just relax on the beach, there’s a mini-golf castle and hiking trails.
For a day trip from the city, consider heading to Duck, NC. This smaller Outer Banks city is home to a beautiful marina and a variety of seafood restaurants. Many of the houses are decorated with painted lobster pots and seashell gardens. Fishing charters are also offered daily. You might even spot dolphins!
