{"id":28,"date":"2009-06-26T09:03:00","date_gmt":"2009-06-26T14:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2009\/06\/beach-vacations-a-taste-of-island-life-in-the-us\/"},"modified":"2016-12-17T11:29:23","modified_gmt":"2016-12-17T17:29:23","slug":"beach-vacations-a-taste-of-island-life-in-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2009\/06\/beach-vacations-a-taste-of-island-life-in-the-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Beach vacations: A taste of island life in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"6a00e54ece184a88330115705e963f970c\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Samantha Chapnick<\/em><\/p>\n

So, you\u2019ve done the Miami vacation and the Caribbean all-inclusive. Now that the temps are heating up, ready to explore some shores closer to home on your beach vacation<\/a><\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Nantucket<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wearing clothing adorned with a repeated animal pattern, preferably a whale in pink, green or blue, is not de rigeur for a Nantucket beach vacation. But if you really want to fit in with the preppy set, run to your closest Vineyard Vines before you buy your ferry ticket. This island, although off the radar of non-Northeasterners, is the summer refuge of Bostonites. Thankfully, a bit lower key than Cape Cod or the Hamptons, it still retains an atmosphere of sophisticated lounging.<\/p>\n

For an upscale stay, base out of The Wauwinet<\/a><\/strong> with its white picket fences, Adirondack chairs, and lace curtains. For a much more affordable option, try The Beachside<\/a><\/strong>, a spiffed up motel with nice landscaping and a short walk directly to the beach. Most of the beaches are more for walking than swimming (unless you can handle cold water). My favorites include Brant Point<\/strong> for its great classic New England lighthouse and easy proximity to town; Surfside Beach<\/strong> — extra wide, making it great for picnics; and Children\u2019s Beach<\/strong> for families with its lifeguards, restrooms and playground.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re not at the beach, other activities include whale watching, fishing,sight seeing, golf and tennis — and shopping of course.<\/p>\n

So you already know you just have to go to The Black Dog<\/a><\/strong> to get a t-shirt and make all your friends back home jealous. If you want to visit some more authentic local spots, I think Company of the Cauldron<\/a><\/strong> is a best bet if you don\u2019t want to get too far off that beaten path. It is consistently one of the highest rated restaurants and has a nice twist on traditional dishes like Steak and Potatoes (their version: Pepper Crusted Chateaubriand with a Port Wine Au Poivre Sauce, Asparagus, and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes).<\/p>\n

And a final note: you\u2019ll be better off bringing your bike<\/strong> than your car on this beach vacation. Unless you plan to stay a while, it’s expensive, you need a permit for beach parking, and the island is so small that it’s much easier to negotiate human-powered.<\/p>\n

\"beach<\/a> Coronado<\/strong><\/p>\n

A tall blue bridge is not all that separates Coronado from San Diego. It\u2019s a mindset away, just as a trip to the Keys or Hawaii doesn\u2019t feel anything like being on the mainland. It\u2019s a trip back to when San Diego was better known for cruiser bicycles and surfers than cell phone companies and congestion. I like to stay at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa<\/a><\/strong>, with its great view of the San Diego skyline, huge pool<\/strong> and laid back feel. From there, it’s a short trip to Municipal Golf Course, Skate park, and my favorite Coronado beach: Coronado Central Beach<\/strong>. Running along Ocean Avenue, it\u2019s lined with old-school mansions and homes, has plenty of room for a nice walk, offers the opportunity to explore tide pools, and flanks the classic Hotel Del Coronado<\/a><\/strong>: a great place to get a drink and check out the photos of the famous thathave been there before you. With kids, visit Glorietta Bay Beach<\/strong> with its playground, smaller beach and larger grass park.<\/p>\n

Should you need to leave this laid-back paradise, the trip to downtown San Diego with all its accompanying attractions takes minutes and is rarely congested.<\/p>\n

\"Beach<\/a> Point Lobos State Natural Reserve<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Spared by developers, this gorgeous stretch of coastline near Carmel is virtually the only large, publicly accessible swath of coastline left between San Francisco and San Diego.<\/p>\n

Just about the only thing you won\u2019t do in this 1,250-acre area is sunbathe. Like the novel it inspired, Treasure Island, this is more for the visitor seeking recreation than relaxation — not the least bit because most days are overcast for at least part of the time. The most common beach vacation activities here include:<\/p>\n