Venice Beach has a hedonistic carnival atmosphere with artists, street performers, body beautifuls exercising, music, food smells, shopping and markets, music and lots of things happening. In summer it’s everyday and in winter it kicks off at the weekend, but the long flat beaches lined with tall palm trees and the cafes and shops of a busy seaside front are the perfect place to stroll, ride a bike or chill, and with the chillin’ crowds comes the entertainers and vendors, which in turn attracts more chillers and tourists and the cycle continues. The Venice in the name comes from the artificial canals dug during the founding of the town as a seaside resort at the turn of the 20th Century.

A ‘muscle beach’, skate park, basketball courts and volleyball court are included in people’s understanding of Venice Beach, which mainly means the promenade and Ocean Front Walk, but you’ve probably seen it in a film and know that already – Venice beach is in loads of films…

Boca Grande was once only a place for the retired to put up their feet, but the carefully guarded secret of this island town has recently escaped, and now more people are discovering the quiet solitude that is Boca Grande. The beaches are in peak condition for sunbathing and lounging in the sand. And unlike many beaches in Florida, Boca Grande has no raucous nightlife or rowdy college students.

Ocean City is the quintessential boardwalk carnival for the East Coast. Perfect for families, Ocean City has roller coasters, arcades, water parks and even sky diving. And the beach itself isn’t bad either. Ocean City has great water for fishing and boating.

Yes, Maryland is famous for its crab, but there’s no shortage of food choices in Ocean City. Eat carnival-style hot dogs and French Fries on the boardwalk, have a two-scoop ice cream cone at one of the beach’s many ice cream parlors, and of course there’s always the all-you-can eat fresh seafood buffets.

For a beach holiday of the Victorian kind, Mackinac Island takes the cake. Explore the island’s natural beauty by foot, bike or horse and buggy – no cars allowed here. Even the island’s lodgings capture the essence of the late nineteenth century, with elegant Victorian manors and charming cottages. Other island activities include butterfly watching, horseback riding and golfing. Don’t miss Mackinac Island’s annual Lilac Festival in June.

Moshup Beach captures the best of Martha’s Vineyard beaches but without the throngs of people. Visitors often unwisely overlook Moshup Beach for more popular landmarks along the vineyard, so the long stretches of sandy shore are usually free for you to peruse and admire at your liking. The beach’s flawless white sands are contrasted sharply by steely grey cliffs and baby blue skies – a great backdrop for a leisurely barefoot stroll. And for the truly adventurous (and unblushing) beachgoer, Moshup Beach has areas for sunbathing in the nude.

An old-fashioned beach with hometown charm, Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in America. But don’t let this beach’s age fool you – Cape May retains its classic charm without sacrificing the modern luxuries. Spend a day at the spa, charter a fishing boat, explore the local farmer’s market or scream like a little girl on one of Cape May’s ghost tours.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a seaside amusement park complete with carnival rides, arcades, mini golf and all the funnel cakes that you can eat. Great for families and the eternally young-at-heart, this California beach boardwalk transports you back to the days of the Beach Boys – no fuss, just fun by the seashore.

Carnival-style rides with names like ‘Logger’s Revenge’ and ‘Wipeout’ are sure to inspire the thrill-seeker in the group. For the more traditional, the Ferris Wheel and the Haunted House are no-fail classics. And no trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk would be complete without a ride on the famous 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster or the hand-carved carousel from 1911 – both are National Historic Landmarks.

Green Sands Beach (or Papakolea) is the definition of seclusion. The beach, which is known for the sparkling green sands that grace the shore, is carefully tucked away where only the truly dedicated beachcomber can uncover it. A dusty trek of two miles brings you to the beach’s craggy edge, and then you have to venture down the side of the bowl-shaped rim before finally setting foot on those lovely green sands. And why is the sand green? It contains traces of a semi-precious stone called olivine that has a greenish tint. The hike getting there is long, but it’s worth it! No noisy crowds or tourist traps and a beach landscape unlike any other – it just might be the perfect adventure for two…

Rich in artistic culture and decadent seaside landscapes, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a sweet, charming beach-town experience. Loved by famous residents such as Upton Sinclair, Brad Pitt, and Ansel Adams, Carmel is also known as the “artist’s colony.” A haven for theatres and galleries, Carmel’s natural beauty alone inspires writers and artists.

Carmel combines unblemished beaches with delightful restaurants and shops. Its waters are perfect for whale-watching and surfing, and Carmel’s cliffs are great for scenic hiking trips.