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…

Hotels and condos line this 35 mile stretch of beaches. However, there are many public beaches that provide lifeguards and bathroom facilities. The beaches become less crowded as you move north and there is a wooden boardwalk that allows you to walk without getting sand in your shoes. Along Collins Avenue is the best place to enjoy warm waters without dealing with the heavy crowds.

This quaint Atlantic Coast beach has been a best-kept secret of my family for almost 20 years. And there’s a reason why we keep going back – the beach is the definition of family-friendly. Calm and quiet, Virginia beach is perfect for relaxing and building sand castles. No worrying about rowdy spring breakers or loud parties, Virginia Beach has a slow pace and a hometown-feel The beach’s main drag is filled with tons of gift shops, sea food restaurants and other beach holiday necessities. Rent a bicycle built for two, and after cruising the beach you’ll definitely want an ice cream cone from one of the many vendors that line the streets.

If the weather turns dreary for a day or two, travel to nearby Williamsburg where you and your family can learn about what life was like in the colonies at the Colonial Williamsburg village. Busch Gardens amusement park is also nearby with Europe-themed rides and great food. My family loves visiting Virgina Beach during the last part of May because the weather is warm and the crowds are at a minimum.