Did you know that the beach can be therapeutic? Whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure, a seaside paradise is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Embark on a journey of Coastal Dreams, as we explore some of the most beautiful beach escapes from around the world.
1. Daydreaming of Coastal Vistas
Coastal vistas are an amazing gift from Mother Nature – perfect combinations of sea, sky, sunrises, sunsets, and majestic clouds. Soaring seagulls, crashing waves, vibrant colors and sweeping shorelines – no two views of these inspiring views are the same.
From cruising along Coastal Highway 101, the northernmost reach of California’s Big Sur, the shoreline views are nothing short of stunning. Along this winding stretch of Highway 1, the Pacific Coast literally comes alive with its abundance of life and color. Sharp cliffs paint hues of deep blues and greys, the salty air and waves meandering against the jagged rocks. The view is invigorating and powerful, completely absorbing and calming.
On the east coast, the vista of The Rockaways, Queens are breathtaking and unique. This thin strip of land and seascape is as rugged and powerful as the natives living there. With its sandy beaches, crossing boardwalks, lobster shacks, dragon kites in the sky, and unhurried fishing boats in the distance, it’s a sight to delve into.
The Cornish Riviera in England with its romantic harbor towns and rugged coastline evoke nostalgic feelings of childhood summers – or of a far off dream. Tiny villages, coastal paths and ruins, brightly-hued cottages, tall light houses, and lovely camping sites make up this epic setting.
From the Mediterranean to far southern Africa, going up the coast of Maine to Alaska, the possibilities are endless when it comes to picturesque coastal vistas. It’s easy to daydream of such places, and easy to get inspired of the colorful and dramatic scenes that surround us.
- California’s Big Sur: Unforgettable seascape of crashing waves and sharp cliffs.
- The Rockaways, Queens: Sandy beaches, boardwalks, lobster shacks, dragon kites in the sky.
- The Cornish Riviera: Nostalgic feelings of childhood summers – tall lighthouses and lovely camping sites.
- Mediterranean to Southern Africa: Epic scenes of diverse cultures, history, and nature.
2. Uncovering Hidden Seaside Treasures
The seaside can be full of fantastic surprises that you would never expect to find. Whether it’s finding hidden gems of coastal architecture, uncovering a magnificent beach that is off the beaten track, or delving into the local culture and cuisine, the possibilities are only limited to your own creative thinking.
One way to start your journey of discovering incredible secrets of the seaside is to take a walk through a nearby village. Venture down the winding streets and alleys, observe the people and the old buildings adorned with coats of paint, and be sure to chat with the locals who are overflowing with stories and knowledge.
If you’d like to soak up some of the seaside culture, a trip to the local market is in order. Here the locals come to buy and sell food, home-made delicacies, antiques, and other trinkets that may easily be missed if you don’t take the time to poke around. It is a great place to pick up a few souvenirs, preferably something that cannot be easily found elsewhere.
Another way to find unexplored treasures is to go beachcombing in search of interesting pieces of wood, shells, and other items the sea may have swept ashore. This is a great activity to do with friends or family as the items you find can make for great conversation starters. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for driftwood as these pieces of wood make beautiful decorations, can be turned into jewelry, and can even become pieces of art.
One way that goes particularly overlooked is to dive into the aquatic life itself. With donations to the right organisation, you can make a day trip to explore the seabed and all its wonders. Whether it’s viewing the coral gardens or meeting the diverse array of sea creatures, being able to explore the deep blue sea is an experience like no other.
The seaside is magical and can offer so much more than what meets the eye. All you have to do is keep your eyes and ears open, venture off the beaten path to the backstreets and off-the-grid locations, and you’ll find all sorts of hidden gems and treasures.
3. Relaxing at Beachside Resorts
It’s hard to top the sounds of the waves lapping against the shore when it comes to unwinding and relaxing away from our daily grind. Beachside resorts bridge the gap between the beauty of nature and our need for modern comforts, offering the best of both worlds.
Scenic Views and Intimate Locations
Beachside resorts often make it possible to take in the atmosphere of a beachfront vacation without ever leaving the comfort of your hotel room. Sitting on the balcony of your room and watching the ocean’s horizon can be calming and invigorating all at once. You can enjoy the scenery without the hustle and bustle of other people around you. Other beachside resorts can offer more of an urban atmosphere where you’re just steps away from the beach and can catch a glimpse of the ocean from the comfort of your room.
Activities and Unique Experiences
Beachside resorts are great places to try new activities and enjoy different beach experiences. Many beachside resorts offer pleasant activities like swimming, parasailing, kayaking, saunas, and more. The beach itself can also be a place to explore and create new memories, with opportunities such as beach walks, snorkeling, surfing, volleyball, and many other popular beach activities.
On-Site Restaurants and Lounges
On-site dining makes it easy to enjoy a great meal without ever leaving the resort. Many beachside resorts offer top-notch restaurants that serve fresh seafood, local specialties, and international cuisine. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, there are plenty of lounges and bars where you can sample different exotic cocktails and share pre-dinner drinks with friends.
Renting a Private Room or Beach House
If you’re looking for more privacy, some beachside resorts offer the option of renting a private room or beach house. Here, you can enjoy the whole house and the private space it comes with. Some beachside resorts even feature amenities like private pools, Jacuzzis, and balconies with panoramic views, depending on the property.
No matter your preference, beachside resorts are the perfect way to surround yourself with the beauty of a destination and enjoy the tranquility of its natural environment.
4. Surrounding Yourself with Oceanic Beauty
Submerging yourself in marine life is one of the most rewarding practices you can take part in. With lush coral reefs and its inhabitants, it’s no wonder that scuba diving is one of the most sought-after oceanic activities.
Imbibing and absorbing the beauty of the ocean won’t require you to get wet. Whether it is from a boat, your balcony or from the shore, these are all great opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of living oceans. Here are some ways to enjoy the ocean without breaking out your diving gear:
- Snorkeling – explore and witness the coral reefs, caves, and surrounding natural marine life with a mask, fins, and a snorkel.
- Ocean Kayaking – another way to explore the coastlines and dive into nature’s aquatic world.
- Wildlife Viewing – stay ashore and enjoy watching the birds, dolphins, whales and other animals from the comfort of your favorite spot on the beach or during a boat trip.
Your ears will thank you for the serenity found by immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of the ocean. Listen to the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline and the seabirds singing along. Lie back and take a moment to relax, allowing the oceanic breeze to relax the stresses of everyday life.
To get a different glimpse of the oceanic atmosphere, catch a stunning sunrise or sunset, create an atmosphere of serenity as opposed to the daylight hours.
Maritime adventures in boats or sailboats are enjoyable too. Trying your hand at sailing or just taking a leisurely cruise can be a wonderful experience.
After soaking up some of the oceanic atmosphere, make sure to take a minute to appreciate your time spent watching and admiring the beauty of the ocean.
So, that’s it for our tour of coastal dreams! Let’s go ahead and take a deep dive into the waves and get the most out of our beach escapes. The sand between your toes will be calling you soon enough – so get ready to dive into these seaside paradises!
