Summer is in full swing, and the heat has us begging for a beach vacation. We have our go-tos. Whether it’s just across state lines or out of the country, some of the best beaches are the best beaches for a reason. But crowded sand and expensive hotel rooms don’t always coincide with our vacation goals. So how do you get the beach getaway without fighting for space for your umbrella? Choose an alternate route.
The listed vacations may not be secret, hidden gems, but they tend to have a few shared attributes. They are beachy, they are less popular than their famous neighbors, and they aren’t the first place everyone and their mother is scrambling to go when the weather creeps over 90 degrees.
Coconut Coast, Kauai
Say aloha to Hawaii this summer. Undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations year-round, some beaches draw more crowds. Places like Waikiki and Ka’anapali tend to top searches for Hawaiian beach vacations. Kauai, the Garden Isle, is gaining popularity, with Hanalei Bay and Poipu Beach grabbing top billing. In between these two Kauai destinations, the Coconut Coast is centrally located, typically less expensive, and undoubtedly less crowded (although it does still get busy).
Book a room at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort for on-site luaus, lei-making classes, beach-front hammocks, and a central pool and hot tub. It’s the kind of resort you see in Hawaiian brochures where you can sip mai tais steps from the crashing waves or eat breakfast poolside on a lazy mid-week morning.
When you’re not soaking up the sun at the resort, explore the town of Kapa’a. Ride a bike—there are free rentals at the Sheraton—down the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path, kayak the Wailua River, hike to Sleeping Giant, and eat at local food trucks.
When you’re ready to hit the beach, swimmable options include Lydgate Beach Park with its protected lagoon and ideal snorkeling conditions steps from an adorable little tiki bar. A little further away, Anini Beach boasts plenty of sea turtles and has a more local feel (but it’s no longer on the Coconut Coast).
Carlsbad, California
A shorter trek, San Diego draws crowds (about 32 million people per year) looking to trade desert landscapes for towering palm trees. But just 30 minutes north, and with less than 4 million annual visitors, you’ll find the small town of Carlsbad, a coastal retreat that feels a little more luxury and a little more like home.
We recommend making the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara your home base largely because you can rent a space that feels more like a home than a hotel with all of the desired amenities. The resort also boasts a driving range, golf course, restaurants, and a pool with food and drink service. Whether you’re traveling with family or as a couple, you can carve out just the kind of vacation you want here.
Off property, Tower 39 Rooftop Lounge is laidback with great views of the water. Or get on the water at Carlsbad Lagoon where jet ski, kayak, and swan boat rentals are all available. If you want to dine off property, consider Campfire, a wood-fired American restaurant that uses coals for cooking.
When you’re ready to get some ocean air, head to Tamarack or South Ponto beaches. You can ride in style by renting the Lucid Motors electric vehicle from the Four Seasons. Chef will even pack you a picnic and some beach chairs.
Tourist Corridor, Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas is a loud and buzzy destination with white sand beaches and plenty of parties. San Jose del Cabo tends to be a bit quieter, with more opulence and artistry.
In between both destinations, located on the Tourist Corridor, Grand Velas feels like it’s world’s away. About 20 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas and 35 minutes from San Jose del Cabo International Airport, the slice of beach taken over by Grand Velas and neighboring resorts focuses on all-inclusive packages that mean you never have to leave to have a good time.
Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, experience whales breaching out of the ocean and sting rays flipping and glistening in the sun from your private balcony plunge pool or the resort’s swim-up bar. Grand Velas has two resorts here—one that is family friendly and one that is adult’s only—and you can dine between restaurants or enjoy both pools if you’re 18+.
The luxury here is unmatched at the boutique accommodations with private butlers at your beck and call and high-end cocktails crafted at your request. Sign up for a tequila tasting, take a cooking class, or simply cozy up in an oceanfront cabana.
When you leave the resort, do it with intention. Cabo Real Golf Club offers ocean views from every hole. Nearby Acre trades those views for jungle vibes, and while you can stay on site, you can also pop in to meet the resident animals and grab lunch in the open-air restaurant.
Seabrook, Washington
Less sun, more rugged coastline, Seabrook is the Washington Coast’s only true beach town. While the Oregon Coast experiences 17 million overnight visitors each year, Seabrook tracks some tens of thousands annually.
Seabrook is made up of rental properties, not hotels and inns. Instead, people stay in beach houses for anywhere from an overnight to a multi-month lease to enjoy the sleepy but adventurous town’s seclusion.
Getting there includes a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle during which you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Spend your days riding rental bikes around the tree-lined streets, taking surf lessons at the beach, or spending quality family time at the arcade. When you’re ready to unwind, BBQ at your local accommodations, shop the idyllic boutiques, or fly a kite in the coastal winds. It’s also a great home base for day trips into Olympic National Park.