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| Punalu'u
Black Sand Beach1 |
Approximately half the size
of Russia, the United States of America
(USA) contains 3,717,813 sq mi (9,629,091 sq km) of land. From the far off volcanic
islands of Hawaii, to the deserts
of Nevada, to the white sand beaches
of Florida, the USA contains a
broad spectrum of terrain and topography. Although each region appeals to a
different sort of tourist, each with their own idea of fun, it seems that all
visitors are attracted to the USA's 12,380 mi (19,924 km) of coastline.
Though seemingly small when
compared to the USA's vast landmass, the country's beaches are diverse and attract
a motley crew of visitors. Whether looking for a nude beach to sunbath on, or
an icy shore to explore, the USA has it all. However, with so many beautiful
beaches along the oceans, lakes, rivers, and even in the desert, it is hard
to exclusively select ten. Accordingly, the following depicts a mosaic of beaches,
each offering a distinct and unique experience.
SUNSET BEACH
Featuring two mi (3.22 km)
of white sand and turquoise waters, Oahu's
Sunset
Beach in Hawaii is one of the longest sand beaches on the island Oahu. Characterized
by its massive winter rip-curl waves, some reaching up to 40 ft (12.2 m), Sunset
Beach is host to a number of world-renowned surfing competitions. Every year
professional surfers compete on at least 10 ft (3 m) of waves for international
recognition at the O'Neill
World Cup of Surfing and Roxy Pro, part of the Triple Crown of Surfing competition.
As winter fades away and the summer months take over, the waters at Sunset Beach
calm and become an ideal destination for swimming and snorkeling.
PUNALU'U BLACK SAND BEACH
Hawaii's Big
Island is the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands. It is also the youngest
island, formed by five volcanoes, which are still active today. Because of the
constant volcanic activity the Big Island has a diverse collection of beaches,
from white to black-sand. Punalu'u
Black Sand Beach is the most famous of the black-sand beaches. Over thousands
of years the beach's sands were created as lava flowed to the sea and exploded
upon contact with the cooler water. Tall, lean palm trees edge the dramatic
black coastline, creating a breathtaking scene, and it is not uncommon for tourists
to see an endangered hawksbill turtle or green sea turtle lounging on the beach.
Nestled between Naalehu
and Pahala, Punalu'u
Black Sand Beach can be accessed by the Hawaii Belt Road, south of Hilo.
Beach amenities include restrooms, showers, and a permitted camping area.
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Homer
Spit, Alaska2 |
HOMER SPIT
Surrounded by the icy waters
of Kachemak
Bay, the 4.5-mi (7-km) Homer
Spit is situated at the end of the Kenai Peninsula in the state of Alaska.
The spit is accessible by foot or by car. In the summertime it becomes busy
with tourists, and visitors will find a few
accommodations, restaurants,
shops, the Homer
Boat Harbor, and a man-made fishing hole nearby. When the tide is low beach
combers will discover an expanse of sandy beach, but at high tide it is mostly
gravel. For the souls who are willing to brave the chills of the sea, surfing
and windsurfing can be fun, however a wet-suit is a definite must. Those wishing
to spend a night on this famous Alaskan landmark can stay at the Homer
Spit Campground, or at one of the spit's bed
and breakfasts.
THE OREGON COAST AND
SAND DUNES
Extending 40 mi (64.4 km)
between Florence and Coos
Bay along Oregon's coast,
the Oregon
Dunes, which are part of the Siuslaw
National Forest, contain the largest coastal sand dunes in North America.
Taking millions of years to form, these dunes were uniquely sculpted by the
great forces of nature and prove to be a wonder to the eye. Not only do the
dunes provide an interesting research subject for amazed geologists, but avid
adventurers are enthralled by the 500-ft-high (152.4-m) mountains of sand, bringing
all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and quads for a thrilling sand ride. Visitors
can give this popular activity a try by renting an ATV vehicle from nearby towns,
Florence and Reedsport.
For ease and convenience, guests staying at the Oregon
Dunes KOA can directly access the dunes with off-road vehicles.
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| Black's
Beach3 |
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BLACK'S BEACH
A popular spot among students
of the University
of California San Diego and southern Californian nudists, the 2 mi (3.2
km) Black's
Beach is divided into two sections. The northern part features legal nude
sunbathing and is owned by the state of California.
This section of the beach is maintained by the Black Beach Bares Organization,
and in the summer months, naked bodies can be found sprawled across the sand
soaking up the warm rays of the sun.
The coast here is lined
with sharp cliffs as high as 300 ft (91.4m). Although beautiful, these cliffs
make it somewhat difficult to reach Black's Beach. This only enhances the experience
for those who persist beyond the cliffs to arrive at Black's Beach because swarms
of tourists are kept away.
MANDALAY BAY BEACH
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Mandalay
Bay Beach & Casino4 |
Found in Las
Vegas, Nevada, the man-made
Mandalay
Bay Beach is located at the luxurious Mandalay
Bay Beach Resort and Casino, along the Las Vegas strip. The tropical themed
resort is owned by MGM Mirage, and features 3309 rooms. Keeping its guests occupied
by its many attractions, some popular activities include making an appearance
at one of the clubs or restaurants, the shark
reef aquarium, entertainment shows, casino, or of course, the beach.
Although it's not a beach
in the traditional sense of the word, its originality and opulent amenities
make it a deserving candidate of this top ten list. Known as one of Las Vegas'
best pools, this 11-acre (4.5-ha) man-made beach features an incredible 2700
tons of sand, a wave pool, lazy river, three swimming pools, and a jogging track.
Between the months of May and September the Beach Concert Series presents performances
by top-name artists at the beach's unique stage.
ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE
PARK
Antelope
Island State Park is the largest of the islands found in the salty landlocked
waters of Utah's Great
Salt Lake. Accessible by causeway or by boat, this island appeals to quiet
beach-goers and explorers. Viewing wildlife is not uncommon as American bison
were introduced to the island in 1893 and there are now between 500 and 600
of them. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of pronghorn sheep, deer, coyotes,
and waterfowl.
After paying the park admission
fee, visitors can take advantage of the available amenities. There are campsites,
washrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
PANAMA CITY BEACH
Referred to by some as the “spring break capital of the world,” Panama
City Beach annually plays host to students from across the country with
hopes of partying the week away, hanging out on the beach, and not getting themselves
into too much trouble. Typical spring break activities include club hopping,
concerts on the beach, TV shoots, contests, beach parties, and lots of drinking.
Historically, Fort Lauderdale
was the location of choice, but in 1985 the city banned all spring break parties
due to the damage that they caused. In the following years, spring-breakers
relocated to Daytona Beach.
Unfortunately, the same thing occurred there. Having to move yet again, Panama
City Beach has now become the official USA hot spot for avid college party-goers.
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| Spring
Break 20085 |
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Situated on the northwest
coast of Florida, the city features
27 mi (43.5 km) of shoreline and white sugar-like sand, scattered with sky-high
hotels
and condominiums. Visitors will never be short of amenities with a range of
beach accommodations to choose from, like ResortQuest
at Sunrise Beach or the Majestic
Beach Towers.
OCRACOKE ISLAND BEACH
Ocracoke
Island is situated off the mainland of North
Carolina and is part of the Cape
Hatteras National Seashore. Only accessible by ferry, boat, or small plane,
the coastline of Ocracoke Island is undisturbed and reflects the area's pristine
natural beauty. There is just under 16 mi (25.7 km) of sandy beach,
of which a section is lifeguarded and continually debuts on popular top ten
beach lists. Visitors to this quaint island can stay at one of the bed
and breakfasts in the town of Ocracoke,
or choose to head home after a busy day at the beach.
JONES BEACH STATE PARK
Located in the hamlet of
Wantagh, Long
Island, Jones
Beach State Park is a top travel location among people of New
York's metropolitan neighborhoods. Visitors can meander along the 2-mi (3.2-km)
boardwalk, or bask in the sun on 10 mi (13.5 km) of white sandy Atlantic shoreline.
What adds to this beach's uniqueness is its concert venue, the Nikon
at Jones Beach Theater. With a capacity for 15,000 guests, the outdoor amphitheater
hosts leading music performances and features a raging summer concert series.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- HVCB/BIVB; Punalu'u
Black Sand Beach, Hawaii's Big Island, Hawaii, USA
- Alaska Travel Industry
Association; Homer Spit, Homer, Alaska, USA
- Black's Beach; San
Diego, California, USA
- MGM Mirage; Mandalay
Bay Beach Resort & Casino; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Panama City Beach,
Florida, USA
