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My Favorite Beaches (And A Few I Haven't Made It To Yet)
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items I'm a beach girl. I love to collect sand from beaches around the world. There's something about the ocean that heals my soul and keeps calling me back even though I'm totally landlocked 99% of the time. Here are some of my favorite beaches (and islan...
Sections
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Prince Edward Island
30A Beaches
Aruba
Castaway Cay
Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor
Mackinac Island
Prince Edward Island
Visiting PEI was a dream of mine since I was a little girl, and it definitely didn't disappoint. It's actually been several years since my husband and I visited, and I can't wait to get back to this wonderful (and smallest) Canadian province.
It's hard to pick a single beach, or even a single area, in Prince Edward Island as my fav. I was actually watching the movie Anne of Green Gables one time when my husband walked through the room and said, “Where IS that?” I told him about PEI (altho...
Prince Edward Island - Beaches along Green Gables Shore
If you only have a short time in PEI (like if it's a port of call on your cruise), this tour crams a lot of iconic Prince Edward Island spots into a fun-filled, jam-packed day.
Amazing PEI Experience
It's not a trip to PEI without a lobster supper (or three). My hubby and I went to this one and had a blast (and a LOT of food).
New Glasgow Lobster Suppers
Great link to places to stay with reviews.
Prince Edward Island National Park - Trip.com
I love a good lobster roll, and Richard's has a delicious one, along with a non-fussy menu and atmosphere that's perfect for a quick meal.
Richard's Fresh Seafood | Best Seafood Restaurant in PEI
Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel. It keeps things simple, easy, and fun, and you can focus on enjoying the sights and experiences of your destination. Some cruise lines have multi-day stops at Prince Edward Island, which is definitely en...
Touring the Maritime Provinces by Cruise
30A Beaches
Beach please! I love the sugar white sandy stretch of beaches along Highway 30A on Florida's Emerald Coast (so named because of the gorgeous, clear turquoise waters). It's such a beautiful, laidback, family-friendly area, and I've enjoyed exploring s...
I love all the sugary white sand beaches along Highway 30A on the Emerald Coast of Florida's panhandle. Santa Rosa may be my favorite, though. It's family-friendly, not overly crowded, and a great place for a family reunion. (We have visited many tim...
Santa Rosa Beach (30A), Florida
Even if we don't stay in Seaside, we always make sure to visit their adorable square and walk through their quaint neighborhoods. You may actually be more familiar with Seaside than you realize, even if you've never visited. The Truman Show was taped...
Seaside
It's not a trip to the 30A without a stop at Sundog Books in Seaside.
Sundog Books
Love, love, love this sweet watercolor map of the 30A shore. There's a reason this stretch draws so many people back year after year.
Seaside Florida Map | Watercolor Art Print | Beach Art | South Walton | 30A Florida | Scenic 30A | Beach House Decor | Wall Art
It's not a trip to the 30A without a stop at Bud & Alley's. They have a great, diverse menu, and of course fresh seafood!
Bud & Alley’s Restaurants
With multiple locations along Highway 30A, Goatfeathers is our go-to to pick up to-go steamed shrimp. (Ha! See what I did there?) You can choose size, steamed or not, seasoned or not. It makes meals a breeze during our stay.
Goatfeathers Seafood Markets
Aruba
My husband and I went to Aruba on our honeymoon, and I count down the days until we can go back. Such a lovely, welcoming island.
My hubby and I stayed at the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort on our honeymoon and spent every day lounging on Flamingo Beach on their private island. To call it amazing is an understatement. It was pure magic.
Renaissance Island, Aruba
The best breakfast spot. Poffertjes are these little Dutch pancakes that are like a cross between a mini pancake and funnel cakes. Healthy? No. Delicious and addictive? YES.
The Dutch Pancakehouse
SO much fun. Snorkeling through beautiful coral reefs, water slides, banana boats, swimming. We also added snuba to our package so we could dive deeper into the reef and really explore.
De Palm Island
A local recommended this seafood restaurant, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We dined on some of the best food I've ever had, with my barefoot toes curled into the sand and waves, with the most memorable, amazing ambience I've every exp...
Flying Fishbone Restaurant, Aruba
There are gorgeous, picturesque areas of Aruba you can't reach without roughing it a bit. This Jeep tour gets you to some spectacular locations!
Island Ultimate Jeep Safari in Aruba
Whether you like to snorkel, scuba, or go the milder route of a mini-submarine or glass-bottom boat, the shipwrecks around Aruba was a bummer for sailors long ago but make for amazing underwater sea life and coral reefs today.
Tickets & Tours - Antilla Shipwreck, Aruba
Castaway Cay
Disney Cruise Line's private island, Castaway Cay is a complete blast. If you have the opportunity to visit, be sure to make the most of your day there.
My family and I have been on two Disney Cruises, both of which included a day on Castaway Cay, their private island. In short, we had an absolute blast both times. There's so much to do, see, explore, and enjoy.
Disney Castaway Cay | Ports of Call | Disney Cruise Line
While I've enjoyed every cruise I've ever been on, Disney spoiled me a bit for all others. They pay attention to every detail and make every guest feel special and treasured.
Disney Cruise Line
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know that this is technically cheating. It's a landlocked water park, but you can do a really fun cruise & park combo and have the best of all worlds when it comes to a Disney Cruise.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor
Coastal Maine has such a unique charm, especially in the summer and fall.
Acadia (and Maine in general) is such a unique, pristine, scenic area to explore. Summer is a fun time to visit, and fall, with the changing leaves is just stunning.
Full Day Small Group Tour of Acadia National Park
A top-rated, affordable hotel right in the middle of everything
HIGHBROOK MOTEL (Bar Harbor, ME)
Don't pretend like you're going to go all the way to Maine and not stuff your face full of lobster.
THE TRAVELIN LOBSTER, Bar Harbor - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Put your art where your heart is. I love this customizable rustic Maine map art.
Rustic Maine Map/ME Map/Wood Maine Map/Reclaimed Wood Map/Personalized Map/Housewarming Gift/Coastal Decor/Gift for Him/5th Anniversary
Mackinac Island
Ever since seeing the Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour movie “Somewhere in Time," my husband and I wanted to visit Mackinac Island, the quaint, picturesque location of its filming. There are no cars allowed on the island, but plenty of bike rental...
It doesn't get much more quaint than Mackinac Island in Michigan. There are no cars on the island, and everything has a turn of the century (twentieth century, that is) feel to it. Our stay was absolutely charming.
Mackinac.com (Mackinaw) · Hotels · Ferry · Events · Shopping
This waterfront resort is the definition of relaxation. With a sloping green lawn sprinkled with ample Adirondack chairs, that leads up to the lapping waters of Lake Huron, it's the perfect summer escape from the hustle bustle. This resort is actuall...
Mission Point Resort
If you truly want to feel like you've taken a leap back in time, you have to stay at the Grand Hotel (or at least visit). While the cast and crew stayed at Mission Point while filming Somewhere in Time, this is where the majority of the movie was fil...
Welcome to Grand Hotel | Mackinac Island, Michigan
O'ahu
There are actually a lot of beaches in O'ahu, but it was such a beautiful, welcoming island when I visited that I wanted to highlight and share as many recommendations as I could from across the whole island.
O'ahu is a beautiful island, period, and Aulani is a gorgeous gem within it. Traveling with kids, staying on Disney property is always a sure bet. They always go above and beyond.
Aulani Hawaii Resort
While entrance to the Pearl Harbor memorial is free to the public, reservations are required (and go quickly--seriously, book now). By taking a private tour, you get a more in-depth experience and get to hear personal histories and stories that you w...
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial
If you've ever had a Dole Whip at Disney World…well, if you know, you know. And you need to come try the original at the Dole Plantation. There's a fun tram ride around the plantation that's fun and educational (and scenic!) and a beautiful botanical...
Pineapple Plantation - Best Attractions in Oahu - Dole Plantation
This little poke shop might just be the best deal on the island, and it alone is worth the drive to the North Shore. And, I mean, the spectacular views aren't shabby either.
Poke for the People
Beautiful public beach. Family-friendly, and nice calm waters.
Lanikai Beach
The Best Beach Gear
These towels are thin and light but with durable and absorbent. The perfect beach towel.
Verte Travel Towel by The Beach People
My crew and I burn just thinking about being out in the sun. We got this easy pop-up tent for our last beach trip, and it worked great! Blocked out the harsh afternoon rays but with plenty of airy ventilation.
WhiteFang Deluxe XL Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shade Shelter for 3-4 Person, UV Protection, Extendable Floor with 3 Ventilating Windows Plus Carrying Bag, Stakes, and Guy Lines
This is the BEST sunscreen. Once I discovered it through my dermatologist, it's the only one I'll use. It's non-oily, and it's so light, it truly feels like absolutely nothing on my skin.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Dermatologist Tested, Vegan & Cruelty Free Moisturizing Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin - SPF 30 - 5.1 fl oz/3pk
I've had this Land's End tote bag (the XL version) for almost 20 years, and it is so durable and versatile. Highly recommend.
Medium Natural 5 Pocket Open Top Canvas Tote Bag
My mother-in-law travels a LOT, and she finally got curious and asked her pilot one trip what luggage they used. They answered, “TravelPro” without skipping a beat. Super lightweight but also sturdy, steers like a dream, and not too expensive. I've b...
Maxlite® 5 Floating On Air Luggage Set
Okay, so full disclosure, I'm an author, and Georgia Kains is my pen name, but if you love beaches and murder mysteries, I think you might like my mystery set on a cruise ship, Death In A Deck Chair <3
Death In A Deck Chair - Cruise Cozy Mystery - Available now at your favorite digital store!
CocoCay
Also known as Little Stirrup Cay, CocoCay is the privately operated island of Royal Carribean, located in the Bahamas. Whether you like wild water adventures or just lounging on the beach or by the huuuuuuuge pool, it's an absolute paradise and so mu...
I've been on several Royal Caribbean cruises, and I've absolutely loved every single one and had amazing experiences. Great food, an incredible array of activities to choose from, and of course their “Perfect Day on CocoCay” where you can relax and p...
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Can't wait to dig my feet into the sand in CocoCay for the holidays!
Royal Caribbean International