Chasing Summer? Top U.S. Seaside Resort Islands!
What does autumn mean to you? Well for me and many others, it’s time to chase the sun!! Are you wondering where you should you run to? Here’s a list of some of North America’s top-rated seaside resort islands!
Siesta Key Beach, Florida
flickr photo shared by DonMiller_ToGo under a Creative Commons ( BY ) license
Its’s hard to believe you’re still in the U.S., once you’ve entered this laid back, Caribbean type island in Florida! Leave your cares on the mainland and enter this gentler, more relaxing world. Unwind on the beach gazing into the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Run your feet through the incredible, cool, quartz crystal, powder sand. Sit outside and enjoy live music, while sipping a nice cool drink, in one of the many downtown restaurants. For a fantastic dinner, try The Cottage Restaurant with its eclectic mix of artfully created food! The choice of hotels on the beach is limited. The Hyatt, is located on the beach but I prefer Our House at the Beach condos, which are privately rented, located right across from the main beach and within walking distance to the village. You’ll find some on www.vrbo.com. Siesta’s fantastic location includes many cultural amenities just over the bridge in Sarasota. Or if you’re just looking for a different type of island adventure, head to the islands just north, St. Armands Key, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.
Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida
Coming over the Harbor Bridge from Fort Myers, you’ll start winding down immediately. You’ll cross over three spans of bridge, connected by two small man-made islands, just big enough for a few fishermen and palm trees to welcome you to your vacation paradise. This wonderful beach town has plenty to keep you busy. There are great restaurants, shopping, a nature preserve and many beaches. The Islands are renowned for shelling, as the east/west exposure allows them to easily pick up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. You may not even notice the tiny bridge that separates the two islands. Sanibel is larger and offers more amenities. Captiva, while smaller, is a little more upscale. Whichever you choose, be sure to head to the Mucky Duck for sunset. Get there early, it seems everyone on both islands congregate there for the sunset! An excellent dinner choice is the Mad Hatter Restaurant with great food and a spectacular view. For lunch, Coconuts Bar and Grill at the Casa Ybel Resort is my choice with live music poolside, and a great view of the Gulf of Mexico!
Coronado Island, California
flickr photo shared by martinsmithjr under a Creative Commons ( BY-NC ) license
This is a stunning little island off the coast of downtown San Diego. Palm trees are everywhere as you enter through Orange Avenue. It’s a quaint little downtown, with shops ranging from beach gear to high-end, and many noteworthy restaurants. There are walking tours, bike tours and segway rentals. If golf is your game, head to the eye-catching Coronado Golf Course. If you love architecture, take the time to view the seaside mansions on Ocean Blvd. or the gorgeous, historic mansions on F Avenue. You can also cruise the Coronado Cays in a gondola! A must on your to-do list is visiting the Hotel del Coronado, a beachfront legend. Walk through the main areas to enjoy the beautiful architecture. Enjoy lunch at their beachside grill with it’s beautiful view and great food! The beach is covered in pristine, fine, white sand with a mix of black and gold. Incredible! It’s like it was trucked in for the movie stars! The island’s location is perfect. Just over the bridge is a completely different world of wonder, with everything to offer!! Go ‘paint the town’ in San Diego.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
flickr photo shared by jimcrotty.com under a Creative Commons ( BY-NC-ND ) license
There’s something for everyone in Hilton Head! This island is most famous for its world-class golf courses and pristine, white sand beaches. This is one of the larger islands on the east coast, with an abundance of things to do! By day lounge on the gorgeous beaches, enjoy the many water activities or wind down with a game of golf. In the evening, there are plenty of restaurants and nightlife to make your stay memorable. Make a reservation for the ‘Jazz Corner’ for a great dinner and show! Reservations are a week in advance, but worth it. For hotels, I can recommend the Marriot Surfwatch and Sonesta Resort. Plan a sunset dinner at the Old Oyster Factory, with it’s incredible view over Broad Creek. This creek, in the ‘low country’, has a tide which can change by about 7’! Your view may be over a deep creek filled with fishing boats or just grass reeds blowing in the wind! Savannah, Georgia, an amazing, beautiful, historic city, is just 20 minutes away so you may want to leave a day or two on either end of your trip to enjoy it.
Happy Sun Chasing!
Go for a Beach Getaway and save Big on Hotels with Expedia!
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, please share. Thank you!
Get notified of new posts immediately! Sign up below!
