1,500 Reviews!! Pops Top 20 Best Beaches that Hold Memories of a Lifetime
Feb 10 '08 (Updated Mar 27 '08)
The Bottom Line Some people collect seashells. My wife and I like to collect memories of the many beaches we have experienced.
For my 1,500th review I wanted to post a piece about something that's special to me...and my wife.
Mrs. Pops and I met at the beach 43 years ago. We have been quite fortunate to have continued to experienced the pleasures of many beaches in our life and even though we haven't scratched the surface of what is out there I do have wonderful memories. I would like to share a little something about a number of these special places. Missing will be beaches in the Hawaiian Islands, Greece, the French Riviera and those of South Pacific, Australia and the Asian coasts. I will be happy to add them and others to my list as time, health and money allow. It certainly would be nice to tell you of the worlds 10 best beaches or the worlds twenty best beaches. I'm sure the list would become the worlds 100 best beaches in time. I'm quite satisfied to give you pops 20 best beaches for now.
Over 42 years ago when I was 15 and she 16 we met at Jones beach as described in a recent review. We now continue to find beaches to share together whenever we can.
Jones Beach
I start with Jones Beach because of the regional and romantic ties to it. I live just seven minutes away from it now and there is so much it offers. This is a public beach that was designed for the masses of NYC to drive to by car shortly after the end of WWII. It is the largest Beach on Long island. As its focal point is the Central Mall with a boardwalk that goes well over a mile east and west. A new restaurant by Trump is now taking over the grounds where my wife and I have dined in a formal setting a number of evenings and attended a wedding of a cousin of mine. There's also a fast food eatery area that is surrounded by well planned and landscaped grounds that includes a beach shop, a small outdoor theatre where every summer evening programs of entertainment is performed, a pitch put golf course, mini golf, and much more that are offered at inexpensive rates.
Jones Beach has two stately art-deco style buildings that have huge swimming pools. This is a family friendly place that is safe and it's also educational with the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center with hands on learning for kids.
We go all year round. The ocean waters, though not as pristine and blue like the Caribbean, are quite attractive and the white sands go on for miles and miles. I mustn't forget the Jones Beach Theatre where my wife and I have sat alfresco listening to music of some of our favorite artists many, many times over the years. Perhaps my wife and I will continue to share our life time and commitment to love there many more years together. Common' baby let the Good Times Roll!
Jones Beach
Ditch Plains, Montauk Point
Well located on the east side of the town of Montauk and yet still a few miles before Montauk Point is a beach with a lot of character. This is Ditch Plains. I have some great stories that happened there when I was a teen just out of high school. Another day perhaps.
My wife and I still visit this beach every time we go east to visit Montauk. This is a surfing beach that has long been established as a hot spot for Long Island surfers and other national and international surfers.
What's cool about this place is that the guys who I would hang with, well at least my age group, still surf there. Most of these guys and gals are in great shape and still use the long boards of the sixties! We have some fine photos of the boards all standing in a row as if out of a scene of "Beach Blanket Bingo". This is a laid back beach where one must have a pass to park. We get them from the motel we stay at.
Getting lunch from the Ditch Plains food stand tops off the day. Bring a beach chair, some beers and relax and watch the old time surfers with a good mix of youngin' tearing up the lanes as they catch the wave. Ya gotta love this beach. Surfs Up!!
Montauk
Turtle Cove, Montauk
There's another beach at Montauk that is a favorite for other reasons. My wife and I have been out to Montauk Point, the furthest eastern part of Long Island many times. Just a few hundred yards from and within view of the Montauk Lighthouse, that was commissioned by President George Washington and completed in 1796, is an exciting beach called Turtle Cove. This beach offers some of the best surf fishing in the world!! I recall one particular day when fish were being caught by the dozens. Big blue fish were coming in toward shore following bunker fish and everyone was throwing in a line and the hits were wild and furious. After a bit he blues would go out from shore and then minutes later they returned and the frenzy would start up again. The more experienced and patient fishermen in their wading gear were bringing in huge bass. Alas, we weren't prepared to fish that day and the lines a friendly fisherman gave us snapped when we hooked our fish.
This is an out of the way place that is very quiet until the fall when the blues start running again and the bass are migrating. At any time of year though this is a wonder to explore or just relax at. It's is a rocky beach under high bluffs that have a lot of character and are ripe for photo taking. Since we discovered Turtle Cove my wife and I visit it every time we make our way to Montauk. I need to mention that this beach is part of the grounds of Camp Hero a state park. It was once a clandestine fortification with big cannon set to blow German ships out of the water if there was an invasion of the US in WWII. It's remains makes one feel like they are walking and driving through haunted bunkers, barracks and all. Turtle Cove offers a unique past and exciting future and is always open for a visit now.
Camp Hero
Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
This is the most beautiful stretch of white powdery sand and brilliant turquoise waters my wife and I have ever visited. I jump to this beach for two reasons. The first is that we just returned from there on February 5th, 2008, just days ago. It's fresh in my mind. I also mention it because like the last beach in Montauk I just shared this too has a Turtle Cove and just off the coast at that place is the best snorkeling from a beach my wife and I have ever encountered.
Last week we stayed at a small place about mid-beach on Grace Bay. Conde Nast, the travel magazine, rates Grace Bay Beach as the "...best on the planet". It really is amazing. Though it doesn't have the beautiful hills and mountains of our favorite island St John, USVI, it does have the best beach. Besides the colour, and soft white sands it also goes on for miles and miles. They advertise 14 of them!
What we particularly liked was walking along the beach taking us to other hotels and resorts that were we could visit and have lunch or dinner. The beach area is quite laid back and offered everything we wanted for a quiet vacation including a snorkeling excursion that also has us "hunting" conch. They are not just pretty shells on the sea bottom when alive. They are well camouflaged and it was fun and at first a bit of a challenge finding them. My wife and I were the top conch hunters on our tour!!
That week as we absorbed the almost incomparable beauty of Grace Bay, we snorkeled its reefs, walked the expanses of the powdery white beach, hunted conch, downed many a tropical drink, and danced barefoot in the sand to live Caribbean music. By weeks end of this "relaxed" vacation, we were conched out!
Turks & Caicos
Trunk Bay, St John's, US Virgin Islands
I list Trunk Bay because of its overall beauty and its beginner snorkeling opportunities. When coming from town and overlooking Trunk Bay, I believe I am witnessing one of the most beautiful scenes in the world!! The lush green hills and small cays are surrounded by calm blue seas. It is said to be one of the worlds most photographed beaches. Believe me, there is VERY good reason!
From its shore Trunk Bay is a bit busier area than we usually would spend time in. It's part of the national park and invites people to its facilities and to a snorkeling trail that is known world wide. It's not the best but it is safe and a good one for novice snorkelers. The beach is tucked into a wide cove and offers showers, a small restaurant and other facilities.
My suggestion after getting oriented is getting back in your car and head further east to Leinster Bay where a mile or so walk on the narrow beach takes you just off Waterlemon Key. This is an excellent snorkeling area with rays, turtles and so much more. For staying on a beach without having much of a walk I can suggest Hawksnest Bay. A bit more out of the way with a short walk, some snorkeling offering both a bay with a quiet beach or a more active ocean yards away I'll mention Salt Pond Beach.
What my wife and I love about St. John and its beaches is that most of the island is a national park so there is little construction with few people and miles of secluded beach. Just drive along, we would pull off to the side and tuck the car between a few trees. We would then enjoy a pristine beach of our very own. No worries, mon.
St John USVI
Megan's Bay St Thomas USVI
This is another often photographed beach. It has a heart shape when looking down from high above in the mountains. We rented a car and did the mountain roads. We took a series of photos of the bay from above. At days end we made it down to the bay and onto the beach. There were many locals there. We purchased some drinks from the beach bar. This was a pleasant memory of watching local kids playing in the water and indulging in easy conversation with others doing the same i.e. enjoying the water, the scenery and the cool tropical drink. This was one of those heavenly moments my wife and I have had the fortunate to capture every once in a while in life. Do I hear an Amen? "AMEN!"
St Thomas
Buck Island, St. Croix, USVI
A year or so ago my wife and I flew down to St Croix. It's the largest of the USVI and also the furthest of the three main islands. The reason I wanted to explore it was because of a smaller island just off its shores, Buck Island, that is known for excellent snorkeling and diving.
More than the snorkeling, the thing that struck me was a piece of beach where we were dropped off for some free time as part of a snorkeling excursion. It was one of those beaches one imagines when talking of a landing on a beautiful secluded island. Yes, there were a few other people around but we took a walk and have some photographs that are simply amazing. The water was so blue, the sand so smooth and the green vegetation glistened-like jade against the white beach.
That's it my friends mix some blue waters, with white sands and add a touch of living green and you have the recipe for natural Caribbean beauty!
St Croix
Natural Arches Beach and Horseshoe Beach, Bermuda
Back when my wife and I were first married we went to Bermuda. That was my first snorkeling experience. We also rented motor scooters and traveled the island from end to end looking for beautiful beaches. There were two that have stayed in my mind. Unfortunately the first is no more. Natural Arches Beach was named for an arch that was carved through coral and was often photographed. It was a simple natural addition to the islands pink sands that added spectacular beauty. We took photos of it and under it. Unfortunately a hurricane blew by a number of years ago and destroyed it. All that is left are my memories.
The other beach we saw, but didn't spend time on yet were non-the-less impressed with was Horseshoe Bay. Like Trunk Bay in the USVI it's one that is glorious from above and very busy seaside. The horseshoe shape gives it the name but its the pink sand against the blues of the waters that fill the memory cells. I also remember being caught in a rain shower and being totally soaked on our motor bikes as we made our way across the roads overlooking the Bermudan beaches. We may have been wet but we had smiles so big I believe the popular yellow Smiley-Face of the era was born from us that day.
Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica
On the west coast of Jamaica and after a very twisting and stomach turning ride along a winding road we made it to a Sandals resort that is on the world famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril. This was the first time I ever took out a Hobiecat sailboat and I was able to appreciate this spectacular long crescent shaped beach from out on the water and along the sand. The shape and long distance between points is what gives this beach its character. I suppose I can also add the characters that would be in small boats trying to sell us ganga and other goods. Unfortunately there was and from what I have read still is a constant hassle of hair braiders, jewelry vendors and trinket pushers that make their way up and down the beaches breaking the relaxed mood with dawn to dusk hawking and hustling.
That all said, this is still quite an impressive beach. There isn't much depth to it but the blue water is stunning, the sand is clean and with the back drop of swaying palm trees is all eye candy. It's also now know as an international beach where nudity may catch then eye too.
The one who caught my eye though wearing her bathing suit was my wife. We had a wonderful second honeymoon on Seven Mile Beach as we got to learn even more about each other. Thirty seven years later in our marriage I am still a lucky guy as I continue to learn how much good there is in my very special gal.
Sandals, Negril
Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
Just to take a break from the ultra blue and warm waters of the Caribbean I'll mention a beach is my favorite continental USA place to be, Acadia National Park. The main part of the park has a loop road that winds its way through forest and lake, up mountain top and down to the shore. One extraordinary place is Sand Beach. Our first view like most everyone is from above whether from the loop road or the parking lots that are 60 and 80 ft above.
The views show a coral coloured sand. It's not really all sand though. Much of it is sea shell and sea coral ground up to an almost powdery consistency that clings to the feet when wet. Seeing the sandy beach in a slight arch with the well worn rocks of Great Head, a peninsula of rocky shore, that encloses the beach area on the far side is striking. Viewing it from the "Beehive Mountain" that is even higher and behind it is even more impressive. Climbing that mountain is a rite of passage in our family.
The best way to get a view of Sand Beach and its surroundings is walking down the two lengths of wooden steps to the shoreline itself. At certain times of the year the remnants of a wooden boat wreck are uncovered showing parts of its skeleton. Once walking in the sand one appreciates the rocks and mountains that surround this beach. Many trails lead to and from it. Some of our most memorable hikes have been from the beach where my wife and I enjoyed the views and blue berry picking.
There was also one other memorable phenomenon that we put our bodies through when at Sand Beach. We brave our way into the frigid Maine waters and swim a bit and feel our bodies start to numb. We then quickly make our way back to our blankets where we lay down and allow the warm sun to gently caress us. Doing this gives an incredibly distinct sensitivity and dare I say sensuality to the body that no steam bath or hot tub could ever exhibit. Ahhhh!!
Acadia National Park
Red Woods, Northern California Coast
On one of our cross country trip my wife and I camped under the canopy of some of the tallest trees in the world at Redwood National Park on the northern coast of California. After spending a day or two discovering those aged wonders we made for the sea shore section of the park. I well remember a rugged road with tight switchbacks and my having an anxious feeling as we made our way to the beach. This was the first time we ever touched toes to the Pacific Ocean. The sea was rough that day and the waves large. Rock formations stood out at see like firmly anchored sea vessels. The rocky sand was covered with bleached drift wood of which we took a couple of artfully shaped pieces home.
We then relaxed a while and waded in the waters. Though there were some other vehicles in the distance it was like we were alone. The threat of the rough waters kept us from swimming but we did enjoy each others company and the warm sun. I'll never forget my first encounter with the worlds largest ocean under the shadow of some of the world largest trees. I think back to that time when I was still so young and realize how small and insignificant I may have felt in the midst of His universal plan but now have the wisdom and comfort to know that His eye is on the sparrow.
Miami Beach circa 1971
When my wife and I were first married we met up with another couple, Doug and Chris, in Bermuda. They lived in the town where my wife's parents lived. We became friends. On a lark my wife and Chris applied for some coupons in a magazine that offered a treasure chest of free items and a three day stay at a hotel on Miami Beach. Before ya know it we were in my 1970 Plymouth Duster, no A/C, driving through the Carolinas, Georgia and down into Florida. Last stop, Miami Beach. I don't recall the name of the hotel but when they saw we were just kids the lands sales people never bothered to address us. Instead of spending hours in an office under the gun of a high pressure salesman we spent time exploring the shore under the sun on Miami's beaches.
Though I never liked the kind of beaches where tall hotels line the shore and that's one reason why we have never made it to Cancun, we did have a memorable time on and in Miami Beach. Hey it had to be. It was in Miami Beach where I had first Burger King Whopper ever!! There weren't any Burger Kings in NY at the time. Our friend Doug taught me about fast food burgers. The Whopper to this day is still my favorite.
We also hold other memories down in Miami beach as young people playing practical jokes on each other. (I thought Doug was going to kill me in my sleep for one I set up) We also went together on a one day adventure to the Bahamas from Miami, another lands sales deal where the guy basically just left us alone. The day was an adventure and a hoot. We'll never forget another incident where a guy at our hotel who was closing the pool area needed the potato chip bowl to clean and put away. He simply dumped them on our table and took the bowl. Ah yes, we did have some fun and odd adventurous down in Miami Beach when we were young and carefree. My wife and I still look for such times where we can now be older and carefree.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
In much more recent times my wife and I were privy to investigate an island that until 2002 was not able to be visited freely. That island is Vieques that is off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. A good part of this island was a playground for the military who used it to test bombs and practice field maneuver. Some parts are still off limits due to the possibility of live ordinance.
After the Navy left much of this land was given over to the US Fish and Wildlife Reserves. Many beaches that only had names referred to by colour like red beach and blue beach are now open to the public. Most need a sturdy four wheel vehicle to get to them.
It was a treat for my wife and I to "discover" these beaches. Most have no facilities and most have very few visitors. It was like we were on a deserted island in parts. It was quite cool and an adventure to us. We loved riding the bumpy roads, and finding our own personal secluded beaches.
I'll also add that Vieques is the home of a biobay where little one celled creatures, called bioluminescent dinoflagellates, light up the waters when disturbed. It's like a personal light show watching the waters glow as we swim through them as they light up to the movement of our bodies. Our arms motions look like neon butterfly wings waving in the waters. It is both amusing and amazing!!
http://www.epinions.com/content_182115667588 Vieques
Virgin Gorda and the Baths of the British Virgin Islands
On one of our vacations on the USVI we decided to take a side trip to the Baths of British Virgin Islands on Virgin Gorda. This is an area of rock formations that are made up of stories-high, well-worn boulders toppled on each other like children's blocks over sandy beaches allowing for hidden pools and private grottos. We were able to walk through them and under them. At some places we crawled and others we grabbed lines that made the ascent over them easier to accomplish. We found ourselves in quiet warm pools of water left as the tides run in and out of the formations. We could hear echoing voices and the waves washing over the face of the boulders.
We were also able to don our snorkeling gear and see wonders of coral and formations that continue to beckon the flora and fauna that thrive under the sea clinging to rocks and hiding among them. It's quite a sight and an thrilling experience!
After a good day of exploration we laid back on the beach in the warm sun with a tropical drink from the rustic seaside bar. Ah, life is good!
http://www.epinions.com/content_109215321732 The Baths
Lido Beach, Venice, Italy
My wife and I were spending a few days in Venice, Italy. We were privy to stay in a Doge's palace that is now a five star hotel, the Hotel Danielli. We learned that with that stay we were also able to use the beaches and grounds of a sister hotel the Hotel Des Bains on the island of Lido. This became a very special memory. We knew little of it before our trip. In fact we knew nothing of it until we read about it during our stay. We were able to get a free ride via boat to the hotel on Lido. I can tell you it was surprise to be able to see the magnificent structure, bath in their pool surrounded by flowering plants and most of all see and swim in the Adriatic Seas blue waters! We understood we would appreciate the wondrous and romantic canals of Venice but what an unexpected treat that day on Lido was for us! Ya never know what tomorrow may bring. Expect the unexpected. It may be better than you think!!
http://www.epinions.com/content_86122270340 Venice
Tulum Beach, Mexico
I was with my wife doing some discovery travels on the Yucatan Peninsula in an area considered the "Riviera Maya". We traveled dirt roads to the ruins of Coba and were to close the day at the Mayan fortress on the water, Tulum. It is made up of walls and out building but has a center point of a majestic structure that overlooks the turquoise coloured waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
Off to the north side of the ruins is a small beach that many flock to, to rest and cool off in its waters. It's not a large area but the formations of rock and coral nearly surrounding the white sands makes it a wonderful little cove to visit. It offers cooling waters under the shade of the silent Mayan ruins towering above and we could hear the languages of a dozen nations as people enjoyed its gifts. This place exudes a special feeling. We did cool off after visiting the ruins on a hot day and then continue the cycle by laying out in the sun only to cool off in the water again.
Out of nowhere a thunderstorm rolled in! We were caught down below and made a run to our car. We didn't make it far when torrents of rain drenched us. No matter, the cool rain felt good and we once again were able to study the grounds in different lighting giving a completely different perspective. That's another day, rain and shine, that I'll never forget.
http://www.epinions.com/content_106053668484
Mahahual, Mexico
Well south of the popular Cancun, Play del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum ruins is a sleepy little Mexican Village on the coast that's ready to explode with new investment and tourism. We were able to capture a moment before it changes its character. After a drop off onto Costa Maya as part of a cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship we decided we wanted to see more than the Disney like town with its swim up pool bars, hand picked vendors and white washed surroundings. We took a cab ride to Mahahual. We knew a bit about it but the day was more than we expected, in a quiet way. The beaches themselves were just OK because of the inlets of water out in front. It's not like a regular beach in that way. None-the-less, one can swim in the waters but its the village and the what's happening on the beaches that were more the lure to us.
These are public beaches and one can simply lay on the beach and relax anywhere. Also on the beaches at different locations are lounge chairs, umbrellas, and tables and chairs. These are for your comfort, that is, if you would like to purchase a beer or some food from the local vendors. We loved the concept and had a couple of cold ones. My wife also took notice of canvass shaded massage tables with gals using their skills at good prices. She indulged in a half hour massage as I managed to have another cold beer or two in a lounge chair. When she was finished she felt great and I was feeling real fine. As we laid back on our lounge chairs a gentleman dressed in all whites, with a guitar in hand, came over to us and asked me if he could serenade my lovely gal. He did, and she loved it. What a special moment that was and we have photos to re-enforce that memory. We also have a carving that my wife worked a deal on from a fellow who was hawking the last piece he owned of his of "his late fathers" work. He wanted to sell it to my wife because he knew "his father, God rest his soul," would be happy she had it and the son just knew she would take good care of "his fathers" work. They went back and forth on price. She made her purchase, he made his sale. In the end my wife was happy and I was happy, the vendor was happy and we are quite sure "his poor dead father" was very happy too. ; )
http://www.epinions.com/content_327072124548
http://www.epinions.com/content_326870470276 Costa Maya
Cape May
Down below the long stretches of the Jersey Shore where my wife and I have spent time over the years together and also as individuals in places like Keensburg, Atlantic City, Ocean City and the Wildwoods is a town that's a throw back in time with incredibly cheery homes complete with gingerbread and tinted pastel shades that line small streets and stand high against a large expanse of sandy beach. It's Cape May.
There is something special about this town, Cape May. Perhaps it riding on bicycles and surreys (canvas shaded multi-rider tricycle) in the shadows of grand Victorian homes or staying in one that has been converted into a B&B? Maybe it's the fine dining or take-out sandwiches and playing a game of mini-golf afterward that brings a peace that allows us to escape the busy world we have brought upon ourselves. I don't know what it is but Cape May is a one of a kind place. I'll have to go there again soon. It's time. I'm ready to ride my bike to a pizza shop, go out and play some skiiball machines at the arcade, shop at one of the boutiques and then get a good nights rest at a B&B with my head among the many frilly pink pillows that fill the bed. I'll then get up in the morning at the crack of dawn and go out the next day, lay down on the beach and discover the true meaning of life. ; )
http://www.epinions.com/content_133949329028 Cape May
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is a fast growing section of the Dominican Republic's eastern shores. It has an uncommon natural beauty of white sands and beautiful waters. It's also home to many all inclusive resorts.
Our two trips to these beaches will soon become three when we return again in April 2008. The draw to us goes beyond the natural beauty. It's the landscaping at these resorts that is far superior to many others we have been too. These people know how to add green to the white and blue landscape of the beaches.
I look forward once again to stand on this beach and see its long stretches of sand that rivals Jamaicas Seven Mile Beach and even the most beautiful waters of Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos. Here in Punta Cana man has made a bond with the Almighty and that is to tend to and care for the lands He has given us.
http://www.epinions.com/content_74779627140 Dominican Republic
Assateague Islands
Some of those who study such things believe that hundreds of years ago Spanish Galleons, with horses aboard, may have been shipwrecked along the mid-Atlantic coast. These horses made their way to the coast of what would one day become Maryland and Virginia's barrier beaches and have thrived on their own for centuries.
Wherever they came from these horses still live on those sand covered shores. Last year my wife and I made our way to Maryland's Ocean Beach, enjoyed a few days, and then spent much more time exploring the barrier beaches a bit further south and hunting for horses with our cameras. We were not disappointed. We found wild horses. Most we saw from a distance but some we would have been able to touch if we reached out our arms. Being among wild animals of which some are magnificent in stature and beauty gave us a thrill. We snapped photo after photo of them standing roadside, in the sand dunes, and out in the marshes where these animals live.
We also spent time on the wide barrier beaches where even though it was still winter the sun could still warm us on the bright afternoons.
http://www.epinions.com/content_346239504004 Assateague Islands
Even though this world offers so many more beaches to explore, I am quite happy to have traveled to so many already. My truest and best blessings however, is being able to collect memories with my wife. Some day our collecting will come to an end but our memories will continue into eternity.
Those are my 20 best beaches. Why not tell me what your best beaches are?
pops favorite boat rides in the US
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