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As the cold weather starts to settle in, we start daydreaming about long weekends filled with warm sunshine and soft-sand beaches. Then the reality of actually getting there kicks in — the financial outlay, the time commitment, the hassle of frittering away precious hours waiting in an immigration line.
1. St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida
This 35-mile stretch of beach boasts an incredible 361 days of sunshine per year, so you’re pretty much always guaranteed a beach day. In addition to lounging in the sand, check out the some 30 craft breweries and restaurants; Farmtable Cucina, by Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina is a sure bet. And if you’re looking for some shade, duck into one of the many museums nearby, including the Dali Museum, which houses the largest collection of the master’s work outside of Spain. Stay at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, a new family-friendly resort with Gulf views and castle-perfect sand.
2. Oahu, Hawaii
Though it can be a bit of a trek for East Coasters, Oahu is worth it; you can do the magnificent hike to the top of Diamond Head State Monument, hit up Waikiki Beach and sneak away to hidden coves. There are plenty of points hotels on Oahu, but if you choose to go a cash route, Halekulani, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, and the two-year-old Four Seasons Ko Olina are both excellent choices.
3. Laguna Beach, California
Made famous by an MTV reality show, Laguna Beach is an ideal domestic beach getaway. Why? Temperatures hover in the high 60s in December and January, and the cozy town is filled with high-end restaurants, California-chic clothing shops and art galleries galore. Even if it’s a little too chilly to take a dip in the ocean, you can still walk along the boardwalk or the coastal canyons, taking in endless views of the Pacific along the way. Or, simply stay at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Beach (Tier 4, or 50,000 Ritz-Carlton Rewards points per night) and get those same views from the comfort of your ultra-plush bed.
4. South Padre Island, Texas
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It’s pretty incredible to feel like you’re on a tropical island while you’re in Texas. South Padre Island has 34 miles of white sand and perfectly clear blue water. You can certainly lounge on the beach all day, but there’s also dolphin-watching, bird-watching at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center and famous Texas Gulf shrimp to be had. There are plenty of cheap motels on the island; there’s also a Hilton Garden Inn, which participates in the Hilton Honors rewards program.
5. Palm Beach, Florida
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Mansions, galleries, top-notch restaurants and great beaches: Palm Beach is the ultimate in luxurious domestic vacations. You can step back in time to the Gilded Age by touring the famous Whitehall home, walk along Worth Avenue, which is dotted with high-end shops like Bottega Veneta, or lounge on the picturesque Midtown Beach. As far as where to stay: The pink-hued Colony Hotel has been around since 1947, The Breakers has one of the world’s most Instagrammable lobbies, and there are affordable points hotels galore.
6. Grand Isle, Louisiana
If New Orleans is a fantastic city escape, Grand Isle is a shoo-in for a beach-y retreat. The barrier island, just off Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, maintains average temps in the low 60s during the winter months, making it ideal for hiking or fishing. Head to Grand Isle State Park, where there are more than 280 species of fish, numerous trail loops and a 400-foot-long pier, the oldest on Louisiana’s coast. There aren’t many notable places to stay, but the waterfront Blue Dolphin Inn & Cottages is a solid choice.
7. St. Simons Island, Georgia
Major development has yet to hit this beautiful stretch of Georgia coastline, making it ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle. Here you’ll find golf courses surrounded by beautiful Spanish moss along with popular beaches like East Beach, where sea turtles and whales are often spotted. Be sure to also pay a visit to the historic lighthouse or one of the many plantations. Use Ocean Lodge as your jumping off point each day and unwind with a glass of wine from the rooftop lounge at night.
8. La Jolla, California
This upscale town, just north of San Diego, is the Palm Beach of the west. You’ll find designer boutiques and plenty of pricey restaurants with ocean views, as well as rocky cliffs and white-sand beaches. Pay a visit to the seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove or go kayaking through one of the many sea caves. There’s certainly no shortage of luxury hotels to spend the night, but The Lodge at Torrey Pines, a member of Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, is particularly stunning.
Source: thepointsguy.com