Selecting these beaches was no snap. Given all the beaches in the United States and nearby, I wanted to include many more but could only select 10. Therefore, each had to possess a unique quality for every kind of romantic. I can now relate to the work of a curator, having to select the right placement for every painting in an exhibition, thinking not just of the work on its own but how it fits with the others. So, I had to select my 10 romantic beaches. In order to avoid a collection of only wondrously sunny shores, I went for a representation of different kinds of beaches. From the rugged to the sublime, each of these offer something irresistibly romantic and are well worth a visit. I hope you agree.
1. Captiva Beach - Captiva Island, Fla. It's no secret that Captiva hosts some of the most spectacular sunsets around, but "Captiva Beach," on the West side of the Island, is stellar. You're likely to share the view with returning pelicans as well as herons, sandpipers, egrets, gulls and terns. Bask in the sun or select a shady spot beneath the greenery consisting mostly of Australian pines, sea grapes, and palm trees. If it's time alone you seek, try this stretch of flat, white sandy beach in the early hours. They say morning also is a good time to collect keep-sake shells. Beachcombers arrive early, at low tide or just after rainfall when the shores can be piled three feet high with an array of seashells in colors to match the most captivating of sunsets.
2. Carmel Beach - Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif. If romance is about anticipation than arriving at Carmel Beach by way of the famed Highway 1 is a must (preferably driving a convertible during September or October, when Carmel experiences summer). A walk along the sliding coastline of Carmel Beach is what you've anxiously been awaiting. From above you can pad the meandering pathway or descend the wooden steps and walk the white sand next to the surf. A cool dampness hangs in the air. The crashing waves calm your nerves while making your senses stand at attention. The rush of the tide, the foamy white bubbles at your feet, the enormity of the rocks and the distinct cypress trees invigorate. This is not a swimmer’s beach, and yet it is one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world.
3. Coronado Beach - Coronado, Calif. The difference between Northern and Southern California is like night and day. Coronado beach is SoCal at its best. And, just across the water from the city of San Diego, Coronado feels a world away. With the grand Victorian Hotel Del Coronado as a backdrop, this beach feels like a throw back to another time in history altogether. The plentiful white sand extends for over a mile and a half and the beach offers every activity imaginable. From sunbathing to surfing, whale-watching to picnicking, boogie boarding to bicycling, there is something to do for everyone. Of course, doing nothing is a great option too. Sunbathe by day, and in the evening soak up the nostalgia with a glass of wine al fresco at a candlelit table at the hotel restaurant and enjoy a glowing view of the Pacific.
4. Fuller Street Beach - Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Mass. In the center of charming Edgartown, an old whaling village, the Fuller Street beach itself is not very long, but offers contrasting serenity to the bustling town. Amble from the lighthouse along the dunes with marsh ponds on either side. Small fur trees and pink plum roses dot the way. A breeze brings salt, sea-mud and evergreen scents that intoxicate the visitors who come mostly in search of a peaceful stroll or quiet moment. Tucked in a nook, you may find others enjoying the tranquility and gazing across to Chappaquiddick. Native islanders say the beach is at its best in fall (just outside of peak season) while the water is still warm but the beach can be yours alone.
5. Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, Ga. On the north tip of Jekyll Island is a nearly two-mile stretch of beach aptly named "Driftwood," after trees that have been uprooted and re-deposited on the shore. Emerging from under a canopy of oak trees, one happens upon this isolated stretch of beach and can walk (or ride one of the island horses) among the massive twisted shapes. As if an open-air gallery full of sculpture, this place is an organic exhibition and no two visits are the same. If you're lucky, you may witness a dolphin swimming by. The light here is dominated by golden hues and is beautiful throughout the day, although sunsets are poetic and often set the horizon ablaze with a display of fiery crimson, orange and bold yellow. The St. Simons lighthouse off in the distance serves as a reminder that the world beyond is at once near and far.
6. Hamoa Beach – Maui, Hawaii. Hamoa beach is an idyllic, verdant, tropical paradise embodying the Aloha spirit of Hawaii. It's a postcard perfect spot and a gem among Maui beaches, partially due to its remote location. The crescent shaped beach is surrounded by 30-foot black lava rock cliffs, lush green grass, and towering palm trees. The beach itself consists of "black and gold" sand that yields a splendid dark gray, formed by a mix of coral and lava. The deep blue-green hued waters recede into the vast ocean but can have powerful currents. The way the surf breaks makes it a popular spot for surfers and body surfers but also has a calm area that offers good snorkeling. Daytime skies are dominated by Crayola blues and cottony clouds but sunsets are the real show. The sky is painted spectacular shades of purple, pink and orange. This quintessential Hawaiian beach hideaway will soothe and rejuvenate.
7. Montauk Lighthouse State Park Beach – Montauk, N.Y. On the eastern most tip of Long Island sits Montauk with its unadulterated beach and casual atmosphere that sets itself apart from the manicured perfection of people and places dominating the rest of The Hamptons. Montauk impresses and inspires without any dressing up. While artists and writers seek refuge here, even in the height of summer, it's never crowded. The beach stretches on seemingly endlessly and offers chilly, and often rough, blue-gray waters typically found along the Eastern Seaboard. The jewel on this rocky point is the lighthouse. Nothing beats this beach at night if you climb the rocks that lead to the lighthouse and find a perch to stargaze. Let the sound of the waves be a lullabye and the sky a dream. Locals claim the chances of witnessing a shooting star here are excellent.
8. Maroma Beach - Maroma, Mexico. Whoever said good things come in small packages may have had Maroma Beach on the Mayan Riviera in mind. This small but sweet treasure is a perfectly cut diamond among other fine stones. The soft white sand at this private cove provides a wondrous cushion for lazing about and simply letting the day elapse. The water, flecked with 1,000 blue and green hues, will be the only thing occupying your mind. Although there is plenty to do, including great coral reefs, you may have trouble plying yourself from the comfort of the beach and instead prefer a seaside massage. It's hard to believe only 30 miles separates Maroma from the mayhem of Cancun. Thatch-roof huts dotting the coast; torch-lit walkways; lavish feasts; gracious hospitality calling you by name; and blissful days and starry nights are all part of what make this luxurious hideaway mesmerizing.
9. Pinks Sands Beach - Harbour Island, Bahamas. The Pink Sands Beach is a beach-lover's heaven, so don't be surprised to find yourself questioning if you have arrived in the afterlife. The incredibly soft sand, which is never too hot to walk on, consists of small pink coral bits flecked with white. The combination yields a delicate powder that cushions your every step--imagine walking on feather pillows and you get the idea. This enchanting beach stretches as far as your eye can see and invites long walks underneath a panoramic sky. The gentle breeze guides a rolling surf that blends from turquoise to a deeply rich indigo until it meets the horizon. Pink Sands is defined by simple, unadorned natural beauty.
10. Scott Beach at Caneel Bay - St. John, USVI. Nestled in the heart of the Virgin Islands, St. John is a small isle that remains unspoiled by too much tourism. It has mountainous terrain, colorful flora and fauna, fine white sand, and bathwater-warm turquoise waters. Being more remote than other USVI destinations makes for quieter beaches. Ride an open-air taxi around the windy roads and arrive at the luxurious Caneel Bay. Home to seven private beaches, you can't go wrong. But, Scott's beach is the choice for rest, relaxation and romance. Float in the clear water and spot turtles grazing on sea-grass on the ocean floor beneath. Select sun or shade at this tree-lined beach and enjoy the soft carpet of sand. Stroll along and let the sand slip between your toes while the water sweeps it (and all your cares) away.
April 30, 2004