Five Top Beach Vacation Spots

If you’re imagining the feeling of your toes sinking into soft white sand as your mind drifts off to the sound of indigo ocean waves rhythmically washing ashore, then wake up. Time to pack! It won’t be summer for long.

Our five top beach vacation spots to help you take advantage of the sun and fun before

the season sets
Hope for Women Magazine has selected five top beach vacation spots to help you take advantage of the sun and fun before the season sets.

The best beach for walking and people-watching, South Beach in Miami, Fla., requires you to pack your tennis shoes or a pair of comfy flip flops because there are plenty of activities within walking distance—including restaurants open 24 hours a day.
Stay at Loew’s Miami Beach Hotel – both picturesque and pristine – located in the Art Deco District. The hotel offers an upscale cross between ideal vacation relaxation and elegant sophistication. It’s also just steps away from the beach.

If you can’t talk a trusted family member or friend into keeping an eye on the kids while you soak in the rays of beachside sunshine, feel free to bring them along to Fleming Beach in Maui, Hawaii. That is, as long as they are old enough to swim, boogie board, surf, snorkel or kayak. Touted by many as the best beach in Maui, the mile-long Fleming Beach offers water sports galore, year-round sunny weather and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, just a 20-minute walk from Fleming Beach Park. This 50-acre property is Hawaii’s premier luxury resort. With its classic luxury and amenities that aim to pamper, you’re certain to achieve the ultimate level of relaxation.

Hop on a ferry, rent a car, or take a cab across the San Diego Bridge, and prepare for a unique beach experience at Coronado Beach in San Diego, Calif. Sandy beaches, boutiques and restaurants abound in the island city of Coronado Beach, where you can walk, bike, fish and swim. Stay at the Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark, and for some, a chief reason for making the trip to Coronado Beach. First opened in 1888, the hotel became known for its status as a place to view some of the country’s most popular Victorian architecture.

Every year, close to 14 million Americans flock to Myrtle Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. From golf courses and tennis to restaurants and shopping, Myrtle Beach offers a vacation that will likely result in frequent return trips. In addition to the typical beach activities, you may also want to dedicate a few days to popular attractions such as the Wild Water and Race Theme Park and Ripley’s Aquarium. Decide whether you want to be in North, Central or South Myrtle Beach. If you go North, stay at the Avista Resort, particularly if you plan to relax with the family. The resort offers convenient access to shops, restaurants, golf courses, amusements, nature, shopping and more.

Most beachgoers who have visited Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Mass., will tell you it’s a swimmer’s beach. Shallow waters here accommodate younger children. However, be forewarned that you may be diving into water that is in the mid-60 degrees F range, even in summer. Stay at the Four Points by Sheraton in Eastham, Cape Cod for  a contemporary, full-service spot to lay your head after swimming all day at the beach. Kettle ponds, bike trails and forests surround the hotel, which is equipped with a swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center and free parking.