Manele Bay, Hawaii 

Hulopo’s Beach, on the island of Lana’i, lies at the base of the Four Seasons Lana’i at Manele Bay. This area is a marine sanctuary filled with spectacularly colored fish and the occasional spinner dolphin; thus, making these 70-degree waters a haven for snorkelers and divers.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

Myrtle Beach is the largest resort along South Carolina’s 60-mile Grand Strand, making it a true beach get-away.  The town itself teems with summertime activities, such as amusement and water parks, restaurants, live entertainment and more.  The beach itself touts silky white sand and plenty of fun for swimmers, sunbathers, fishermen and sailors alike.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

A trip to Nantucket is like visiting a faraway fairytale land — one set against a bright blue backdrop of ocean and bay in a community of simple, weathered white cottages surrounded by wild roses. This former whaling community has quaint neighborhoods and a beach for everyone, including Surfside Beach and Children’s Beach, both of which feature calm waters and no shortage of sandcastles.

Kauna’oa Bay, Hawaii

Picture Hawaii and you’re probably conjuring images of Kauna’oa Bay without even realizing it. Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha-state’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Bay is quintessential, picture-postcard Hawaii. With its abundant white sand, palm trees and clear, calm blue water, the crescent-shaped beach is a natural draw for sun worshipers, water sport enthusiasts and families in search of safe, sandy fun.

Coronado, California

Coronado Central Beach, stretches 1.5 miles behind the great houses along Ocean Boulevard in front of the glamorous Hotel Del Coronado. Swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie boarders, sand sculptors, tide poolers and, from December through February, whale watchers all take to the sand and sea. North Beach attracts surfers in the morning, and at the extreme north is Dog Beach, where leashless canines can frolic in the surf. — Lindy Kirk