Here are some sandy escapes in the United States. Ocean City, Maryland, boasts 10 miles of beach and a family-friendly oceanfront boardwalk.
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Southampton, New York —
Fashionable Southampton is about 80 miles from New York City on the South Fork of Long Island. Stake out your spot early: The community's summer population can more than double.
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Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui —
Catch some of Maui's best waves at Ho'okipa Beach Park, located at Mile 9 on the Hana Highway. The roiling surf is also popular with windsurfers.
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan —
In addition to the Nubble Lighthouse on rugged Cape Neddick, pictured, York is home to a cluster of quaint villages and the aptly named Long Sands Beach.
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Emerald Isle, North Carolina —
Emerald Isle is located on the western half of the Bogue Banks barrier island of the Southern Outer Banks. The family-oriented beach community offers vacation rentals galore.
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Delray Beach, Florida —
Delray Beach in Palm Beach County combines powdery sand and blue-green surf with a vibrant downtown packed with restaurants and boutiques.
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La Jolla, California —
Just a short drive from downtown San Diego, La Jolla hugs the Pacific coast. Beaches vary from sandy stretches to dramatic cliffside coves.
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Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts —
Bathers jump from the bridge along State Beach on Martha's Vineyard in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. The scenic island is less developed than neighboring Cape Cod, which is a 45-minute ferry ride away.
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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina —
Hilton Head has more than 12 miles of beaches. Access to some beaches is private, although the sand itself is open to the public. Dolphin Head Recreation Area, pictured, is located within the gated community of Hilton Head Plantation. Easily accessible beaches include Driessen Beach Park and Folly Field.
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Siesta Key, Florida —
Siesta Key, located across the bay from Sarasota, boasts three gorgeous Gulf of Mexico beaches along its 8-mile shore. Siesta Beach has year-round lifeguard protection, picnic areas, a playground and tennis and volleyball courts.
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Cannon Beach, Oregon —
Haystack Rock is Cannon Beach's photogenic star. The stunning natural coastline, about 80 miles west of Portland, pairs well with the friendly and artistic community.
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Lanikai Beach, Oahu —
Located in Oahu's Kailua neighborhood, the calm waters of Lanikai Beach are perfect for a relaxing swim with the whole family.
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Crystal Cove, California —
Vintage beach cottages are part of Crystal Cove's unique vibe. Nearly 30 cottages dating from the 1930s to the 1950s have been preserved, and about half are available to rent. There are three ADA-accessible cottages reserved for disabled guests, including the Beach Pad, pictured.
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Clearwater Beach, Florida —
The Gulf Coast city of Clearwater is celebrating its centennial this year, but the powdery white beach has been an inviting spot for sun and surf for much longer.
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Cape May, New Jersey —
Cape May is a barrier island off the coast of New Jersey that boasts peaceful beaches and an impressive collection of 19th-century framed buildings. The city of Cape May was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
