Maui is not as large as the Big Island, nor is it as small as Lanai, nor is it as busy as Oahu or as peaceful as Kauai. Maui is ideal for many Hawaii vacationers because it offers a taste of almost everything the Aloha State has to offer, from impressive wildlife to intriguing history and culture. You can shimmy alongside professional hula dancers, golf along coastal fairways, sail down a zip line, snorkel alongside five different types of sea turtles, or simply relax on some of Hawaii's most famous beaches while visiting here.

Maui, one of the archipelago's most popular tourist destinations, is located between the Big Island and the much smaller Molokai (which you can explore by signing up for one of the best Maui tours). Many visitors base themselves along the coasts of South Maui (home to the famous Wailea Beach) or West Maui, where the sands of Kaanapali Beach and the music of the Old Lahaina Luau are located. However, the rest of the island should not be overlooked. Explore East Maui's scenic coastline along the Road to Hana, the world's largest dormant volcano Haleakala in the Upcountry, and the former tribal battlegrounds of Central Maui's Iao Valley State Park.

Kauai has mastered seduction with its brilliant sunsets, pristine beaches, and aquamarine skies. However, the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain does not need to entice with over-the-top luxury or tourist traps; rather, it appeals to a no-muss, no-fuss type of traveler. Resorts are as tall as a coconut tree (literally). Do you prefer rural to opulent? Kauai is your island; there are only two major highways, and some areas can only be explored on foot or by taking one of the best Kauai boat tours.

Some would argue that all you need to visit is a good pair of hiking boots, an umbrella, and an adventurous spirit. However, you should be aware that you may require some cash as well. Kauai has placed a premium on its natural beauty and prized hiking trails, and winter room rates can reach $500 per night. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons to get the most out of your trip while also saving the most money.

This secluded Fort Myers offshoot is thought to be even more low-key, quiet, and quaint than its Gulf Coast neighbor, which is saying a lot. On Sanibel Island, casual is the order of the day; a shabby chic vibe pervades the Periwinkle Way galleries, restaurants, and shops; and seashells cover every sandy and linoleum surface. In fact, the abundance of seashells has become this island's (and Captiva's) claim to fame. On any long stretch of sand, you'll see plenty of beachcombers doing the "Sanibel Stoop" – what locals call shelling. If the mood strikes you, plan on joining them for at least one afternoon of your stay. Sanibel's laid-back residents wouldn't have it any other way.

Sanibel is a city and an island in Lee County, Florida, in the United States. The population was 6,469 at the time of the 2010 census, with an estimated population of 7,402 in 2018. It is included in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Combined Statistical Area. The entire city is built on the island, also known as Sanibel Island. It's a barrier island, a sand spit on the leeward side of Pine Island, which is made up of more solid coral-rock.

Destin, known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village", has become one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Florida Panhandle. Destin, founded in the 1850s, was a sleepy fishing town until a bridge connected the skinny peninsula to Florida's mainland. This town retains an intimate, friendly atmosphere despite its baseline population of 13,000 residents (which swells to 25,000-plus during the summer). Every summer, families from the Midwest and the South flock to Destin's beaches to enjoy the city's signature bright white sands made of pure Appalachian quartz.

This one-of-a-kind sand not only keeps you cool in the summer heat, but it also gives the water an emerald tint due to sunlight reflection. Golfers navigate seaside bunkers, while children play in water parks. Visitors who are more daring can snorkel and scuba dive off the coast or charter a boat to try their luck at deep sea fishing. After all, fishing is an essential part of this peninsular paradise.

Laguna Beach is the stuff that California fantasies are made of. Throughout this scenic destination, visitors are treated to cascading, verdant hillsides, breathtaking coastal parks, and secluded beaches. All of this, as well as its small town spirit and historic arts community, are just a few of the many factors that contribute to this southern California destination being one for the books. Furthermore, it is extremely simple to get to. Laguna Beach, located between San Diego and Los Angeles, is right along Pacific Coast Highway, making it an ideal stop on your California road trip.

Laguna Beach is the kind of destination that you have to see to believe, and when you do, you'll be in awe of its magnificence. However, Laguna Beach is much more than its good looks. The town has a palpable love of the arts, which can be found not only inside the many galleries that line PCH, but also on the streets, where there are more than 100 public art pieces. There is also a strong appreciation for flora and fauna in this area.

Whale watching is a popular pastime, the headquarters for the rescue and rehabilitation of the Orange County coast seal population is located here, and the town is home to a number of wildflower-filled coastal parks, including one of southern California's last preserved coastal canyons. So, while in Laguna Beach, immerse yourself in the local culture, soak up as much of the coast as you can, and don't forget to take plenty of photos along the way. However, given how unforgettable the scenery is, you're unlikely to forget Laguna Beach's stunning beauty.

The Outer Banks is dripping with history: Here, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright made their famous first flight (at Kill Devil Hills), pirate Blackbeard fought his final battle (at Ocracoke), and the mysterious Lost Colony vanished (exact location unknown, but it was last seen on Roanoke Island near Manteo). This chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known colloquially as OBX, isn't just for history buffs. Fishing, windsurfing, and wildlife viewing are also popular pastimes among the daring. The Outer Banks' roughly 3,000 shipwrecks, which can be explored by snorkeling or scuba diving, have earned it the moniker "the Atlantic's graveyard". Families flock to Roanoke Island's beaches, mini-golf courses, and the North Carolina Aquarium.

Each neighborhood has its own personality: old lighthouses, rugged dunes, and secluded beaches in the south, vacation rentals, water sports, and kitschy beach shops in the north, all combine to create a one-of-a-kind seaside destination. OBX is ideal for those who want to avoid overdeveloped tourist towns in favor of unspoiled beaches. There isn't much in the way of nightlife, but there is plenty of natural beauty. Beaches are more crowded in the summer, but with so many destinations spread out along the barrier islands, you're unlikely to encounter overcrowding at any time of year.

Naples, Florida, named after the coastal Italian city, is known for its laid-back ambiance, quiet luxury, and world-class golf. Though Florida's version lacks the history, sights, and artwork of its namesake, its opulence is reminiscent of European watering holes along the Mediterranean. Instead of archaeological treasures and divine Italian cuisine, those who retreat from the shore will find high-end restaurants and first-class hotels.

America's Napoli is one of the most relaxing and romantic beach destinations in the United States, with gently lapping waves on the white-sand beaches of southern Florida's Gulf Coast. However, partygoers and young families will likely seek out another beach because Naples lacks the distractions they seek. Relaxation is the name of the game here, so leave the kids at home or the keg at the frat house, grab your special someone, and head down to Florida's city of love.

Miami Beach is a melting pot of cultures, residents, and visitors. The renowned shores of "America's Riviera" are enjoyed by a diverse range of people, including waifish models, amateur architecture critics, distinguished seniors, and sun-seeking families. North Miami Beach has the most kid-friendly beaches as well as the most affordable restaurants and hotels. Greater Miami's galleries, museums, and theaters are less than ten miles away.

There's also South Beach. This popular southernmost neighborhood demonstrates that Miami Beach is more like two cities: a family-friendly vacation destination during the day and a super-chic metropolis at night. To keep up with the Joneses, you'll need to use your credit card at high-end stores, schmooze at cutting-edge fusion restaurants, dance at energetic nightclubs, and relax poolside at art deco-style hotels.

The rich and famous, however, aren't the only ones who will have a good time here. More relaxed visitors can unwind on the sands of Haulover Park or Lummus Park, learn about architecture on an art deco tour, or even try their hand at fishing off the South Pointe Pier. What about another must-do? The Lincoln Road Mall is ideal for window shopping and strolling. And you can't leave Miami Beach without indulging in delectable small plates and sipping cocktails from a rooftop bar.

The Monterey Peninsula is unlike any other region of California. Time slows down here, the architecture is simple (with the exception of the homes in Pebble Beach), and the lifestyle is a perfect blend of SoCal laid-back and NorCal sophisticated. The town of Monterey attracts the majority of tourists on the northern side of the peninsula, while Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts the easygoing wealthy set. The exorbitant prices of real estate contribute to the small-town atmosphere that exists along Monterey's breathtaking coastline.

This area is ideal for a road trip stop or a romantic weekend getaway. This stretch of California coastline is home to some of the world's most coveted golf courses. It's also a year-round whale-watching destination with some of the best California tours. Add to that a plethora of natural wonders, luxury resorts, and seafood restaurants, and Monterey may be the ideal destination for your next vacation.

Key West, known for its warm beaches and eccentric residents who live in the moment, offers a relaxed yet unexpected seaside adventure. Do as the locals (known as Conchs) do and see where your free spirit takes you (possibly on a guided tour or a snorkeling trip). Maybe you'll end up in a Duval Street bar, a Mallory Square shop, or even Ernest Hemingway's old house.

Key West once threatened to go rogue (in 1982, with a mock secessionist movement to form "The Conch Republic"), so this is the place to throw a strict itinerary out the window. Take a walk, sip a margarita, look for a six-toed cat, and go at your own pace. While Hurricane Irma did have an impact on the area in late 2017, Key West is now open for business.

St. Petersburg is appropriately dubbed "The Sunshine City" because it holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine. The city offers visitors a one-of-a-kind blend of traditional beach getaway and urban flavor. The white, sandy beaches provide views of spectacular sunsets, and the 7 miles of waterfront parks invite visitors to participate in a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. A thriving creative renaissance also promises a diverse cultural experience, whether through the world-renowned Dal Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts. Every year, the city hosts over 1,000 events, ranging from the St. Anthony's Triathlon to Ribfest, a celebration of barbecued ribs and touring bands.

These events are frequently held in downtown areas, which are densely packed with shops, restaurants, and craft beer pubs that come alive after the sun goes down. With so much to offer, the sun-kissed city is a popular destination for visitors of all ages: families will enjoy the relaxing outdoors and teeming wildlife, while the younger set will enjoy the lively nightlife.

When planning a trip to Southern California, you may initially think of action-packed Los Angeles or family-friendly San Diego, but few Golden State destinations are as quintessentially Californian as Huntington Beach. In contrast to the upscale beach communities of Laguna Beach and Malibu, Huntington Beach embraces a laid-back vibe befitting of its Surf City USA moniker. Between Newport Beach and Long Beach, this coastal city has 10 miles of beaches that attract sports enthusiasts, families, and dog lovers, as well as a 1,400-acre ecological reserve and a downtown packed with restaurants, bars, and hotels. So, whether you're looking to surf, play beach volleyball, or simply relax with family and friends by a waterfront bonfire, Huntington Beach is the place to be.

Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County, California, 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The city is named after Henry E. Huntington, an American businessman. The population was 198,711 at the time of the 2020 census, making it the fourth most populous city in Orange County, the most populous beach city in Orange County, and the seventh most populous city in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Combined Statistical Area.

No matter where you go in St. Augustine, you'll almost certainly come face to face with American history. This town in northeastern Florida, founded by Spaniards in 1565, is the country's oldest continuously occupied European settlement. Along with narrow cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, there are Romanesque Revival-style buildings, many of which were designed by railroad and oil tycoon Henry Flagler, who was instrumental in the development of St. Augustine and the rest of Florida's east coast. With so much history, it's no surprise that St. Augustine has a fascination with the paranormal: Nighttime ghost tours are promoted by many of the town's top attractions, which are said to be haunted by Spanish settlers and original inhabitants.

Though the abundance of landmarks dating back to the Spanish occupation is the main draw here, the Ancient City also has a variety of boutiques, eateries, live music venues, and art galleries. Visitors who are traveling with children should visit the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. The Lightner Museum's eclectic collection will appeal to art enthusiasts, while shopaholics will enjoy browsing the boutiques on St. George Street. And when you're ready to unwind, grab your beach gear and head to the beach. St. Augustine, like many other coastal Florida towns, provides easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and year-round sunshine.

Cape May, known as America's original seaside resort, has been a popular summertime destination for generations. This tiny town is located about 45 miles south of Atlantic City, New Jersey, 95 miles southeast of Philadelphia, and roughly 160 miles south of New York City, and is part of the Jersey Cape's stretch of beaches and boardwalks. It has fewer than 3,500 residents but receives up to 50,000 visitors each year. Aside from its pristine beaches, Cape May's approximately 600 preserved Victorian buildings and collection of charming bed-and-breakfasts transport visitors to a bygone era.

Its military presence should not be overlooked; Cape May played a significant role in defending the country during World War II, and approximately 30% of the population is currently enlisted in the armed forces. Whether you spend your days bird-watching (Cape May has some of the best bird-watching spots in the world), visiting wineries, or touring historical sites, you'll quickly recognize the allure of this coastal escape.

You'll need to slow down if you want to fit in on Hilton Head. This 42-square-mile barrier island may attract a more affluent clientele, but you don't have to rush to keep up with the Joneses. Follow the residents' leisurely pace – the population is made up of Gullah, or freed slaves who settled in the area, and East Coast mainlanders who make Hilton Head their second home. Your vacation companions will most likely be white-haired retirees and young families. So, if you're looking for a wild nightlife scene, this might not be the place for you. This isn't to say there isn't nightlife – there is, but it takes the form of leisurely sunset dinners and live music on the waterfront.

If you know anything about the island, you'll know that golfing, tennis, and "spa-ing" are how it got its wealthy reputation. However, you could spend an entire vacation here without ever picking up a golf club or a tennis racket. The island is full of natural wonders, such as the Coastal Discovery Museum and the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, as well as 12 miles of sandy beaches. So, whether you came to see low country wildlife, practice your backhand, or simply relax on the sand, Hilton Head has something for you.

"Once upon a time, there was a man from Nantucket..." Go ahead and finish the rest of the limerick in your head before getting that laugh out of your system. Because, despite its reputation for rhyming obscenities (many of which can be found on souvenirs around town), Nantucket is better known as a refined vacation destination. And it's getting posher by the year. This tiny island, located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, relishes its isolation, enticing upper-crust prepsters and Northeastern bluebloods looking for a summer escape.

Other visitors are welcome to Nantucket as well, as long as they are willing to splurge. Room rates and dinner plates are quite expensive, but some of the most popular island activities are reasonably priced. After all, a proper Nantucket visit entails riding your rental bike through the cobblestone streets or lazing on the beach with a beach-time read. So grab your swimsuit and leave your car at the ferry terminals: it's time to leave the mainland.

Big Sur is more than just a place to visit; it's a way of life. Big Sur, located on the west coast of central California, stretches 90 miles between Monterey Bay and San Simeon. Its remote location, peaceful nature, and incomparable beauty entice visitors to change gears, both metaphorically and literally. The Pacific Coast Highway, built less than a century ago, is the main road that runs through the region and becomes the most scenic in Big Sur. The highway clings to the edge of the area's cliffs, high above the surf, providing spectacular views as it weaves in and out of the seemingly endless coastline.

Aside from the driving conditions, Big Sur's calming culture is contagious, and it has attracted minds of all kinds seeking inspiration, refuge, or transformation. As recounted in his novel "Big Sur", it was Jack Kerouac who traveled to Big Sur in search of inner peace. Big Sur was the first place in America where fellow writer Henry Miller felt at home, and he later wrote the memoir "Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch". Countless musicians, artists, writers, and photographers have documented Big Sur's powerful presence in their work since then, but visitors say its grandeur remains indescribable.

A politician can tell you that the Bush family has spent years vacationing in Kennebunkport. And a paparazzi may persuade you to camp out along Ocean Drive in order to get a blurry photo of the Obamas at their Walker's Point compound. But harboring politicians isn't even what this southern coastal area of Maine is known for, nor should it be. Kennebunkport is a natural beach destination with miles of rugged shoreline dotted with summer homes and sailboats.

Local fisherman and lobstermen deliver the morning's catch to open-air cafes in town, while artists set up shop on Dock Square's wharves. Even the beaches are unassuming and peaceful, with secret footpaths leading you away from the road. You may have literally discovered a place where you can get away from it all.

With its colorful clam shacks, shingle-style cottages, and serene beaches, it's easy to see why Cape Cod – or "the Cape" to locals – is a popular summer destination for New England mainlanders. A charming bed-and-breakfast sits next to rugged sand dunes, scenic bike trails wind through forests, and the seemingly endless seashore is punctuated by bright kayaks and fishing boats. Life moves at a slower pace here, which adds to the charm. While the Cape is a popular destination for celebrities and athletes, it is also a quiet place with a laid-back vibe.

Spend a day getting to know the Cape's artsy side by visiting Provincetown, a bohemian (and especially LGBTQ-friendly) seaport with quirky art galleries and great whale-watching spots. Then head south to Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town, where you'll find glass-blowing demonstrations and storied New England homes. The area is divided into four distinct regions: the Upper Cape, Mid Cape, Lower Cape, and Outer Cape. Though you'll only need a few days to sample the Cape's pristine beaches, stunning views, and delectable seafood, try to carve out a few weeks to experience the low-key vibes that captivate visitors each summer.

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, head west to Santa Monica. This chic California beach community is easily accessible from Los Angeles via major thoroughfares such as Santa Monica Boulevard and the Santa Monica Freeway (a stretch of Interstate 10), and it provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of its big-city neighbor. Santa Monica's two main attractions are located on the city's western side: the beautiful Santa Monica State Beach and the family-friendly Santa Monica Pier. But this destination is much more than its famous beach and pier.

Step away from the sand to bike the scenic Marvin Braude Beach Trail and relax in one of Santa Monica's lovely parks. Alternatively, visit the Third Street Promenade for some retail therapy and people-watching before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the city's highly regarded restaurants. Whatever you choose to do with your time in Santa Monica, you'll feel right at home.