Everyone is looking to get something different out of their beach vacations. Be it the clubber, the surfer, the relaxer, the whale watcher or for family fun. Every beach has its own personality and these are top beaches to suit each vacationer’s personality.
South Beach, Fla. – World Class Night Life
South Beach can get pretty crowded, but if you're a vacationer looking for a party, you'll definitely find it here. Having some of the most and the biggest clubs in the world, you don’t need to walk to far to find a club scene that fits what you’re looking for. It’s also a night life destination for some of the biggest celebrities in the world. Be prepared to pay a good amount to get in the doors of most of these clubs, cover charges are generally north of $20.
During the day, you'll enjoy South Beach's biggest draw -- the beach! It's easy to let the hours pass as you relax on the shore, but more adventurous vacationers can enjoy a host of water sports including fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and kite surfing.
Malibu Beach, Calif. – A Surfer’s Paradise
While the massive waves off of Hawaii are impressive, but the majority of surfers would likely spend more time wiping out than enjoying their surf vacation. Huntington Beach is an obvious mainland alternative, but in the summer the sea tends to get pretty battered. You'll enjoy your time away much more if you drive on to Malibu.
Malibu's breaks are so good the The Adrenalist named it one of their top five surf spots in the United States last year. You'll dodge tourists on the main section, but you'll find a bit more room to carve it up at the First, Second, and Third Points.
Higbee Beach, N.J. – For Whale Watchers
The hundreds of dolphins that frolic in the waters of Higbee Beach in the New Jersey town of Cape May over the summer are truly a beautiful sight to be seen. If you're lucky you can see them from the shore; you’ll increase your chances by taking one of the many tourist cruises. Keep your eyes peeled, because sighting of humpback and finback whales also aren’t uncommon.
Higbee Beach and the other beaches of Cape May are strikingly beautiful, perhaps because guests must pay to enjoy them. Beach tags aren’t expensive, with seasonal passes costing just $20, but you’ll need to buy one from City Hall Tax Office to get on the shore. Your tag will give you entry to any of Cape May’s idyllic beaches.
Ka'anapali Beach, Hawaii – To Get Away From it all and Relax
Of course, not every student wants to vacation with crowds of other tourists. If you'd prefer a quieter beach getaway, the Ka'anapali Beach in Lahaina, Hawaii, is the perfect destination for you. This picturesque Hawaiian beach is such a great spot, it came out on top of TripAdvisor’s 2013 Top 25 Beaches in the United States Traveler’s Choice list .
Ka'anapali Beach doesn’t have the big breaks of some of Hawaii's beaches, but you can still go surfing on a good day. The warm, clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling though. Look out for turtles, butterfly fish, and the famous humuhumunukunukuapuaa around Black Rock.
You'll find some great beach-themed souvenirs and restaurants at the outdoor shopping mall in Whalers Village. There's not a lot of nightlife, but you can use the evening hours to catch up with Facebook friends or play a game or two at an online casino to pass some time
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – For the Family
There's always something happening over summer in Myrtle Beach, the largest resort along South Carolina’s famous 60-mile Grand Strand. There’s the beach, of course, with its soft white sand and opportunities for surfing and sailing. But there’s also a world of fun away from the shore.
Embrace your inner child at Myrtle Beach's amusement and water parks or sniff out a bargain at Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market. Once night falls, enjoy the fireworks over Lake Broadway on Tuesdays and Friday, or see free live bands at Garden City Beach Pier every summer night.
The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website lists 10 things to do for less than $25, so cash-strapped beach going families can find plenty of cheap activities to keep them occupied.
So decide what kind of vacation you’re in the mood for, and pick the beach that bests suits your personality and have fun!