Latest news with #beachvacation
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mandy Moore Shares Photo With All 3 Kids During Vacation to Remember
Originally appeared on E! Online Mandy Moore is giving a peek into life with her own big three. The This Is Us star—who shares kids August "Gus," 4, Oscar "Ozzie,' 2, and Louise, 10 months, with husband Taylor Goldsmith—posted a photo of their family of five enjoying a beach day while on vacation in Punta Mita in Nayarit, Mexico. The sweet photo shows Mandy, 41, and Taylor, 39, sitting in the sand with their little ones right where the shore meets the water, with scenic rocks behind them. More pics captured other fun memories—such as delicious meals and her kids enjoying the waves—from the trip with friends, including cookbook author Gaby Dalkin. "Nothing beats a beach vacation with some of your besties," she wrote in the July 31 post. "What an epic few days, @fspuntamita! We can't wait to come back (Gus hasn't stopped talking about it)!!" Their relaxing getaway was much needed, as earlier this year, the Tangled actress and her family lost their home in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. More from E! Online Olympian Laura Dahlmeier Dead at 31 After Climbing Accident Left Rescuers Unable to Reach Her Why Bryan Kohberger Left Roommate Dylan Mortensen Alive, According to Idaho Prosecutor James Van Der Beek Shares Difficult Update on Cancer Journey 'I love you, Altadena,' she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post in January showing footage of local buildings on fire. 'Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late (and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets).' Mandy, whose family was taken in by her good friend Hilary Duff in their time of need, continued to express what she was feeling as she and so many others lost so much. 'Honestly, I'm in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family,' she continued. 'My children's school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too.' She added, 'Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control.' For more of Mandy and her family, read on. 199920002001200120022002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201620172018201920202021 For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mandy Moore makes the rare move of posing in a bikini for family photo taken during 'epic' vacation in Mexico
Mandy Moore shared rare bikini photos to Instagram on Thursday. The This Is Us actress looked fantastic in a black swimsuit which she said was by the brand Left On Friday. The beauty was not alone. On the beach with her were her three children - son August 'Gus' Harrison, four, son Oscar 'Ozzie' Bennett, three, and daughter Louise Everett, 10 months - and her longtime husband, musician Taylor Goldsmith. They were enjoying a family vacation at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico. 'Nothing beats a beach vacation with some of your besties (here's looking you at you @whatsgabycookin). What an epic few days, @fspuntamita! We can't wait to come back (Gus hasn't stopped talking about it)!' wrote the Princess Diaries actress in her Instagram caption. Chelsea Handler commented: 'That's one hot and sexy family!' Moore was also seen in a red bikini and a green one too as they enjoyed the surf. The pop singer and her family are 'doing well' after their home was left badly damaged in the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. The actress' co-star Chrissy Metz shared earlier this month that although it was a 'life-altering' experience for Mandy and her young family, fortunately, most of the structure of the property was 'salvaged'. She told Extra earlier this month: 'She's doing well. I mean, thank goodness. 'A lot of the structure was able to be salvaged, which is great, but it's so jarring. It's so life-altering, and she has children and pets. It's just frightening because there's nothing you can do but hopefully get out of there.' Chrissy says she keeps in touch with all of her co-stars from the hit NBC drama - the cast of which also included Milo Ventimiglia, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Chris Sullivan. She said: 'Oh, my gosh, everybody. We all are texting each other. I always text when any projects come out or Sterling with his nominations for Paradise. Chrissy added of Sterling K. Brown (her onscreen sibling): 'Oh, he's the best. I really feel like he's a big brother for me.' Chrissy's update on her co-star comes after Mandy recently paid tribute to her mother-in-law Kathy Goldsmith, describing her as the 'silver lining' amid the devastating wildfires. As well as Mandy's home suffering damage, Kathy lost her abode. She wrote on Instagram: 'It's been a hell of a year and my Mother-in-law, Kathy, has risen to the occasion in every way. Selfishly, I'm not sure what I would have done without her in the hours, days, weeks, and months since the fire. 'She suffered her own immense loss and has been by our side since the very beginning, without skipping a beat. 'I'm heartbroken that our 5 min walk to her house is no longer on the table BUT so grateful that we've been able to live under the same roof these last 6 months- if there's any silver lining in this whole thing, she's definitely ours. (sic)' Mandy heaped praise on Kathy for 'absolutely mastering' the childcare of her and Taylor's three children, admitting the couple 'couldn't be luckier that she's ours'. She added: 'From coffee in the morning as we let the dogs out, to tea after the kids go down and talking about our grief, funny things that happened in our day, etc…. To her absolutely mastering bath time, mealtime, playtime and everything in between- including moments like when Gus declared today- 'I have to GO POOP with Gaga now!', we couldn't be luckier that she's ours and we're never letting her go. 'Seriously, she thinks she can move into her new place but that's not happening. Ha! I know you want this Birthday to just move right along, but those of us that know your friendship and heart are MORE THAN HAPPY to celebrate you today and always. 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY, @kathy_goldsmith!! We Love you, Gaga!! Xo.' Mandy recently admitted she is 'looking forward to rebuilding' her family home following the fires.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-piran-slovenia-CLEANCOASTALS0725-7a8d8975209e43c39a6129ad4fe93ee1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
22-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
These 2 Countries Have the Cleanest Coastal Waters in Europe, Report Finds
If you're dreaming of a European beach vacation, there are two countries with exceptionally clean water that you might not have considered. The European Environment Agency (EEA), in cooperation with the European Commission, has released their European bathing water assessment for the 2024 bathing season, which declares that Slovenia and Lithuania have tied for first place for the cleanest coastal waters in the world. The report assesses bathing water quality across 22,127 sites in the 27 EU member states, plus Albania and Switzerland. In the most recent assessment, 85 percent of the locations met the stringent standard of 'excellent' bathing water quality, while 96 percent met the minimum quality standards. The sites include beachers, rivers, lakes, and swimming holes, which are all tested by national and local authorities for bacterial quality of coastal bathing waters—defined as waters "situated on the sea or transitional water coastline"—was found to be generally better than that of rivers and lakes. It's all part of the EU Bathing Water Directive, which was adopted in 2006. It's important to note that both Slovenia and Lithuania, while rated most highly, also had a relatively small number of sites tested, with only 21 tested in Slovenia and only 16 in Lithuania. But, the sites cumulatively gained top marks. 'The results … show that Europeans can confidently bathe in the vast majority of the EU's bathing sites that meet the EU's bathing quality standards,' Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. Slovenia, which famously has 29 miles on the Adriatic Sea, recently announced the launch of a digital nomad visa that will be available from November 2025 and will allow remote workers to live in the country for up to a year, similar to schemes available in other EU countries including Greece, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Germany, and Estonia. The most popular bases for a coastal Lithuanian vacation are Palanga, Neringa and Klaipeda. In 2024, Lithuania was ranked the happiest country in the world for young people under the age of 30, according to the World Happiness Report. In 2024, Slovenia's neighbor Croatia was ranked the highest for the cleanest coastal waters by the report, with 894 bodies of water tested.
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Forbes
Inside Playa Grande Beach Club, A Boutique Hotel Reimagining Travel to the Dominican Republic
One of Playa Grande Beach Club's nine standalone villas. Playa Grande Beach Club Few destinations do an over-the-top beach vacation like the Dominican Republic. As all-inclusive travel grows in popularity even with the youngest generation of travelers, this Caribbean nation is drawing record-breaking numbers of travelers year-round, many of whom head straight to the island's oversized resorts. Beachfront development has long since pushed past the sugar-fine sands of Punta Cana and into new regions, with big-name hotels and resorts sprouting up in spots that were once known mostly to locals. Notably, the country's first luxury wellness resort, Cayo Levantado Resort, debuted two years ago on a private island in the less-visited region of Samaná. Meanwhile, the once tiny beach town of Miches is buzzing; Viva Miches by Wyndham, A Trademark All-Inclusive debuted in January, while Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton opening its doors less than a month ago. The less-visited north shore of the Dominican Republic is home to some of the country's few boutique hotels and resorts. Playa Grande Beach Club A mere blip on the map of the Dominican Republic, the area surrounding the small town of Rio San Juan is nearly untouched, even when compared to still growing destinations like Samaná or Miches. But zoom in on Google Maps and you'll start to see the appeal of this less-visited region: brilliantly white stretches of sand stretch right up to the lush foliage of the tropical jungle. This couldn't feel further from Punta Cana, but with beaches that are just as nice. Amidst the larger-than-life developments of other coastlines, the properties here are tiny in comparison. Small, serene, and supremely exclusive, properties like the Aman-branded Amanera and ÀNI Dominican Republic, are quietly rewriting the narrative of the travel to the Dominican Republic as being limited to the oversized and overwhelming. Even more special still is nearby Playa Grande Beach Club, a boutique property the likes of which there are few in the country, let alone the Caribbean. Home to just nine standalone bungalows spread across a spacious swath of beachfront property carved out of the jungle, its one-of-a-kind design and down-to-earth luxury make it a world all its own. Celerie Kembel-designed Playa Grande Beach Club. Playa Grande Beach Club Inside Playa Grande Beach Club Stepping off the golden sands of one of the country's most beautiful beaches and onto the manicured grounds of Playa Grande Beach Club, it's immediately clear that this is a destination all its own. Even from the beachfront, it's visible: the property's meticulously maintained grounds are packed with details to delight visitors. Fringed umbrellas shade beach chairs; vintage furniture fills spaces coated with colorful, handmade tiles; candy-colored drinking glasses for afternoon piña coladas by the pool look like they're straight out of a doll house. Playa Grande Beach Club's praiseworthy design comes as no surprise to those who know its founding story. Among the property's owners is Celerie Kemble, a renowned designer who had a hand in every detail of its creation and design. Her distinctly island-inspired, Palm Beach-informed design touches every corner of the property. Each bungalow evokes its own unique spirit, with colorful pastel palettes paired with one-of-a-kind textiles and art collected from remote corners of the world, including from Kemble's personal travels. The Dominican inspiration of the property is undeniable, calling on classic, colonial-era design in architectural details throughout. Each bungalow at Playa Grande Beach Club is unique crafted and includes handpicked pieces of furniture, art, and decor. Playa Grande Beach Club To step inside your private bungalow, available in one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom layouts, feels like stepping inside a gingerbread house with a tropical twist. Mine mixed a rose and lime green color scheme, that started with the handpicked textiles on pillows and continue to the tiles spread across the bathroom floor. My bungalow had its own kitchen, with a vintage-inspired refrigerator stocked with goodies like Dominican beer, local mangoes and freshly-ground coffee should I want to wake for sunrise on the sand. The bathroom was its own separate sanctuary, complete with a massive copper soaking tub as the centerpiece of its design. I marveled at its size: how could the floor hold its weight? Did the house have to be built around its oversized port? It was one of a number of supremely special touches that wove together the visceral visual journey at this one-of-a-kind property. Bungalows each come with kitchens, making it an ideal destination for a longer-term stay. Playa Grande Beach Club Home Away From Home The intentionality of every design detail is Kemble's love for the property made manifest, giving it lived-in, well-loved quality that makes it comfortable rather than imposing. Perhaps it's the small size of the property, apt for less than thirty guests at a time, that enhances its homey feel. However, the family-and-friends-first founding of the property is even more likely the source of its welcoming vibe. While Kemble was the creative mind behind the property's design, she was just one of a close-knit group of owners who initially intentioned Playa Grande Beach Club to be a private destination reserved just for friends and family. Now, guests can book bungalows for their own home-away-from-home feel. In addition to just nine bungalows, Playa Grande Beach Club has a main house with a restaurant and bar, a two-story library and lounge, a beachfront pool with a covered lounge area for lazing, and a small gym. Rio San Juan and Beyond For such a set-apart property far from the tourist crowds, there's surprisingly plenty to do just outside the bounds of the resort. One morning I ventured out with a guide who led me up a mountainside that stands between the coastline and the expanses of the island, cracking open fresh coconuts, pointing out tropical fruit laden trees, and explaining the rich vegetation along our trek. At the end of the path was an incredible viewpoint overlooking the island's north coast, from which he pointed out the area's best beaches and departures for the area's other popular excursions: horseback riding, tours through the forest to swim in millennia-old sinkholes and boat rides through the mangroves. 'Why would anyone want to leave such a precious property?' I had thought, until I realized that I would need to plan a return trip to experience everything there is to do in this still largely untouched region of the country. Playa Grande Beach Club's elegant main house, home to the property's lounge space, bar and restaurant. Playa Grande Beach Club The Playa Grande Secret There is plenty to do during a stay at Playa Grande Beach Club, but noticeable absent is the laundry list of amenities that often feel like a to-do list to modern travelers. Here, the luxury is in the space, the solitude, the stretch of sand that feels almost all your own. It is the serenity of dining in the grand, romantic main house, chatting with friends and family over farm-fresh food highlighting island-inspired flavors. "The biggest benefit of staying at Playa Grande Beach Club is that you feel like you are in a family," says Alexandra Jeronimo, General Manager of Playa Grande Beach Club. "The hotel is a timeless place from yesteryear where generational stories are made," she says, referencing both the intimate feel of the property and high return rate of guests. At this boutique property, bungalows sometimes book up to a year in advance by guests who don't want to skip a season at Playa Grande. It's a destination to be shared with friends and family, but carefully. "A lot of visitors tend to say things like 'I don't know if I should tell anyone about this place, so I've decided to tell no one so I can keep it for myself,'" says Jeronimo. After all, what started as a hideaway for a group of close friends and family never lost its essence. Now, it that same sublime peace and welcoming spirit that makes Playa Grande Beach Club such a singular slice of paradise.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- The Sun
Our top ‘best of both' destinations in the UK and abroad – with a city AND beach to tick all the boxes
CHOOSING where to go on holiday can be a nightmare when you love city breaks but also enjoy a beach vacation. But there are several places across the world - including in the UK - that offer the thrill of a city and the serenity of a coastal retreat. 21 Here are our top spots across the globe for seeing a city or bustling town, while also getting beach time... Barcelona, Spain By Cyann Fielding, travel reporter Barcelona is my all-time favourite city to fly into - as the plane heads out over the city and the ocean, then turns back, you get a glimpse of what this city has to offer... golden beaches and incredible architecture. For those who love architecture, Barcelona is an absolute must. Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia may be the most well-known building in the city, the Spanish architect has also designed a number of other spots across Barcelona. For example, Casa Batlló in central Barcelona features a colourful tiled face and on the inside, feels like a stylish funhouse. There is also Park Güell - an expansive park designed by the architect between 1900 and 1914. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features numerous areas to explore, all of which boast bright colours and quirky features. The city's Gothic Quarter is also worth seeing and is full of pretty alleys and passageways with an array of independent shops and restaurants to discover. Make sure to dive into one of the restaurants here, as I found the tapas here better than back in the city centre. If you then want to do a bit of sunbathing, head to the seafront where you will find numerous beaches, well-equipped with restaurants, bars and deckchairs. My personal favourite is Somorrostro beach, which sits next to the marina s you can watch a number of glamorous boats coming and going whilst you relax. Top 5 cheapest European city breaks Brighton, UK By Cyann Fielding, travel reporter There is nothing quite like Brighton anywhere else in the world, let alone the UK. With long stretching pebble beaches, a historic and pretty pier and a bustling centre - there is so much to explore. Before heading to the seafront, make sure to check out The Lanes - one of the most famous spots in the city. This area is essentially a labyrinth of small alleys and lanes that boast a wealth of hidden squares, shops and jewellers. They date back to the 16th century and locally are known as twittens. 21 It is well-worth dedicating a decent amount of time to explore The Lanes, as you can find some real treasures in antique shops, independent boutiques and jewellers. when you want to grab a pint, head to The Cricketer Arms on Black Lion Street, which was built around 1545 and is thought to be the oldest pub in the area. Undeniably, Palace Pier is a must too, with a number of fairground rides, bars and restaurants. After exploring, grab some fish and chips and head to the beach to enjoy the sound of the waves lashing against the pebbles. 21 Palma de Mallorca, Spain By Alice Penwill, travel reporter Palma is one of those places that you think couldn't get any better, and then you turn the corner and you're at the beach. The golden city has a beautiful old town filled with designer shops (of which I like to window shop), ice cream parlours, cafes and restaurants. Then there's the historical cathedral and S'Hort del Rei, which is the lush garden below the Almudaina Palace. And just when you think you've explored enough, you turn the corner to find a busy harbour and beaches everywhere. The closest one to the city is Platja de Can Pere Antoni which is a long sandy strip and a great spot for a dip. 21 21 Bournemouth, UK By Alice Penwill, travel reporter Beach huts, sand, sea, a fairground and some occasional sun, Bournemouth is your classic UK seaside resort - which is why I love it. Everything you need is in one place like candy floss stands, the big Ferris wheel, mini-golf Bournemouth Pier and the town is only a ten-minute walk away too. I usually opt to grab a mint chocolate chip ice cream from one of the small trailers on the promenade and take a seat on the sand, where I either gaze out to sea or search for the herd of cliff side goats. 21 21 Valencia, Spain By Lisa Minot, Head of Travel Valencia is my all-time favourite beach city. Playa de la Malvarrosa is a vast swathe of golden sands lapped by Mediterranean waters, but there's so much more. The town and beaches are connected by the stunning Turia Gardens - a former riverbed turned green park that snakes between the two and is ideal for strolling or cycling. The gardens are also home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with its aquarium, museums and opera house. The gothic cathedral in the Old Town houses what many believe is the Holy Grail - the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Foodies will adore the Central Market (Mercado Central) set within a stunning Art Deco building and one of Europe's oldest and largest functioning markets. For a panoramic city view, climb the Micalet Tower and after dark, head to the Ruzafa neighbourhood, known for its cool cafes and restaurants and bohemian character. Nearby is the Albufera Natural Park, Spain 's largest freshwater lagoon and near the rice paddies that provide the main ingredient for the city's legendary paella dish. 21 21 Hastings, UK By Lisa Minot, Head of Travel Hastings may have been down-at-heel and outshone by its brighter, glitzier neighbour Brighton in years gone by but there's a huge amount of charm to this traditional seaside resort. Just like Margate, the town is having something of a renaissance with arty types adding a gritty edge to its traditional bucket-and-spade background. The historic Old Town - a charming maze of narrow streets and timber-framed houses - is at the heart of the revival with independent boutiques, antique shops and of course, those artisan coffee shops sitting alongside traditional pubs. The town's burgeoning food and drink scene has something for everyone from the historic Stag Inn in the Old Town to trendy new start-ups in little sister St Leonards. Pelham Beach offers classic seaside amusements and is really family-friendly but for those seeking a little peace and quiet, the shingle beaches towards St Leonards are perfect. Its historic pier was destroyed by a devastating fire in 2010 but a multi-million pound restoration project saw it rise from the ashes, with the new design even winning the RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture in 2017. The town now offers a combination of old and new - from Hastings Fishermen's Museum providing a glimpse into its maritime past to the Hastings Contemporary art gallery with its impressive collection of modern British art. 21 21 Sydney, Australia By Sophie Swietochowski, assistant travel editor Canberra may be Australia 's capital city, but Sydney is its beating heart - or at least in my opinion, after spending several months working there in my early twenties. It has a culturally diverse personality that's on par with London, New York or Paris, which you'll find in its vast restaurant scene or impressive entertainment (I implore you to find a music venue with a better view than that of the Sydney Opera House). What puts it in another league to the destinations mentioned above, though, is its 50 or so miles of unspoilt coastline and jaw-dropping beaches that are frequently named among the best in the world. Each one attracts a different crowd. Bondi, is undoubtedly the most famous, loved for its energetic surfer vibe and laidback brunch spots looking out towards crashing waves. 21 You won't find a Bondi dude hanging out at Manly, however. This beach, north of the main city, offers two kilometres of sand overlooking foamy teal waters. Milk Beach, a teeny shore backed by craggy rocks, is in a quieter patch and attracts more of a local crowd, however my favourite has to be Brontë. The grass-backed shores sit just south of Bondi. There's no end-of-the-weekend scaries here, thanks to weekly Sunday Sips sessions at the Surf Life Saving Club with live music and sausages being sizzled on the barbie. Lisbon, Portugal By Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel - Digital Portugal is spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside cities, but Lisbon is up there among my favourites across the whole of Europe, thanks to its walkability, fantastic food and stunning buildings. Nos Alive, the city's best-loved music festival, regularly features headliners to rival Glastonbury 's - this summer, Olivia Rodrigo, Muse and Nine Inch Nails were all on the bill. I went a few summers ago to see Radiohead and spent the days mooching on the beach or filling up on Portuguese grub, before heading to the concert at nighttime. And there was plenty of food to fill up on... my favourites include Pastels De Nata at the Confeitaria Nacional shop at Praça da Figueira and the indoor Time Out Food Market, with food stalls from some of the city's best restaurants. For something a bit fancier, there's the Seen Sky bar at the Hotel Tivoli, which arguably has the best views over the city, with live DJs and Mediterranean sharing plates. Finish that off with some fantastic nightlife in the Barrio Alto, a 15th century warren of streets that come alive in the evenings as locals head for drinks at the many bars. Work off your hangover the following day with a trip to one of the city's many nearby beaches - whether you're looking for picturesque coves like Praia dos Galapinhos or surfing at Praia de Carcavelos, there is something for everyone and many can be reached by train. 21 21 Edinburgh, Scotland By Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel - Digital Edinburgh is one of my favourite UK cities. Whether it's a chance to catch some of the UK's best comedians at the Edinburgh festival, a foodie break or a Christmas jaunt, the city shows off its best side at all times of year. Among my favourite places to eat are The Wedgwood restaurant, offering fancy food in unpretentious surroundings and Stockbridge Market - a farmer's market s elling everything from hot dishes to cakes and cheese. For sampling some of the country's best gins, head to the Edinburgh Gin factory, where you can even create your own custom-made gin in their bespoke lab. If you're looking for a spot of culture, then Edinburgh castle is obviously a must, as is the Real Mary King's Close which takes visitors through the old streets of Edinburgh that haven't changed since the 17th century. And then, the beaches. I always make sure to head out to one of the city's many beaches when I visit - admittedly more for a bracing walk than a paddle and sunbathe. Portobello Beach is a lovely sandy beach with a promenade, where you can buy a size of pizza and a cocktail, and enjoy the view. 21 21 Los Angeles, USA By Helen Wright, travel writer Los Angeles is surely the ultimate city by the sea. The infamous sunset over Santa Monica pier and cycle path to Venice Beach are equally as famous as the Hollywood Sign and palm tree-lined Beverly Hills. For me, L.A. is the ideal holiday destination if you want to pretend you've swapped life at home for a super glossy A-List lifestyle. There is so much to do in Los Angeles, absolutely everyone will find something they enjoy. If you love museums and galleries, you may be surprised to discover that Los Angeles has more museums than any other city in the world. From the Grammy Museum to the Getty, you are spoilt for choice. Of course, Hollywood is known for its star-studded history and movie studios. On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you can follow the stars along the boardwalk, take a behind-the-scenes studio tour at the Warner Bros. 21 Studio and get your thrills on rides and attractions themed around your favourite films at Universal Studios, which is right in the middle of the city. For me, the best thing about Los Angeles is the enviable California lifestyle. Head to West Hollywood for shopping and lunch at Mamie Kitchen. Grab an iced coffee from Or Bar Coffee on Santa Monica BLVD, before heading out to the beach. On Santa Monica beach you can grab a deckchair on the sand, stroll the beach path past the outdoor gym and famous pier, or rent bikes and take on the whole 26-miles from Malibu to Torrance. Just remember you have to come back… I tend to go as far as Abbott Kinney Blvd and stop for boutique and vintage shopping, excellent restaurants like Great White Cafe and atmospheric dive bars by night. At Hinano Cafe, drinks are cheap and you'll rub shoulders with bikers, students, tourists and city guys stopping for a cold beer on the way home. Blackpool, UK By Helen Wright, travel writer Blackpool is a stand-out city by the sea for so many reasons. A nation's favourite, this northern beach town has a hearty mix of British seaside history, iconic architecture, lively nightlife and its own waterfront theme park. All of this is perfectly set along a seven-mile-long golden sandy beach. Start the day with pancakes at HIVE café on Church Street, before a little potter around the quirky shops and vintage emporiums. I always take a relaxed ride on a vintage tram along the seafront from the Pleasure Beach to Fleetwood and back. It's like going back in time. If you're looking for a budget day at the beach, grab a spot on the sand and paddle in the gentle water before the tide goes too far out. Those who want to explore a bit more, Blackpool has some iconic buildings, including the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens, that celebrate the golden age of Brit beach life. The North Pier is the more chilled-out of the two piers on Blackpool seafront. For a more serene day in the 'pool, pick up a £2 Mr Whippy and wander along the pier above the waves. The Central Pier is my favourite, with family attractions, twinkly arcades and a fun ferris wheel. Theme park fans can't miss Blackpool Pleasure beach with its famous roller coasters, The Big One and the Big Dipper. But the best attraction is the Steeplechase, where you can race your mates on mechanical horses. I have been riding this one since I was tall enough to get on. There is no better time to check out Blackpool than during the Blackpool Illuminations festival. The whole city is lit up with a sea of rainbow fairy lights and it's beautiful. WHEN it comes to Agadir, the city is just under four hours from the UK, reports Kara Godfrey, deputy travel editor. As Morocco's largest seaside resort, it has huge stretches of beaches with some popular with surfers. Along with 300 days of sunshine, you can expect high temperatures even in winter, reaching highs of 25C. It is affordable too - a study by Which? last year found Agadir to be one of the cheapest for package holidays. Popular attractions include Souk El Had, one of the largest markets in Africa, as well as the many hammans in the city for an authentic Moroccan spa experience. Seven night, all-inclusive breaks were on sale for as little as £300 at four-star resorts. Otherwise the cheapest flights are with Ryanair, starting from £19.99, or Loveholidays have an all-inclusive week-long break from £299. There is also an overlooked European city that's a better summer holiday alternative with 'bread' saunas and new Ryanair flights. Plus, the UK's 'worst city break destination' is home to the country's cheapest pint. 21
