Latest news with #hiddenbeaches
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Yahoo
2 New Jersey beaches named Best Hidden Gems in US, according to Frugal Flyer
Summer in New Jersey means one thing: BEACH DAYS. But if you're tired of the usual crowds and looking for a serene sandy escape, you're in luck. Here are Garden State's best hidden gem beaches for a quieter getaway. A recent survey conducted by Frugal Flyer, a Canadian travel blog, polled 3,002 individuals to identify the United States' top under-the-radar beaches. For New Jersey residents dreaming of a quieter beach day, you'll be thrilled to hear that two Garden State beaches earned a spot on a national list of 95 top hidden gems, promising serene shores and easy parking. Sedge Island is No. 27 on the list. This location a unique and environmentally significant area located in Barnegat Bay, off Island Beach State Park, in New Jersey's only Marine Conservation Zone. It's not a typical public "beach" in the sense of a boardwalk and sunbathing area you can just drive up to. Coming in at No. 30 is Pearl Beach in Cape May Point. This beach is for those seeking genuine tranquility, a serene escape surrounded by natural beauty. It's conveniently located near the iconic Sunset Beach, the historic Cape May Lighthouse and the birdwatcher's paradise of Cape May Point State Park. But, don't expect restrooms or snack bars right on the sand — this location is for the prepared beachgoer who packs essentials. Awahua Beach in Molokai, Hawaii Pa'ako Cove in Makena, Hawaii Gray's Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii Secret Beach in Brookings, Oregon Shell Key Preserve in Tierra Verde, Florida Red Sand Beach, or Kaihalulu Beach, on Maui, Hawaii Wildcat Beach in Marin County, California Carmel Meadows Beach in Carmel, California Gray Whale Cove Beach in San Mateo County, California Crystal Lake near Barton, Vermont This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Jersey's top hidden gem beaches for a peaceful retreat
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Forbes
South Carolina Ranks No. 1 In Top Hidden Beaches, A New Study Says
Two beaches on South Carolina's Edisto Island are cited as hidden, secluded beaches in a new study. (Photo by: Wolfgang Kaehler/Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images If you are looking for a hidden, secluded beach this summer, head to South Carolina, a new study says. Five South Carolina beaches rank in the top 10 of the top 20 hidden coastal spots throughout America, according to the study by BoatBooker, a website that books boating trips throughout the country. South Carolina's Vereen Memorial Park in Little River ranks No. 1, and the state's Driftwood Beach on Edisto Island is No. 2. Other South Carolina beaches in the top 10 are Morris Island near Charleston, Station 22—Public Beach Access on Sullivan's Island and Edisto Beach State Park Campground on Edisto Island. Morris Island is uninhabited, and the island and its lighthouse are accessible only by boat. BoatBooker found the best secluded beaches by using Google maps and the search terms "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches" and "quiet beaches." It focused on locations with fewer than 100 reviews, because they are more likely less visited and off the beaten path, BoatBooker says. Each beach was then ranked using a combined score based on its average rating and number of reviews. Vacationers, though, should be forewarned: U.S. beaches are often crowded in summertime, particularly on weekends. This journalist noticed online comments saying that some of the beaches in the BoatBooker study, particularly some near major cities, were crowded when the commenters visited. California's Dana Strands Beach is one of the nation's top hidden coastal spots, a new study says. (Photo by Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The study noted that 'there's nothing worse than planning the perfect beach getaway, only to find yourself elbow-to-elbow with crowds at America's most famous coastal destinations.' The most tranquil beach spots 'are not along the renowned resort communities but in state parks, nature reserves and little seashore towns.' Nine California beaches are in the top 20, which, because of ties in the ratings, included 22 beaches. The state's highest-ranking beach is No. 5 Torrey Pines City Beach in San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood. The beach. also known as Black's Beach, is famous among surfers for big winter swells, but it is better known as San Diego's nude beach, according to the San Diego Tourism Authority. The beach can be difficult to access because of its location beneath the Torrey Pines bluffs. 'Stately eight-figure mansions and state-of-the-art medical research labs now line the bluffs where pastures and the Black family horse farm once lay,' the tourism authority says. Another nude beach, Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, ranks No. 3 in the BoatBooker study. The beach is in the National Park Service's Gateway National Recreation Area. 'A portion of Area G (South Gunnison) on Sandy Hook is used by visitors as a clothing optional area,' the park service's website says. 'While this area is not designated as clothing optional, there is no prohibition against this activity. The park acknowledges the popularity and history of the use and advises unfamiliar visitors of this activity through signs. Nudity, outside the traditional use area, may be considered disorderly conduct.' The BoatBooker study ranks five North Carolina beaches in its top 20: Caswell, Ocean Isle, Carolina, Coquina and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Alabama (Gulf Shores Beach) and Texas (Beach Access #4—Beach Circle on Soth Padre Island) are the other states with beaches on the top 20 list. '2025 is all about escaping the noise and finding America's most peaceful, secret beaches,' says Vukan Simic, BoatBooker's founder. 'While everyone else is fighting for space at the famous beaches, savvy travelers can discover the authentic American coast that locals have cherished for generations."
The Sun
18-06-2025
- The Sun
English holiday village with unspoilt beach is home to worlds only ‘cloud bar'
CLOUD NINE And the other hidden beaches to explore in the UK A TINY holiday village in the UK is home to a unique 'cloud bar' - the only one in the world. Anderby Creek is near Lincolnshire, although remains off the beaten track. 5 5 5 It is home to a number of holiday cottages hat overlook the beach. Not only that but there are also a number of campsites and caravan sites to choose from as well. According to the tourism website, the long sandy beach is "quiet, unspoilt and [has] plenty of space". Not only that but it was named one of the best beaches in the UK by The Times. Daniel Start, author of Hidden Beaches Britain also raved about the place in his book, calling it "a perfect hidden beach with endless golden sands backed with dunes and with very few people.' But is also home to the world's only cloud bar. It's not to be confused with an actual bar, as there are no drinks being served there Built in 2009, it it is dedicated to being a good cloud spotting place. Instead there is a raised platform with five convex mirrors you can rotate. A cloud menu also allows you to watch and spot them. Discovering Malta's hidden gem with a quick stop in Gozo 5 One tourist said it was "magical" while others said it was a "brilliant idea". Otherwise there is also a cafe, public toilets and car parking open to the public. Or if you want to visit a proper bar, there is Popa's Kitchen serving food and drink. One person wrote: "Anderby Creek is a gem of a village with a spectacular beach but relatively undiscovered so wonderfully peaceful." Another agreed: "Beautiful hidden away secluded beach." Anderby Creek is around 25 minutes from Skegness. Here is another hidden beach, this time in London behind a pub. And we rounded up Kent's best beaches which includes quieter bays to avoid the crowds.
Forbes
18-05-2025
- Forbes
18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways
As summer approaches, the dream of a peaceful beach escape can quickly devolve into the reality of battling over limited parking spots, securing the last beach umbrella and wrangling the best lunch reservations. This year, leave all that stress behind. Instead of elbowing through throngs on South Beach, it may be time to try that secluded stretch along Florida's 30A highway. Rather than following the crowds to Waikiki Beach, consider a quiet Malaysian retreat. For those seeking a summertime trip beyond the bustling tourist trails, Forbes Travel Guide's editors recommend 18 under-the-radar beach havens. But don't wait on booking a summer beach getaway—these destinations won't stay a secret for long. One&Only Aesthesis Santorini and Mykonos may attract most of the summer hordes but missing out on other islands and Greek beach destinations would be a tragedy. One&Only Aesthesis' golden sands are impossibly serene, even though the beach sits just 20 minutes from the city center. The Athenian Riviera property wisely orients its recreation, restaurants and remarkable views around the water. For even more privacy, the adults-only Mystiko Beach offers a secluded cove nearby. Mandarin Oriental, Canouan In 2024, the small Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines had roughly 227,000 visitors, compared to 11 million for the Bahamas. Those in the know come to the world-class Mandarin Oriental, Canouan. It sits on Godahl Beach, the white-powdered playground that's blanketed with the Five-Star resort's colonial-style suites, Italian-designed villas and a spa with hillside palapas. D Maris Bay The Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet at this Turkish resort. D Maris Bay features six distinct beaches—ranging from a club scene with DJs and late-night parties to a family-friendly option with a kids' club—and a yacht for water adventures. After hitting the beach, choose from seven bars and six restaurants and then retire to one of the 195 bright, contemporary rooms overlooking the water or mountains. The Datai Langkawi A 10-million-year-old rainforest borders Datai Bay, shielding the mile-long crescent of white sand along the Andaman Sea. The lush landscape also hides the 121 wood-filled rooms, whose terraces might offer a glimpse of the rainforest's resident langurs and Sunda flying lemurs. Learn more about the native fauna and flora on one of the nature walks or enjoy the tropical surroundings from the spa's open-air treatment villas. The St. Regis Longboat Key A Sarasota-area getaway that debuted in October 2024, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort was instantly praised for its 168 sophisticated rooms and 20,000-square-foot spa. But the real draw here is the 11-mile barrier island on which the resort sits. Vacationers can bask at how well the natural world and hospitality world harmonize here during a morning walk along the shore, an afternoon lagoon excursion or a candlelit dinner at the waterfront Riva Italian restaurant. The Chedi Lustica Bay Similar to its buzzy neighbor Croatia, Montenegro offers lush landscapes and walled Game of Thrones-worthy towers. But unlike the former, images of Montenegro resorts such as The Chedi Luštica Bay, a Mediterranean marvel of stone facades and terra cotta roofs, haven't been overshared on Instagram yet. While guests may want to post from the year-round private beach, the 111-room hotel's four restaurants and bars, Asian-inspired spa and outdoor infinity pool are also ready for their close-up. Baoase Luxury The private beach at this island hideaway is a launching point for snorkel expeditions to a submerged tugboat and teeming reefs, jet-ski adventures and charters of a 42-foot Boston Whaler for a sunset outing. The family-run, Balinese-influenced hotel keeps the experience intimate with just 23 rooms, including a lavish villa on its own private island. 7Pines Resort Sardinia Like any Sardinian escape worth its weight in date palms, this 75-room property cradled along the island's northern coast has its share of quaint nooks. Still, 7Pines Resort Sardinia's best-kept secret may be the four coves hidden within its shrubland. Upon request, the hotel can transform these quiet corners into an open-air spa haven or a romantic picnic spot, giving guests an opportunity to make unique memories far from the island's more congested beaches. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Spanish moss, 13 miles of dune-lined barrier island beaches and plentiful rocking chairs make this Four-Star resort ideal for a genteel getaway about 45 minutes from Jacksonville. The hotel elevates the experience with a Four-Star spa, the newly renovated Salt restaurant from former Le Bernardin chef Okan Kizilbayir and a Club Level that not only has a lounge but also extends to the beach with perks like a dedicated strip of sand and lunch delivered right to your chair. Cleopatra sidi Heneish Avoid the crowds at this little-known beach enclave tucked away along Egypt's enchanting North Coast. It's a place fit for royalty: according to the hotel, Cleopatra herself once bathed in these turquoise waters. If that's not reason enough of a lure, the 332-room oceanfront hotel also features seven pools, a kids' camp and aquatic park, a golf driving range and a rejuvenating spa. Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Everything revolves around the water at this remote thatched-roof paradise on the island's northwestern coast. Guests can partake in this Five-Star boutique hotel's yoga and meditation on the beach, sunset paddle yoga, weekly beachside buffet and private dining on the sand. And no matter which of the 69 suites you book, all overlook the ocean. Venture inland to visit the 12-treatment-room spa with Valmont treatments and the 18-hole Mont Choisy Le Golf course just 10 minutes away. Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai While visitors come here for the nearby UNESCO Heritage Sites, they should stay for the beach. The Five-Star all-villa hotel offers a private half-mile of white sand dotted with coconut palms and an array of watersports, including kayaking, bodyboarding, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. There are also three pools, a spa with floating treatment pavilions and a beachfront lounge serving sherry sundowners. Salterra In the "island of white gold," salt is a precious commodity. South Caicos' rich salt-harvesting heritage inspired the design of the new beachfront property, its spa treatments and the signature restaurant, Brine. Salterra features abundant natural riches, including a stunning 3,000-foot stretch of pristine beach, and 100 sand-colored rooms with balconies that face the ocean. Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve A private paradise awaits on the shores of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea. The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East opened in 2024 in the largely untouched Ummahat Islands with 63 seashell-shaped, solar-powered overwater villas featuring Saudi design touches. Every villa also comes with a butler who can arrange everything from snorkel trips at nearby reefs to stargazing sessions with an astronomer. The Cove Eleuthera The intimate, laid-back vibe at the 22-room boutique hotel between two sand coves ensures that guests will never have to worry about jostling for a chaise longue. It also means there won't be crowds at the infinity pool with ocean vistas, the Asian-inspired restaurant or the cliffside bar. Apart from the attentive staff, who can arrange a coral nursery snorkel tour or a sand bar excursion, you may forget there's anyone else there. The Pearl Southern hospitality shines as bright as the Florida sun at this Rosemary Beach boutique hotel with thoughtful touches such as complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival, freshly baked bedtime treats and a waterfront chaise and black-and-white umbrella waiting when it's time to get some rays. After a long day on the beach, retreat to the turreted hotel's rooftop bar or a coastal-chic room. The Sanya Edition Set along the South China Sea in Sanya—dubbed the 'Hawaii of China'—this Four-Star hotel offers its own unique 215,000-square-foot private 'ocean,' where more than 10 million gallons of water are pumped in from the sea and filtered. The 501 water-facing rooms are sleek, minimalist refuges, and a floating restaurant and two-story spa allow for more ways to unwind. Hotel Principe Forte Dei Marmi Tuscany may not be the first destination that springs to mind when dreaming up a beach getaway, but this Four-Star hotel is worthy of one. The meticulously designed property has an elegant beach club overlooking the Ligurian Sea, ample lounge chairs and a Mediterranean garden, which houses a restaurant overseen by chef Valentino Cassanelli that radiates easy European charm.
