Choose Your Beach

Who’s going to the beach?

Beaches all have a certain character and that character often determines who is happiest there. That’s why I identify who each beach is likely to appeal to. Are you hoping to “hook up” at the beach? Then you probably won’t want to go to a beach that attracts mostly families. Do you want a romantic beach? Then you don’t want to be with a bunch of loud partiers. Before you can determine the best beach to visit, establish who’s going to the beach and what they hope to do there.

What amenities are absolutely essential to having a good time?

Do you absolutely, positively need a bathroom when you go to the beach? Then it’s unlikely that a remote beach, no matter how beautiful, will be the beach for you. Are you driving to the beach with young children and a years’ worth of toys? You’ll probably want to know that there’s parking at the beach. The good news is that once you determine your essential amenities you can check thebestbeach.net’s reviews to see which beaches have what you’re looking for.

How much can you afford to pay for your beach vacation?

As much as you may love the beach, spending more than you  can afford is never a good idea. Most of the beaches reviewed on this website are free as are many of the activities and amenities. Additionally, you may want to read the article, Save Money on Travel, for money saving ideas. Remember, whatever your budget there’s a beach for you.

How much time do you have?

There will be a big difference in your decision-making if you only have one day to go to the beach versus a week. If you have a day, then you’ll undoubtedly want to stay relatively close to home. If you have a week, you have many more options.

What are your favorite beach activities?

If you only go to beaches to relax, then every beach will have the activity you enjoy most. However, if you and/or your companions enjoy specific beachfront activities you’ll probably want to go to a beach that has those activities.

Does water temperature matter?

This question is more important than it might initially appear. There are many fantastic beaches where the water is cold. In fact, one of my all time favorite beaches, Main Beach in Ogunquit Maine, has extremely cold water. If you love to go in the water, but can’t stand cold water, then a coldwater beach isn’t going to be a best beach for you.

Does the color of the sand matter?

For some people sand isn’t appealing unless it’s white in color. Others don’t care what color the sand is as long as it is clean and soft. Which camp do you and your beach buddies fall into?

Does it matter if there are lifeguards at the beach?

This should be a simple yes or no answer, although you may want to read Beach Safety before you make this decision.

Do you want a dog friendly beach?

This should also be a simple yes or no answer. Thebestbeach.net identifies and reviews dog friendly beaches if you want to take man’s (or woman’s) best friend  to the beach with you.

Finally…

Remember, the best beach for you one day or one trip may not be the best beach for you on another because the answers to some of these questions may change. No problem. There’s a best beach for everyone and everything under the sun.

To many joyful beach experiences!

— Lisa Dworkin