What are your favorite beach areas in the U.S.?

[Southlander]

I adore ALL beaches! I used to love Daytona, but last time I was there it was awfully run down. Myrtle - another great one, but now way too crowded. My current favorite - Gulf Shores, Alabama. But plant me in the sand by the ocean any day!!

[electric_lady]

Florida gulf coast .... and Michigan's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Definitely agreeing with Steve-o on the Sleeping Bear Dunes. You wouldn't believe how gorgeous it is up here. There's a few more places that are even more beautiful, but I like to keep those to myself.

[Dedalus]

Originally Posted by Dedalus

That is why my vote is for Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA.

I used to take the L Taraval to the end of the line, purchase a small flask of bourbon, and walk up to the Cliff House on the beach.

Does anybody else remember the old Spooky Tunnel, that used to go under the highway there?

It was, indeed, spooky, but I loved it.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by holt4fam

Any beach in Maine. Also Topsail Island, NC and the beach on Caladesi Island, FL.

Oh, I agree! Ogunquit, Maine has a beautiful beach and a stunning cliff walk where you can see the waves slam into the rocks. Gorgeous! Then you go get yourself a lobstah roll. Oh, I miss New England!

[sweetclimber]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Believe it or not, my favorite beaches are along the western Michigan shore. Theyre pristine, with lots of HUGE sand dunes (100s of feet tall), lush vegetation and crystal clear blue skies. The Lake Michigan waters can be a bit chilly, but it feels great after a long day of riding quads on the dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are a great place to unwind and enjoy the un-crowded beach.

Western Michigan beaches are real nice- as well as the beaches around Rochester NY on lake Ontario

[NittanyLion]

I also like the beach towns in Michigan. Traverse City, Grand Haven, Ludington, and Pentwater are all beautiful and very family friendly.

[smartypants431]

Rehoboth Beach, DE and Salt Creek on the Puget Sound are 2 of my favs...

[Leana76]

My favorites are:

1. Daytona Beach, Florida (very pretty and I've been there 3 times. Best place to go during Spring Break and Bike Week...PARTY!!!)

2. Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina (very nice there and pretty)

3. Beaches in San Diego (I can't remember their names, but I liked them)

4. Rocky Point, Arizona (near the Mexico border...Great time there!!)

5. Galveston Beach, Texas (great seaside bars there and great fishing there)

6. Crystal Beach, Texas (great fishing there too)

7. South Padre Island, Texas (great party place during Spring Break)