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If you choose Puerto Rico or the US Virgin islands, you don't even need a passport if you are a US citizen.
I'd suggest staying at a resort with a private beach. St. Thomas might be a good place to start, it meets all of your requirements.
Passports are not absolutely mandatory for those territories, but they are recommended.
Although no passports or immunizations have been necessary for a U.S. citizen or national traveling to Puerto Rico, travelling with a U.S. passport is strongly recommended. (http://www.doi.gov/oia/Islandpages/prpage.htm - broken link)
Proving citizenship is pesky during these Homeland Security days. I just renewed my driver's license, and had to have a social security card, marriage license, and two bills confirming my residence.
We enjoyed the Virgin Islands, but much preferred the British to the American--less crowded, more low key, but there were full moon parties for those who seek that stuff. St John's waters were beautiful, but the minute we got off the boat we got hassled by people wanting to sell us something.
Maybe that was an isolated incident, I've only been there once.
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are lovely, too. I grew up going to Nantucket every summer, I think it's changed a bit but perhaps the OP could get a nice quiet cottage in the fall, and enjoy the September sun (springtime will be chilly.)
As Jambo says (and as I said earlier) the Gulf would work in terms of proximity (and not necessarily Florida). I saw my first green flash in northwest Florida.
Check out Mary's Boon in SXM. DM me if you decide that is your destination and I can provide you with good info on a rental car and other places for dining and other activities. They have a beautiful beach.
Royal Palm Beach Club is in a great area but the beach is not as nice. However, there's a nice restaurant across the street that has music every night and very casual. Beach bars a few feet from the resort.
Don't go to the Gulf "coast"... oh my gosh. You can do way better! You're in Colorado? You'd be better off going to San Diego than you would be going to the Gulf Coast. Because of all that oil refinery business going on and all the development, the Gulf is so ugly. Too many people, too. Trash on the beach. Eeeww. I grew up in Texas and that was all I knew, so when I was young I used to get excited about going to Padre or Galveston or wherever down there. But now I understand what a real beach vacation is - if you're going to treat yourself - treat yourself! I don't usually recommend most California beaches, either, but I'd prefer them over the Gulf coast any day.
Oregon beaches are protected by the 1967 beach bill. They are pretty wild, usually not crowded (except on summer weekends) and gorgeous. They are not warm beaches, though... so you won't be getting a tan or showing off your bikini body. We wear bog boots, jeans, and hoodies even during the summer on the Oregon coast. lol Good food, though, and it's so peaceful. You can get a yurt for super cheap, there are bed and breakfasts (one with each room dedicated to a famous writer), resorts, spa's, etc.
Well, I would like the opportunity to at least strip down to a pair of shorts and work on my tan a little bit. How about Maryland or Virginia? Are there any decent beaches up there or are we getting into Touristland?
The only way I know of to enjoy a beach without worrying about your stuff getting ripped off is to stay at a hotel that has its own beach. You can get some good deals in Hawaii since business is down.
Don't go to the Gulf "coast"... oh my gosh. You can do way better! You're in Colorado? You'd be better off going to San Diego than you would be going to the Gulf Coast. Because of all that oil refinery business going on and all the development, the Gulf is so ugly. Too many people, too. Trash on the beach. Eeeww. I grew up in Texas and that was all I knew, so when I was young I used to get excited about going to Padre or Galveston or wherever down there. But now I understand what a real beach vacation is - if you're going to treat yourself - treat yourself! I don't usually recommend most California beaches, either, but I'd prefer them over the Gulf coast any day..
Haggard, I gotta tell ya, a Gulf beach vacation need not be equated with Texas.
From reading your description, the Texas Gulf, I am happy to say, is very different from the Northwest Florida Gulf.
I took this picture of the dunes at sunrise, just west of the little town of Port St Joe. There are no hi-rises there, let alone people and their trash.
I regularly saw bald eagles and dolphins.
This photo is the same beach:
Anguilla (British West Indies) fits all of your requirements to a T (except for maybe #10). We went last year in early April, stayed in Shoal Bay (villas, cottages, and smaller hotels only).
One of the whitest beaches and bluest seas I've ever seen anywhere (including Hawaii):
This was the most crowded day:
Our view at breakfast (we had to walk on the beach to get to the restaurant next door):
Based on most of your criteria, you can rule out all Florida beaches. Try looking into N.C. Outer Banks, VA. Beach areas. Those areas are more in line with your criteria.
... You're in Colorado? You'd be better off going to San Diego ... .
I had thought of suggesting San Diego, except the ocean is always cold here. If the OP actually wants to swim in the ocean, southeast or gulf coast - or Hawaii - will be better for that. If swimming isn't that high a priority, then by all means consider San Diego! We have loads of beaches of varying characters. And there are some hotels on Mission Bay with 'their own' (not really, but they look after it) stretch of beach, for the safety of your stuff.
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I don't usually recommend most California beaches, either, but I'd prefer them over the Gulf coast any day.
