For those looking for the perfect close-to-home spot that still feels like a true indulgence, below are five beaches worth the splurge this summer.
St. Thomas, U.S.V.I: Traveling these days is complicated — do I need a pre-arrival test? Will I need to quarantine upon return? Is my new passport going to arrive on time? — but luckily getting to the idyllic sands of St. Thomas is not. The destination is an American overseas territory — as such, the CDC's COVID-19 international travel requirements do not apply to citizens traveling directly from USVI to the U.S. mainland. In practical terms, this means Americans do not need to worry about navigating testing before returning home. And, they don’t even need a passport for entry.
South Walton, FL: This collection of high-end beach towns located on Florida’s Gulf Coast may have FL zip code, but the vibe is more akin to Nashville than the Sunshine State. With towns built with a focus on walkability, green space, and neighborhood interaction, South Walton is as charming as it is beautiful. With true white sand beaches, bright turquoise water, oak tree line streets, and a plethora of stunning accommodation options, South Walton is Florida’s best-kept secret for a high-end beach escape.
SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County): With more than 80 miles of pristine coastline and scenic views along Highway 1, SLO CAL is a beach lover’s paradise. From rugged cliffs and wide stretches of soft sand to secluded coves, the county has a shoreline to suit every taste.
Sarasota, FL: Sarasota is both an exciting urban destination and an elegant coastal retreat. Between its colorful history and enticing natural landscape, the destination attracts visitors from around the world. Here, white-sand beaches give way to emerald fairways and Spanish architecture, and the museums and art galleries are as alluring as the turquoise waves on the horizon.
St. Phillips Island, SC is a 5,000-acre undeveloped island located off the coast of Beaufort, near Hilton Head. For nearly 40 years, this sanctuary was a beach retreat for billionaire, Ted Turner. He sold it to the state in 2018 and it is now open for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. The island is only accessible by boat or ferry and features a half-mile Beach Trail, providing access to a long expanse of pristine beach as beautiful as any on the Carolina coast.