Even the biggest beach bum can get a little burnt out traveling to the same ho-hum destination year after year. Sure, there’s something to be said for revisiting your favorite spot: having “your” restaurant or “your” pier while combining nostalgia with new memories. However, even a favorite spot can wear out its welcome if you don’t shake things up every now and then.
Looking for a beach vacation that will break the mold? Try one of these unique beaches for your next vacation getaway:
Siesta Beach, Florida, USA
Siesta Beach, Florida seems almost too quintessentially “beachy” to make this list. A photogenic Florida beach with blue sky, blue waters and white sand seems—although beautiful—rather run of the mill.
Except the white sand isn’t white sand. Siesta’s shore is made up, not of sand, but of tiny quartz crystals. The crystals do not heat up under the sun’s rays like typical sand, so no matter how the sun blazes and the temperatures rise, the beach will remain cool underfoot.
The cool quartz beach is the most unique aspect of this destination, which makes it the perfect first step for vacationers desiring to make a break from the ordinary.
Boulder Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Penguins and dolphins and whales, oh my! Cape Town’s Boulder Beach is known for more than just, well, boulders. Though the super-sized stones that give the beach its name do create some of the draw, the wildlife is truly what makes Boulder Beach an unforgettable spot.
A protected part of the Table Mountain National Park, Boulder Beach is home to a large colony of African penguins. (It’s actually one of the few mainland penguin colonies.) Tourists can swim with the penguins and run the chance of spotting whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and other wildlife as well. Those looking for a unique backdrop and unforgettable animal encounters should give Boulder Beach a try.
Jurassic Coast, English Channel, Southern England
Those desiring a vacation with a bit more paleontology and a bit less zoology will be smitten with England’s Jurassic Coast. Spanning 95 miles of coastline from East Devon to Dorset, Jurassic Coast is both a natural and historic wonder.
Traversing the coast, visitors can view sections of the cliffs that date from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Filled with fossils and footprints from the three periods, the coastline also hosts shell remnants from England’s time as part of the Roman Empire. Boasting fantastic views, staggering cliffs, and a unique view into history, this UNESCO World Heritage site is perfect for those who desire vacations that both amaze and educate.
Hot Water Beach, Coromandel, New Zealand
For anyone who has ever wished that their beach of choice had a few hot tubs, you’re in luck. New Zealand’s Hot Water Beach has just that: hot water.
Visitors to Hot Water Beach can enjoy a typical vacation: taking pleasure in the sandy shores and crashing waves, and taking time to surf and sunbathe. Meanwhile, those desiring to enjoy a spa day and a beach day at the same time can fulfill their wish come low tide. The two hours before and after low tide expose the portions of the beach (the southern end) that lay over hot springs. Those doubting the heating power of geothermal energy need only take a dip in the up to 150 degree mineral water to become true believers.
Just remember to take a spade if you plan to enjoy a heated soak: you’ll need to dig your own little personal tub to reveal the hot water.
Gulpiyuri Beach, Naves, Llanes, Spain
Not all beaches border the sea. Gulpiyuri Beach in Spain is actually located inland instead of on the shore. Separated from the sea by cliffs and caves, this microscopic beach is a unique treasure.
Despite the cliffs that divide Gulpiyuri from the sea, the beach still has waves and its own tiny shore. Rather than coming directly from the boundless ocean, Gulpiyuri’s waves arrive through underground caves located beneath the cliffs. Surrounded by cliffs and meadows, this beach is the perfect spot for an isolated getaway.
So next time you’re looking to get away to enjoy a little sun and sand, skip the day trip. Make it a once in a lifetime experience by visiting a one of a kind beach.
Photos: Robert Pittman | Lenna Young Andrews | Nicolas Raymond | Vaidotas Miseikis | Pedro Vizcaino Pino | ospanacar
