AARP's Best Beaches
Just in time for summer, see our top U.S. destinations for those age 50+
by Kitty Bean Yancey, AARP, April 17, 2019
Whether white powder or rocky, laid back or lively, these lovely beaches all have plenty to appeal to grownup vacationers.
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PHOTO BY: Getty Images
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
En español | With jagged verdant mountains as a backdrop and crashing waves at the forefront,
half moon-shaped Hanalei on the north shore of Kauai resembles a tropical stage set. In fact, it has been: Scenes in 1958's South Pacific, starring Mitzi Gaynor, and 2011's The Descendants, starring George Clooney, were filmed on the two-mile-long beach. Hanalei's pristine beach attracts swimmers, paddleboardersand surfers. And it's still blissfully free of the chain eateries and hotels that have engulfed other hot spots in Hawaii. -
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PHOTO BY: Alamy Stock Photo
Clearwater Beach, Fla.
Named the best U.S. beach in 2019 for the second straight year by TripAdvisor users, this 2.5-mile stretch on the Gulf Coast (about 25 miles west of Tampa) is an oasis of shimmering sand and easily accessible attractions. You can rent lounge chairs, beach wheelchairs or umbrellas; fish from the pier day or night; and view Dolphin Tale stars in the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Come at sunset, celebrated at Pier 60 with entertainers, artists
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PHOTO BY: Alamy Stock Photo
Cannon Beach, Ore.
When the mist rolls in over striking rock formations at either end of this gorgeous beach, a moody and mysterious vibe captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest coast. Only the hardy can swim here without a wetsuit, but the four miles of sand — a 90-minute drive west of Portland — are awash in walkers from dawn to dusk, all stopping to photograph Cannon's iconic 235-foot tall Haystack Rock. You may spot a spouting gray whale, especially during winter and spring migrations. As the tide rolls out, locals and vacationers alike dig for flavorful razor clams; eat them dipped in beer batter and deep fried
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PHOTO BY: Getty Images
Gulf Shores, Ala.
Ten miles of emerald water and fine-grained white-quartz sand beckon on the Gulf of Mexico near the Alabama-Florida state line. Recent renovations to Gulf Shores Public Beach brought a concrete boardwalk for walking and biking as well as improved lifeguard facilities. The Hangout, a wheelchair-accessible bar
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PHOTO BY: Maine Office of Tourism
Sand Beach, Maine
Just 290 yards long, this photogenic beach in Acadia National Park is flanked by craggy granite rock formations and features finely ground shells and spines of sea urchins. The water is cold, even in summer, but there are changing rooms and lavatories and easy hikes with great sea views. Reached by scenic Park Loop Road, Sand Beach is close to the resort town of Bar Harbor, where road trippers can refuel on lobster rolls.
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PHOTO BY: Getty Images
South Padre Island, Texas
Reached by
bridge , the island's 34 miles of shoreline include dunes and undeveloped stretches of snow-white sand, as well as beaches backed by hotels, condosand eateries. You can drive on the beach in some areas, and the city rolls out the welcome mat (literally) for the disabled. Free big-tired wheelchairs lent by the South Padre Island Fire Department glide smoothly to the water on special mats atop the sand at certain beach-access points. And Padre gives a Texas “howdy” to dogs that care to take a dip. -
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PHOTO BY: Alamy Stock Photo
Delray Beach, Fla.
The gorgeous two-mile public beach that's 25 miles north of Fort Lauderdale is often uncrowded, a boon for beach lovers. So is the wealth of locally owned boutiques, bars
and restaurants that line nearby Atlantic Avenue, where boomers groove to oldies at nightspots playing Margaritaville tunes. A room at the historic and moderately priced Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club (from $119 nightly in summer) comes with free admission and shuttle service to its beach club. -
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PHOTO BY: Getty Images
Kapalua Bay Beach, Hawaii
The protected crescent between two lava outcroppings on the northwest tip of Maui is a haven for snorkelers (you can rent gear here) and swimmers who seek gently sloping, clear turquoise waters. (It's easy to see why it's a favorite of “Dr. Beach,” Florida State University professor Stephen P. Leatherman, who's known for his lists of top beaches). Swim with colorful tropical fish and sea turtles, and order a snack at a beach shack.
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PHOTO BY: Alamy Stock Photo
Santa Monica State Beach, Calif.
These three miles of
coast are super for sunning and people watching (a favorite Los Angeles pastime). But for many, the main attraction is the century-old pier, where parents and grandparents take the kids on retro rides, including a Ferris wheel, roller coasterand 1939 carousel. You can also play more than 100 games, from Skee-Ball to Pac-Man, at Playland Arcade. Sip a sundowner at a pier restaurant, or fish for free.
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