BEACHES BECKON
Sun, sand, warm waters just a short flight away
It seems that the moment ski season wraps and we have that one semiwarm day, my thoughts turn completely to the beach. What's better than warm sand on bare feet, cool salt water and basking in the sun?
Here's some great news: While we may still have a handful of weeks until our epic New England beaches are bathing suit ready, there are plenty of sunny, sandy spots ready now, all within easy fly times.
My favorite beach tends to be the one I'm visiting at that moment. It's hard to find a beach you can't love, after all. But there are a few that stand out. Consider these for a true escape. It sure beats dreaming at your desk.
Clearwater Beach, Fla.: How a beach lover like me only discovered this amazing spot a year ago is baffling. Take a quick direct flight from Boston to Tampa, hop in an Uber or rent a car, and in 20 minutes flat you are in a funky beach town along a breathtaking stretch of sand and sea.
Clearwater Beach is so wide that the tide changes barely have an impact. The beach stretches for 2 1⁄2 miles, dotted with hotels, beachfront eating spots, beach vendors with chairs and umbrellas to rent, and fun things such as Jet Ski rentals, sea kayaks and more.
It's centered by the famed Pier 60, which stretches out into the warm gulf waters. South of that is the “Beach Walk,” a walkway with water fountains and shower nozzles, so you can go right from the beach to dining with a quick rinse off, and great cycling and running paths.
Accommodation choices are vast: From Airbnb homes to posh hotels such as the Opal Sands, you can find your fit. But the beach is what makes the place. Walk it, lounge on it, swim off it — just soak it all in. You'll be sure to spot some dolphins as well. Go to visitflorida. com.
Rosemary Beach, Fla.:
Take a direct flight to Panama City, Fla., and then head about a half hour east to this special spot. Rosemary Beach has the feeling of stage-set perfection. The 105 acres boast about 400 homes (most available for rent), a small and picturesque town center with shops and restaurants, and, of course, an incredible gulf-front beach with white sand, turquoise water and a kind of tranquility that is like an “anti-spring break.” When staying there, I use a beach cruiser bike to get around, as do most folks; you almost never hear the roar of a car engine. But it's not too quiet. You can find live music as well as amazing gourmet meals. Go to rosemarybeach.com.
Eleuthera, Bahamas:
Sure, your friends are all
zipping off to Atlantis, and good on them. But instead of making your connection to Nassau, hop a quick flight (from Fort Lauderdale or Miami) and land in Eleuthera. This 100-milelong island is at most two miles wide — and in one spot as narrow as a bridge. On one side is the Atlantic Ocean, great for surfing and a beautiful deep blue. On the other the Caribbean, glorious in turquoise, with calmer waters and so many ways to enjoy them.
Eleuthera is not heavily populated. As you drive along to your accommodations, you feel like you are taking in undiscovered territory. My favorite place to stay is French Leave Resort, a Marriott Autograph Collection property that gives you your own little bungalow and golf cart to get around. The vibe all over Eleuthera is chill; you live “on Bahama time,” meaning you don't keep an exact schedule and you go with what the day brings. Off the shore you can snorkel and see all kinds of amazing sea life. I once had a dolphin approach me in the middle of the sea, rolling to show off. Now that's a beach escape.
There are so many more, all within easy air travel from Greater Boston. I say get out there, feel the sand, love the sea and soak it all in. Consider it an appetizer for the great feast of our own New England beaches come summer. Go to bahamas.com for more information.