Want more from a beach vacation than the beach?
If your family grows tired of building sand castles or readjusting a wayward umbrella, you might consider destinations with plenty to offer beyond the beach. Here are five options: 1 Kukuiula, Kauai, Hawaii: Make the most of your time on the sunny south side of the island, while staying in your own plantation-style cottage in this picturesque, 1,010-acre community. You’ll enjoy relaxing on the soft, yellow sand beaches, but make time for the Island Pursuits program, which includes a personal island concierge who can plan activities for every member of the family.
Hike to hidden waterfalls or paddle 17 miles aboard a traditional Hawaiian canoe to the protected island of Ni’ihau. Test your golf skills on the Tom Weiskopf-designed course or spend the day at the spa. As dinner draws near, visit the 50-acre community farm and harvest your own fruits and vegetables. Info: kukuiula.com 2 Indiana Dunes, Porter County, Ind.: Hoosiers are proud of the 15 miles of sandy beachfront that embraces the southern tip of Lake Michigan. The Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail was created to provide a deeper experience for visitors. More than 60 historic, cultural and nature-based options lure more than 3 million visitors each year. Consider a visit to a nearby bison farm, learn about the 350 bird species that live or migrate through the area, or hike within a landscape that features dunes, barrens, prairies, forests and wetlands.
indianadunes.com 3 Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa, Nicaragua: You’ll want to spend plenty of time on the Emerald Coast’s pristine beaches, but should you choose not to linger —there is plenty more to experience. The resort offers Oolal Journeys (Mayan for happiness) that include a day learning from a community leader, cooking lessons, dinner with a local family or milking cows with the locals in a nearby village. Embark on a sea-totable foraging expedition, during which you’ll catch fish and discover the herbs that will be used in preparation. Mukul’s spa features ancient Ayurveda treatments and soothing aromatherapy remedies using local, organic herbs and plants — and then there is the world-class surfing. Also of note: Spirit Airlines recently launched nonstop service to Managua, Nicaragua.
mukulresort.com 4 Assateague Island National Seashore, Berlin, Md.: This magnificent stretch of beach is perhaps best-known for the wild Chincoteague ponies that make their annual swim across the Assateague Channel. The seashore, a part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, is also home to more than 300 species of birds as well as miles of trails for biking and hiking. Make time for beachcombing, kayaking, swimming and keeping eyes out for eagles overhead and dolphins in the water. Info: nps.gov/asis/index.htm 5 Lincoln City, Ore.: With more than 7 miles of sandy beaches on which to stroll, this coastal northwestern enclave created a clever way to intrigue visitors. Every October through May, volunteers for the Finders Keepers program place handmade glass art on the beach for the curious to discover and take home. Families also enjoy kite festivals, arts and crafts and shopping throughout the year. Info: oregoncoast.org