Showing posts with label Beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beach. Show all posts

A Unique Beach Experience for the Coming Winter

TRAVEL TUESDAY

Most may think of going to the beach in the summer time.  While that is always a fabulous idea, I am going to suggest visiting the beach in the winter.  I want to tell you about this cute little beach town in Delaware called Rehoboth Beach.

The month of December, this small town that has one main street that runs through the entire town all the way to beach boardwalk.  From the moment you enter this town, it's all decorated and lit up for Christmas.

This was probably my most favorite picture I took the entire trip, because I love the lighting so much.
This was actually taken on the beach right outside my hotel.


One of the best things about visiting a beach town in the winter are the prices.  You'll find hotel prices are extremely discounted and you can get a room right on the beach overlooking the ocean.

If you need an idea of something to do on the beach.  Seashell or shark tooth collecting.  Because the summer crowds are gone, I could walk down at almost anytime and find huge shells, and lots of shark teeth (I like to collect them:)  Also a fun evening thing I enjoyed was cooking up some hot chocolate in my room and taking it to the beach to sip on while I walked along the sandy shore.

I had a corner beach view room.  Which also looked down at the boardwalk.

I mentioned the town dresses up for Christmas, well they also dress up the beach.  Here at the boardwalk you can find Santa's house, which may look small, but during the day they have actual Santa hours for kids to visit.  There are also these cute sea creature light exhibits along the boardwalk area.


The cute gazebo pictured below is at the end of the town street.  Just before the boardwalk.

If you like marathon's this is also the actual starting line spot for the Rehoboth Beach Marathon.  You may notice how decorated the gazebo (aka Bandstand) is, the lights and garland up and down the poles.  Well the entire town along the street, all the street lamps every so many feet on both sides are decorated up the same fun way.  It really is Christmas at the beach, I loved it!


Kinda hard to tell, but you can kind of see how fun the entire street is decorated up from the picture below.  Not just the street's but the business are also into the holiday spirit.


When you're not shopping the beach shops, or sipping cocoa on the beach, you can go out sight seeing.
Take a little drive down to Cape Henlopen State Park.

WW II Watch Tower

You can get a history lesson, and tour the top of one of these World War II look out towers.  Which also have 360 degrees of fabulous views.


There is a 3-mile long paved trail through the park.  As well of 6 miles of beach to hike and explore.


If you like lighthouses, there are a couple to check out as well.  I absolutely love lighthouses, I find they are each unique in their own way!


And if you still haven't found something to do, just bring your Dairy Cow to the beach for some family Christmas pictures:)  I actually have no idea who this family is, but they gave me a great smile as I watched them walk this big cow to the sandy beach as they posed for photo's.  Hope they don't mind I snapped the picture:)


I actually saw several people out surfing on one of the nearby beaches one day.  They must love it, because I would imagine even in a wetsuit that has got to be cold!

Visiting the beach in the winter is just an entirely different experience.  But was a lot of fun in this cute dressed up Christmas Beach Town called Rehoboth Beach.

IF YOU GO:

*  There are several flight options (Baltimore, D.C. & Philadelphia)  I flew into Philadelphia and rented a car and drove south to get there.
*  Some hotels may be closed in the winter, and others are open and have great prices.
*  If you like to run races, they have a fabulous marathon (I loved it!) and half marathon in December, The Rehoboth Beach Marathon.  The race starts at the beach, runs through the town, woods, and State Park.
*  I discovered in December they didn't even charge me to enter Cape Henlopen State Park, where in the summer yes you have to pay a visitors fee.
*  There are plenty of places to eat here, you won't even have to drive further into town if you don't want to, lots of shops and small eateries right in Rehoboth.




Santa Monica Beach and Pier

This week for Travel Tuesday I want to showcase Santa Monica Beach & Pier.  Whether you enjoy days at the beach, concerts at night, surfing or paddle boarding, fishing, amusement parks, eating or shopping.  There is a little bit of everything for everyone.


If you are going to be in the Los Angeles, California area, this is a fun beach destination to pick to visit.  Although it can probably get crowded at times, it really does have a little something for everyone.



For those who like to soak in a few rays, play in the sand or water.  There are lots of long sandy beautiful beaches on both sides of the pier.  The beaches have lifeguards on duty during certain hours.  Additionally, there are lots of beachside activities from volleyball to walking/running trails.

The pier is full of fun, food and shops.  Hang out there during the day, night or both.  You'll get a different feel and vibe from daytime to nighttime.  It's great for adults or families, there is something for everyone to do.


You can sign up to take tours, go fishing off the pier.  Play at Pacific Park and ride the rides. Visit the aquarium or play in the arcade.  Rent a bike or ride the historic carousel.



At night depending on the time of year, you may be able to sit back and enjoy live concerts, or movies on the beach.  If you are planning to visit, I'd recommend checking out their website first so you can see what different things you can do or participate in during the days you'll be there.



Additionally it's home to the end of the trail for the famous historic Route 66 road.  If you are really looking for some fun adventure.  If you have the time to drive across the county, hop on the road in Chicago and drive it all the way to Santa Monica!  I haven't done that, but it would be fun to try one day!



Have you been to Santa Monica Pier before?
Their are a lot of great beaches and piers around the country/world.  What are some of your favorites?