Since spring is right around the corner and college students all over the United States are now able to take a break from school work, thoughts of beach vacations are coming to mind. Maybe not for spring break, but for after school, as a getaway to celebrate another year conquered. As the countdown to the end of the school year gets closer to that zero, I wanted to share some of the places I have been for vacations in the past to help anyone who wants a relaxing getaway.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Probably one of my most memorable and favorite vacation trips, it is home to a Ron Jon Surf Shop. I have been to Cocoa Beach three times and obviously have not been disappointed with my stay. My family and I stayed at the Wakulla Suites each time that we went, and it satisfied all the needs of a family of five, for it was located right on the beach and had amenities like a pool and shuffle board that appealed to all ages.
With its prime location to attractions such as mini golf, go-karting, river boat rides, the Kennedy Space Center, and being only an hour away from Orlando, FL, Universal, Disney World, and Sea World were all options that were taken advantage during our visits. What I really loved about Cocoa Beach was that the waves were body "buggy" board material, meaning that, all day long, it felt like high tide, and there was no seaweed on the beach, something I am really picky about. Even though the drive was 14 hours, it was definitely worth it to be able to dive right in the water and soak up some sun.
Amelia Island, Florida
Right as you enter Florida, you immediately see the exit for Amelia Island, which is a major plus, because you do not have to drive further down to have a good time. From what I remember, Amelia Island was a very relaxing and quite vacation, and we went down with a family friend so us kids could hang out with others, rather than just by ourselves. We also used the proximity to St. Augustine to take some time away from the beach and see the historical side of Florida, as well as went on a river boat ride that went to up the coast to Cumberland Island in Georgia. Sadly, we did not see any manatees, but we did see dolphins and the Carnegie Dungeness Mansion. My favorite memory is climbing all the stairs to the Amelia Island lighthouse and taking in the view, being able to see both Florida and Georgia.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Fun fact, Tybee Island is actually smaller than Little Tybee Island. My week on Tybee Island was another relaxing one, but what time at the beach isn't? Anyway, we stayed at a place called The Brass Rail, and time here was spent on the beach, rather than sight-seeing. The only "sight-seeing" we did was a guided kayaking tour, during which we were able to visit Little Tybee Island, walk around, and see horseshoe crabs, both dead and alive.
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
An all-time favorite vacation spot for not only myself, but for my parents. I have been going to Emerald Isle since my eighth grade summer. It's a very kid-friendly and zen environment with a non-crowded beach and options to see a movie on a rainy day, play mini golf, visit Fort Macon, or meet the animals of the Pine Knolls Shore Aquarium. Whenever I vacation here, I am always able to soak up the sun from sunrise to sunset and get away from the busy life with the beach breeze and gentle sounds of the waves hitting the shore.
Even though these are all beach trips, my family has taken trips to the west coast because of karate tournaments and turned them into vacations. We've been to Utah, Arizona, and even Colorado, and have had some memorable and favorable times. In Utah, we went to a dinosaur museum, in Salt Lake City, Arizona, we ventured to the Grand Canyon, and, in Colorado, we went hiking into the mountains. Every vacation, to the beach or to the mountains, holds a special moment in my heart that I will cherish forever. If you're thinking of traveling south this summer to get away from the humid weather and want to experience a beach breeze, keep these places in mind; they will not disappoint.
