8 Beach Trips You Need Right Now

I’s winter now, which obviously means it’s time to check out a list of the best beach trips aka what you should be doing with your life until the warmth returns. Fortunately for you, I have a handy little list with plenty of suggestions on what to do. Good news is they’re all warmer than where you are right now!

1 | Sarasota, Florida

No list would be complete without my hometown of Sarasota, which is an absolute paradise. Dr. Beach consistently ranks Siesta Key Beach as the top beach in the USA, and with its gorgeous white sand beaches, it’s obvious why. If you’d prefer to avoid the huge crowds there, head over to Lido Beach and St. Armand’s Circle for a (bit) quieter beach experience and some excellent boutique shops. Make sure to hit up Columbia restaurant for Cuban food and Kilwin’s for the best ice cream of your life! Other Sarasota highlights include kayaking through mangrove tunnels, skydiving, and stand up paddleboarding. Check out my complete guide to Sarasota, Florida here.

2 | St Bart’s

Second on our list of best beach trips to add to your bucket list is the beautiful island of St Bart’s. This is a hideaway for the rich and famous, so keep your eyes open for mega yachts and beautiful deserted beaches. While you’re in St Bart’s make sure to check out downtown Gustavia, enjoy the local cuisine, and sip fruity rum drinks on a sunset sail.

3 | Saint Martin / Sint Maarten

One of St Bart’s neighboring islands, St Martin is just a short sail away. A fun note about Saint Martin: this little island is divided in half, so half of the island is French, while the other half is Dutch. Saint Martin is popular among those looking for festive nightlife, secluded beaches, and of course the rum. While you’re there, partake in a sunset cruise or a full day sail & snorkel trip!

4 | Bahamas

No list of best beach trips can be complete without the Bahamas. The Bahamas are an easy flight from the good old USA, and a good place to spend anywhere from a long weekend to several weeks. I can personally vouch for the Abaco Islands…rent a villa there and relax in a week of bliss. Make sure to rent a golf cart too so you can easily get to the bar! For a quick weekend trip, use my guide to Nassau; take advantage of the AMAZING conch fritters, snorkeling, and the Atlantis.

5 | Anguilla

Anguilla is the northernmost of the Leeward Islands, and makes for another absolutely gorgeous beach vacation. Hit up Prickly Pear Cay for sailing and snorkeling, or make your way over to Rendezvous Beach to enjoy some uninterrupted beach time!

6 | Barbados

Another easy peasy flight from the USA is to Barbados. Go snorkeling with turtles (my personal fave!), explore caves, or dance the night away in St Lawrence Gap. Make sure you take some time to walk through Bridgetown and branch out with some surf lessons! For an awesome list on what to do in Barbados, check out my guide to Barbados here.

7 | Caye Caulker, Belize

I’m not sure I can emphasize enough how much I love Caye Caulker, Belize. It has a “go slow” attitude and all of the colorful little houses a girl could ask for. While you’re there, try doing a helicopter tour of the Blue Hole, snorkel with sharks (don’t worry, they’re friendly!!), and eat all the fry jacks you can fit in your stomach. Take my word for it, fry jacks are life, and singlehandedly almost kept me on the island of Caye Caulker forever.

8 | Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Yes, Grand Cayman is touristy, but it’s for a great reason. The Cayman Islands are stunning, plus they’re relatively easy to reach from the United States. One of the big perks of the Caymans are how many unique activities you can do there; try horseback riding through the ocean, swimming with dolphins, or partying on the famous Seven Mile Beach.

And there you have it, the best beach trips to consider taking right now. Ditch your winter coat, and fly down to some sunshine and warmth! What are some of your favorite beach trips?

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