If you asked a hundred people to give a list of their favorite beaches, you’d get a hundred different answers. So coming up with a concise list of just 10 beaches is going to leave a lot of your favorites off, but we’re hoping to give you a few new places where you can take in a phenomenal sunset, find a few things to keep you busy and enjoy Rogue Nicotine.
Jet Skiing in Clearwater, Florida
Known for its stunning white sand and crystal-clear seas, Clearwater Beach is a perfect location to set out on jet skis and get to know the Gulf of Mexico. For amateur riders, try short throttle bursts, carving and/or donuts. Looking for more of an adrenaline rush? Ride (at your own risk) standing, or try any one of the tricks listed below:
- Surface 180s
- Wake riding
- 360s
- Circles
And of course, don’t forget to jump some waves while you’re at it. Any which way you cut it, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time.
Camping in Lost Coast, California
Maybe you’re like us and have never heard of Lost Coast in California. Well, if you’re looking for more of an ‘off the grid’ experience, this is the place.
Start your morning off early with a sweat-inducing hike. Something with mild to moderate elevation and lots of twists and turns – opportunity that comes to mind includes but isn’t limited to the redwood forest trails. Then, cap off the afternoon with some whale watching – There’s nothing that gets the blood pumping more than witnessing the raw power of a 70,000+ pound breaching humpback whale.
Tennis in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
When you’re ready to get back on the grid, pick up your tennis racket and check out Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. With over 350 tennis courts scattered among resorts and other tennis centers, you’re almost guaranteed to find a tournament to watch, lessons to participate in or challengers that will put you to the test.
But if you’re not ready to take on a pro, many of these courts set aside time for a slower paced and friendly adaptation of the game known as pickleball. Don’t roll your eyes just yet! Just because you’ve seen senior centers chucked full of people playing it doesn’t mean you’re disqualified. In fact, you might be surprised at how fun and demanding the sport truly is. So, don’t mock it ‘til you try it.
Snorkeling in Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Many people may not know this, but there are different snorkeling experiences depending on what side of the Oahu Island you’re visiting. The west side of the island takes the brunt of the trade winds and waves, which stir up the sand and limits visibility underwater. Lanikai Beach is a calmer location.
Be sure to set your alarm for an early rise, as this is the best time to get out and see colorful coral, sea turtles, dolphins or kick it into high gear with a swim adventure with the sharks. Don’t worry, you’ll be protected in a specially designed shark cage, but that won’t stop the adrenaline from getting your heart racing. Keep your arms and legs inside when these predators come near!
Windsurfing in Laguna Madre Bay, Texas
Laguna Madre is one of the world’s most renowned windsurfing locations. With its calm waters and almost constant, steady winds year-round, these waters are ideal for amateurs and pros alike. Part of this is due to the shallow, sandy bottomed shelf that is surrounded by barrier island. This perfect land and sea make up protects the area from getting much of any real waves, but also creates an excellent natural wind funnel.
If this is one of those activities that you’ve been dying to try out, you’ll find plenty of windsurfing shops, rental companies and locations that offer lessons. Just be sure to pack some patience, persistence and doggedness, and in no time at all you’ll be surfing the coastline.
Kiteboarding in the Outer Banks, North Carolina
Another hot spot that is a bit more well-known and handcrafted by mother nature seemingly for the purpose of kiteboarding are the Outer Banks in North Carolina. When you add up things like warm ocean waters, average wind speeds of 20 knots, long and wide beach lines, as well as beautiful scenery, you’ve got yourself a perfect kiteboarding checklist.
Similar to Laguna Madre, the Outer Banks region has a variety of shops, rental locations and coaches to get you started. We recommend that if you are new to kiteboarding, take advantage of lessons because this is not for the faint of heart. With varying wind speeds, lines that can get tangled and challenges with launching and landing, take the time to learn the basics and don’t try doing difficult stunts right out of the gate.
Skimboarding in Cape May, New Jersey
When you’re ready to take the extreme sports down a little, ride the waves at the shore in Cape May, New Jersey. Don’t underestimate the talent and agility that is required to master this activity; some people would say that being versed in skimboarding is more difficult than traditional wave surfing, so keep that in mind when tossing the board out in front of you to catch a breaking beach wave.
If you’re not ready to hit the big waves, many people stick to the already broken waves and surf the incoming waters along the beach. The short boards make this safer version of the sport thrilling and still quite physically demanding. Either way, you’ll be out enjoying the sand, surf and sun to your heart's content.
Tide polling in Cannon Beach, Oregon
For those of you that love a little bit of a different sort of excursion along a coastline, combined with being ecologically conservative, the tide pools at Cannon Beach, Oregon are exactly what you’re looking for. This is better than any aquarium you might visit, and the marine life is in its natural habitat, so you know it’s all growing and thriving where it’s supposed to be.
To get the best up close views and walk out among sanding outcroppings that form the vast small tide pools, schedule to be out about an hour before low tide to watch as these natural phenomena reveal themselves. Then, take in the abundance of sea urchins, anemones, star and shellfish that hunker down in the small reservoirs of water.
Volcano hopping in Hawaii
When it comes to seeing sand, sea, waters and lava, taking an aerial tour of the Big Island will leave you breathless. Have you ever hovered above a venting, fiery volcano one minute and over a waterfall the next? There is nothing like it! Add in skimming along the rugged coastline and rainforests and you have the most unforgettable adventure of your life thus far.
The Big Island has much to offer that can’t be explored simply from the ground. Take to the skies and find out how spectacular the island as a whole truly can be. Most helicopter tours allow you to communicate with the pilot so you can ask questions and enjoy commentary to guide you through these unparalleled sights.
The Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California
With so much focused on being outdoors, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to add in the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. This special and landmark amusement park is filled with everything from an old-fashion wooden roller coaster to games, indoor arcades and miniature golf.
When you add up the numerous events held throughout the year, carnival food – as well as fine dining experiences – rides, entertainment and salty breezes brushing by you, how can you pass up on a simple treasure that never disappoints any of us who love a good thrill.
Is one of these location on your list of favorite beaches? Did we miss one that is so impressive everyone should know about it? Let us hear your thoughts, but more importantly make sure you have Rogue pouches,gum,lozenges and tablets in a variety of flavors close at hand to provide nicotine enjoyment no matter where you are or what activity you’re doing.
