Welcome a Sunnier Season with a Visit to these Incredible Beaches

Few things are more soothing than a trip to the water’s edge. Whether you’re into the lakeside life or prefer the ocean’s breeze, spending some time with your toes in the sand is a shore way (pun intended) to melt away stress. And with  the unofficial start of summer a few weeks away, that pull of sun and sand may start feeling stronger. If you're considering a blissful beach escape, don’t miss our roundup of top destinations, all located within a few hours’ drive from our buildings.

 

Boston

Cape Cod Beaches

With nearly 600 miles of coastline, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cape Cod. “It might be obvious, but for a good reason!” enthuses Molly Somers, who oversees our Boston properties as manager for Related Beal, our Boston development arm. “It’s a weekend getaway for great nightlife, with New England’s most beautiful beaches and amazing local seafood. For something more low key, head to Wellfleet instead. There you’ll find mini golf, soft serve, bike paths, and drive-in theaters (plus the beach!).”

Crane Beach

About 40 miles north of Boston in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Crane Beach encompasses 1,200 acres of beachfront, dunes and maritime forest. It’s visited by more than 350,000 people annually.

“It’s a beautiful beach with a magnificent estate that feels worlds away, but is only a short drive,” Molly notes. “Make a stop in Essex to check out the antiques stores. Work up an appetite for a bite at Woodman’s, famous for their fried clams.”

Spectacle Beach

Close-in to Boston proper is Spectacle Island, with a namesake beach that's perfect for both adventure and lounging. Just four miles southeast of the city, Spectacle Island is easily reached by ferry, so it can promise incredible views of Boston.

“Just off the harbor, you can enjoy an array of outdoor activities, live music, or lounging on the shore. All with a view of the City,” Molly says.

 

Chicago

Warren Dunes Beach

Located about 84 miles to the east along Lake Michigan, Warren Dunes is a pet-friendly beach with hiking and shoreline. It’s known for its 260-foot-tall dunes. The beach is part of Warren Dunes State Park, which spans 1,952 acres and offers a multitude of outdoor recreation activities.

Indiana Dunes State Park

If you'd like to spend less time in the car, consider a trip 50 miles southeast to Indiana Dunes State Park. The park encompasses more than 2,000 acres of marshes, dunes, forest and white pine groves. Its namesake beach is one of the most popular within the Indiana Dunes.

Rainbow Beach

Planning a more local trip? Rainbow Beach is just 11 miles south of the city. The 61-acre strip, part of the Chicago Parks district, offers amazing city skyline views. It’s also home to the oldest community gardens in Chicago.

 

Los Angeles

Santa Monica State Beach

A soft, sandy beach just 40 miles southwest of Los Angeles, Santa Monica State Beach is an absolute icon of Southern California. Here you’ll find the Santa Monica Pier, with shopping, restaurants, aquarium and amusement park. If you’re not interested in driving, you can also reach this beach via the Big Blue Bus line.

Malibu Surfrider Beach

Another beach haven in the Los Angeles vicinity? The city of Malibu, known for its cliffside homes and surfer vibes. The aptly named Malibu Surfrider Beach is about 55 miles southwest of Los Angeles. This wide, sandy beach sits between Malibu’s pier and lagoon; besides surfing, it's popular for fishing and whale-watching.

 

New York

Long Beach

For a quintessential New York beach experience, head east to Long Island. The closest source serving true beach town vibes is Long Beach, a city sitting on a barrier island off the South Shore. The beach and boardwalk stretches three miles, surrounded by a plethora of shopping and dining. To access the beach, you’ll need a day pass.

Cooper’s Beach

Frequently voted one of the best beaches in America, Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, N.Y., is popular for its white sand and deep blue waters. The beach offers bathhouse, concessions, and umbrella rentals, but requires a $50 day parking pass to enter. When you’re done soaking up the sun, heading into Southampton Village for see-and-be-seen shopping and dining.

 

San Francisco

Baker Beach

A trip to this large beach yields some of the best possible views of the Golden Gate Bridge. That’s because Baker Beach sits within the city, along its northwest coast. Nestled around the shore stand outcrops of gray and green Serpentine, California’s state rock. The coastal trail along the cliffside is a must for hikers.

Linda Mar Beach (Pacifica State Beach)

About 20 miles south of San Francisco’s center, this dog-friendly and crescent-shaped beach is one of the most popular in Pacifica. At Linda Mar Beach, you’ll find a wide and sandy shore with recreation trails and surfing camps.

 

Washington, D.C.

Assateague Island

Spend a day enjoying the serenity of Assateague Island! This beautiful barrier island, located off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, draws more than a million visitors annually. In recent years it's seen repeat record attendance, with more than 2.7 million visiting in 2021. Besides sunbathing, swimming, and crabbing, the island offers plenty of hiking and biking trails. But the magic of the island is evidenced by its wild horse population, one of the few places on the East Coast you can see these beautiful creatures. Just don’t get too close – they’re known to raid beach blankets in search of food.

Rehoboth Beach

A popular destination for Washingtonians, Rehoboth Beach is often referred to as the Nation’s Summer Capital. It’s situated in Delaware, about 120 miles east of the District. When you're done soaking up the sun, take a stroll along its 1.6-kilometer boardwalk, named one of the top 10 in the USA by National Geographic. Along the boardwalk you’ll find myriad souvenir shops, arcades, hotels, restaurants and eateries, mini golf and the iconic Funland amusement park.

 

The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.