Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off to summer, even though the season doesn't officially begin for another three weeks. And summer means the beach to many: a time to play in the sun, build castles in the sand, and swim in some cool blue water. From golden beaches circling lakes to swaths of white sand fronting salty turquoise-tinged ocean, here are our 10 top picks for the best beaches to salute summer on this Memorial Day weekend.
St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.
One of the top beaches in the country, Clearwater Beach in the St. Petersburg area is perfect for a classic beach getaway. It's home to pristine, white sand beaches and warm water, and features Pier 60, which hosts a nightly sunset festival on the Clearwater Beach Pier, complete with live music, street performers, vendors and splendid views across the gulf. Also in the area is Fort de Soto Park, which is a great beach option for families with either two or four-legged children – there's a natural sandbar area that forms a lagoon-like pool for kids to swim in safely, and also a Paw Playground and Dog Beach for canine family members. And if your Memorial Day plans usually include a BBQ, there are grills in the park for epic cookouts.
Amelia Island, Fla.
Florida is a great state for Memorial Day beach celebrations because it's warm enough to swim in May. Amelia Island off the state's northeast corner is a fun and accessible destination with more than 40 public beach access points along 13 miles of coastline. It's a charming little island with plenty of dining, shopping and activity options, making it a great place for families, not to mention the miles of palm-lined bike paths, dunes rolling down into wide stretches of beach and clear, blue ocean for swimming. There are dozens of hotels to choice from. Spoil yourself with a stay at theRitz-Carlton, Amelia Island, which is poised on a bluff of dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
