Page 30 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – July/August 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Beach Towns
Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Always having been a mermaid out of water, I personally find myself seeking out beach and tropical vacations, no matter what the season. Here are some of my favorite beach towns, in no particular order.
Galveston, Texas – Forget the cowboy boots, a
trip to Galveston transports you right into a coastal paradise where you’ll want to break out into a chorus
of “Margaritaville.” With more than 30 miles of beaches, the island’s history is rich and the tourism booming. Most of the island saw destruction in 1900 with the Great Storm and then again in 2008 with Hurricane Ike. Take a Self-Guided Tree Sculpture Tour of the East End Historic District to see not only the beautiful original and rebuilt homes, but the sculptures crafted by artists out of destroyed oak trees. If you’re bringing your family, Pleasure Pier is a great spot to take the kids for a day of games, food and shopping!
Santa Monica, California – Another classic pier lives just west of Los Angeles. If you’re planning a Cali road trip, be sure to make this a stop. Part of what I like about Santa Monica is the fact they have both the family-fun beach and boardwalk and upscale outdoor shopping area, the Third Street Promenade. Take your picture in front of the Route 66 “End of the Trail” sign, visit Heal the Bay Aquarium or catch a wave. For adventurists, Topanga and Will Rogers state parks are close by and both offer hiking trails with stunning vistas. With so much to see and do, you can have fun until the sun comes up over the boulevard!
Westport images: Courtesy Connecticut Office of Tourism
Westport, Connecticut – Closer to home, the Long Island Sound boasts some of the best beaches in
the Northeast, including several public and private beaches. Westport is a quintessential New England town that offers a more low-key experience than the aforementioned tourist destinations. Here you can visit one of three main beaches including exclusive and town-owned Compo Beach where you’ll have to pay
an out-of-town fee to enter. While visiting, satisfy your sweet tooth at Tarry Lodge, a Three-Diamond restaurant designated in the “Best of Desserts” category.
Tulum, Mexico – One of the most amazing surprises to me whilst touring the Mayan Ruins was the breathtaking sight from the drop-off point. The beach view from Tulum is none other than jaw-dropping. When on an excursion from a cruise, it doesn’t often provide you enough time to experience everything in one place, but
if you’re headed in this direction, take time to bask in the magnificence of the Caribbean Sea. Of course, if you are going to spend more time around Riviera Maya, there are several beaches with palm trees, white sand and the clearest of blue water for days.
Emily Gnacik is the Editor of AAA Every Day Magazine.
30 I JULY/AUGUST 2021