Nantucket, Massachusetts
Drool-worthy seafood springs to mind when one thinks of Nantucket, along with inviting dunes, shingled homes, and historic lighthouses. Located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, this popular New England summer escape features a charming cobblestoned downtown district, whose Whaling Museum offers insight into Nantucket's former past as the whaling capital of the world. Pedal your way around the island to uncover your favorite café, pop into an oyster bar, or shed some clothing on the beach. (As of December 2022, topless sunbathing is permitted for everyone on all Nantucket beaches, so sunseekers can keep the tans and hold the lines.) Interested in learning how to surf? beginners should check out Nantucket Island Surf School.
Advertisement
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is the second-largest—and second-youngest—island in the state of Hawaii. It’s a magnificent patchwork of volcanic beaches, spectacular waterfalls, charming towns (like Pāʻia and Lāhainā), stylish oceanfront resorts, and boundary-pushing restaurants. Sights include the aptly-named ʻOheʻo Gulch tiered pools (ʻOheʻo means “something special” in Hawaiian) and Haleakalā, the world’s largest dormant volcano. Many choose to take in the island’s scenic offerings while driving the Road to Hana, a 52-mile route consisting of 59 bridges, 620 curves, and enthralling seascapes. Those seeking less of an adrenaline spike can sit back and get sandy on Maui’s 30 miles of beaches that delightfully come in shades of gold, black, and even rusty red.