America's Most Secluded, Unique Beaches

It’s summertime and that means vacation time! For a great number of vacationers, that means fun in the sun, sand and surf. But finding a beach that isn’t overrun with tourists can be a challenge. The following five beaches were selected not only for their laid back ambience but also because each possesses a feature beyond simply laying on the beach, that will add something special to your experience. You might want to keep this little gem to yourself or these little slices of heaven won’t be secluded for long!

When you think of Virginia as a vacation destination, lively Virginia Beach probably comes to mind. Due to its popularity, the beach it is often crowded and can be overwhelming for those seeking something a little more peaceful and private. But if you’re willing to visit A Virginia beach and not necessarily THE Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach might be the destination for you. Only fifteen miles from Virginia Beach, the five-mile stretch of golden sand spills into the surf-worthy sea and is far less crowded than its neighbor to the north. In fact, if you’re adventurous enough, surf lessons are available through the Surf & Adventure Company to anyone 8 years and older.

To Sandbridge from I-264 East: Take exit 22 (Birdneck Road). Turn right on Birdneck Road and stay on Birdneck Road about 3 miles. Turn right on General Booth Blvd. Follow General Booth Blvd about 4 miles before turning left onto Princess Anne Road. Go straight past Upton Drive to Sandbridge Road. After about 5 or 6 miles, you will reach a dead end and will have arrived at your destination.

This beach has no commercial parking lot, so you’ll have to make a ten-minute hike from your parking spot to the beach, but it’s well worth it. Located on Sanibel Island in Florida, this little gem is located in the heart of shelling country, which means that you can lose yourself for hours combing the beach for the perfect souvenir. The water is amazingly clear and stretches as far as the eye can see, and the sand is in pristine condition, decorated only by an abundance of shells and colorful tufts of red algae.

Another Florida beach makes the list and for very good reason! This beach is only accessible by boat and you can take the Yankee Freedom Ferry to Fort Jefferson to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. If you love snorkeling these sparkling, clear blue waters offer some of the best snorkeling in Florida. The beach is also home to Fort Jefferson, a former military base and prison during the civil war era. The rich history of the fort makes the 60 minute tour well worth the time. You may be surprised to hear stories of the island’s dark energy and inhospitable conditions since the experience of visiting this beach is anything but.

If you’re the adventurous type and don’t mind working for your rewards, consider making this trip. It’s not for children, as the short hike to the beach can be quite treacherous and it has a history of being clothing optional, which might give the kiddos more scenery than they bargained for! Adults will appreciate the stunning blue waters juxtaposed against the vibrant red sand. The sand was created from the red lava cinder cliffs by which it is surrounded. While locals enjoy keeping traffic at the beach minimal, they can offer the best advice about how to access the beach. In recent years it has reportedly become somewhat easier to access, but visitors should still proceed with caution and respect the terrain.

This beach is unique in two ways: it is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle, and it is home to wild horses that have been stranded here for centuries. While it is illegal to approach, feed or touch the horses, they are stunning to behold. Wild horse tours are offered, allowing visitors a safe, unobstructed view of the beautiful creatures from a comfortable off-road vehicle. Tours last about two hours. One of Carova’s most magical and endearing qualities is that it is significantly underdeveloped. That makes it perfect for visitors who truly enjoy interacting with nature and enjoying the sand and surf. This is not to say that shopping and dining are not available; they are! And their prime location on the ocean assures you’ll enjoy some of the most delectable seafood anywhere.