This summer, don’t compromise. If you’re looking for a vacation destination with cosmopolitan culture, world-class cuisine and glamorous beaches, check out these beach city hybrids that offer the best of both worlds.
Rio de Janeiro
While Rio doesn’t need the sun or the sand to start a party, it sure doesn’t hurt. Ipanema Beach is public, so parking yourself on the sand will not only afford you views of the beautiful people around you, but also get you food, snacks and ice-cold beer from the energetic vendors. Don’t fret when the sun goes down – it just means the nightlife is heating up.
Los Angeles
Venice Beach is a legendary spot for an extreme range of people. Only here could celebrities like Nicolas Cage and Julia Roberts blend in with classic LA hipsters and socialite wannabes. Artistic by nature, Venice Beach gives off a creative and funky vibe that sews a common thread between toned joggers passing by and imaginative thinkers and artists who gaze into the Pacific for inspiration.
Vancouver
In Vancouver, you’ll get a serious amount of diversity throughout 11 miles of shoreline. Whether you crave quiet beaches where amplified music is prohibited (like Locarno, Spanish Bank West, and Sunset Beach) or are longing for busier hot spots with sandy volleyball courts like English Bay and Jericho, this Canadian metropolis has you covered. For a break from the rays, explore the dense waterfront forests or discover hidden gems throughout the hipster hangouts in SoMa and the shops on Commercial Drive.
Paris
Two miles of golden sand have been poured along the Seine River in the form of a gleaming human-made beach. What’s normally a busy road for motorists is now home to 2000 tons of sand, sun loungers, a swimming pool and a whole lot of summer fun. Paid for by commercial sponsors, Paris Plage will be open daily from 8 a.m. – midnight, July 20-Aug 20. If the weather becomes less ideal, there are always the bakeries, museums and shopping on Champs-Elysees.
Honolulu
Not that we need another reason to lust after Hawaii, but as a reminder – the beaches here are breath-taking. Heavenly Waikiki Beach is home to world-class hotels and lush landscapes that generate the perfect environment for luaus – leis and grass skirts optional. Adventurous beachgoers should to head toward Diamond Head for a memorable snorkeling experience.
Sydney
Sydney always seems to top our travel lists, but for good reason. This Aussie hotspot is a superlative on every front, and offers some of the best surfing and scuba diving in the world. More than 70 beaches draw travelers every year to favorites like Bondi Beach, Tamarama, and the quieter, somewhat hidden saltwater pools. Both adventure and relaxation are easy to find in Sydney.
Barcelona
From performers to palm trees, Barcelona is a city full of life, and it continues right onto the shore. The Catalan metropolis is home to cosmopolitan havens like Las Ramblas and legendary architecture by Gaudi, and gracefully manages to merge its masterpieces together, even by the sea. Enjoy tapas and sangria at one of its many beach bars, and be back in the city in just a few minute’s walk.
London
When you’ve seen the changing of the guard, gazed up at Big Ben, and absorbed yourself in London’s history and prestige, head straight to Greece – on the banks of the Thames, that is. More than 300 tons of sand have been transported from Greece to create an extraordinary manifestation of the Greek islands. Thanks to the Greek National Tourist Organization, Gabriel’s Wharf will play host to beach bars, sun beds, parasols, DJs and live entertainment until June 27th.
Chicago
No, Lake Michigan is not an ocean, but it certainly has beaches that give both the Atlantic and Pacific runs for their money. Swimming is open here from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and with plenty of beaches to choose from, you’ll need all summer to hit them all. Try Oak Street Beach – just steps from the Magnificent Mile, or Loyola Leone Beach, which is the largest and best for kids. Athletes love North Avenue Beach, and Belmont Harbor underwent an attractive renovation in 2004.
Cape Town
Technically speaking, you could spend one afternoon in the Atlantic Ocean, and the next afternoon in the Indian Ocean, and never have to leave the Cape Peninsula. Cape Town’s special location between the two makes the Atlantic Seaboard a haven for surfers and the Indian Ocean section a laid-back respite. Get the best of both worlds in Cape Town.
