1. Florida: Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale

The Sunshine State serves up a wide array of marvelous beach hot spots for sunbathing junkies. Among them are Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, both of which grace balmy South Florida. With exception to glitzy Las Vegas, you’d probably be hard-pressed to think of a place better known for its picturesque beaches, pulsing nightlife, fine dining and trendy shops than Miami. Lincoln Road is a pedestrian shopping district boasting a wealth of art galleries, theaters, and entertainment venues, while Ocean Drive is renowned for its outdoor cafes and Art Deco architecture. Included among some of Miami Beach’s most distinguished Art Deco hotels are Nash Hotel South Beach, Hotel Victor, South Beach Hotel and Chesterfield Hotel and Suites. Nicknamed the “Venice of America” for its gorgeous inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale will easily turn into a home-away-from-home for those craving fun in the sun. Hotels like the oceanfront Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel and Red Carpet Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport are on or near the beach and minutes away from fashionable Las Olas Boulevard, Galleria Mall, and entertainment and shopping galore at The Gallery at Beach Place and Las Olas Riverfront.

2. California: Los Angeles and San Diego

Nothing spells sizzling fun on the west coast like a weekend spent taking in the sun at one of SoCal’s famed beaches.  Travelers planning to visit Los Angeles can check out the shops on Rodeo Drive, dine in one of Beverly Hills’ celebrity-frequented restaurants, or while the afternoon away with a drink on Venice Beach (a short drive from the Custom Hotel).  Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach make up LA’s principal beach cities, each popular destinations year-round for beach volleyball, surfing, biking and other activities. San Diego, roughly a two hour drive from Los Angeles, is yet another mecca for beach goers. Spend a lazy day in the sun or jump on a surfboard and head out into the shimmering blue waters of Mission Beach, just one mile from The Dana on Mission Bay. Alternatively, travelers can bask in  sunshine at Del Mar Beach in San Diego, on which you’ll find Del Mar Motel on the Beach.

3. South Carolina: Myrtle Beach

If Myrtle Beach is on your summer travel itinerary, it’s a safe bet you’ll be visiting the world-famous Grand Strand, which sees more than 14 million visitors each year thanks to its wide array of beaches, restaurants, shopping complexes and nightclubs. Set on 350 acres near the Ocean Park Resort, Broadway at the Beach has grown into one of South Carolina’s premier destinations for shopping and leisure. Moreover, the oceanfront Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort by Westgate Resorts is conveniently located to Grand Strand attractions including Ripley’s Aquarium, Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Myrtle Waves Water Park.

Whether you’re a sunbathing enthusiast, a long-time admirer of the ocean, or a travel maven yearning to get away from it all, why not head to the beach for some serious fun in the sun this summer?

It’s no surprise, moreover, that such water sport activities as scuba diving, canoeing, jet skiing, sailing and surfing are among the area’s most popular draws. Avid shoppers can revel in the hustle and bustle of Coastal Grand Mall, the largest mall in South Carolina. Park goers flock to Myrtle Beach State Park, whose Nature Center includes everything from live reptiles and saltwater aquariums to natural history displays. Set on 350 acres in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach is reputed as one of the area’s premier shopping and entertainment hot spots, as it is home to 17 restaurants, 3 theaters, several nightclubs and more than 100 specialty shops. If you’re a golf fan, you can practice your swing on a bevy of world-class golf courses found throughout the city; those traveling for business can always hold meetings at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Started in 1951, Myrtle Beach’s annual Sun Fun Festival is the longest running event in the city’s history and includes two days of free live entertainment, professional sporting events, concerts and kids’ activities.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or romantic getaway, the Atlantic Breeze Ocean Resort offers all the comforts of home plus exquisite ocean views. However, one needn’t leave the property to enjoy a good swim: The resort features a large oceanfront pool, lazy river, glass enclosed indoor pool and kiddie pool.

If you have kids and a pet in tow, the oceanfront Ocean Park Resort should not be missed. One pet is allowed per room, and kids under 18 stay free. Travelers can sunbathe on one of two outdoor decks before cooling off in any of the resort’s indoor or outdoor pools.

Kids under 18 also stay free at the Patricia Grand Resort Hotel, located among such popular attractions as Broadway at the Beach, Nascar Speedpark, and Freestyle Music Park. Grand Central Station, the property’s brand new restaurant, offers the perfect place to please the senses. What better way to enjoy your steak or salad than while gazing out at the stunning Atlantic Ocean?

Plus, if you’re in town for business, you’ll want to check out the Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center, where you can take advantage of ample banquet space for meetings and events of all sizes. However, it’s not all work and no play here; a fitness center, game room, restaurant and lounge/sports bar are on site to keep you well entertained.

So what do you get when you couple superb oceanfront views with a wealth of recreation, entertainment and lodging options, minus all the congestion typically found in bigger cities?  Sounds like a memorable trip to Myrtle Beach indeed.