Memorial Day weekend isn’t the only time our brains should instinctually begin to daydream about the beach. In fact, any time it’s not December, January or February, the beach should be on your mind. Summer vacation planning might mean returning to a seashore that’s been a family tradition for years or heading to a new beach you’ve always wanted to visit.

Thankfully, if you live in the United States, there are plenty of options for the best beach vacation spots across the country’s 50 states. Take to the East Coast, and visit Cape Cod, Massachusetts for an all-American outing, chowing down on lobster rolls and letting your feet seep into the sands. Interested more in a sophisticated, artsy scene? Check out Laguna Beach in California. You also can’t go wrong with a visit to the Magic Isle (Maui) in Hawaii.

If you’re still undecided about where to visit for one of your next beach vacations, here’s a look at the 10 best beach vacation destinations in the U.S.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Few beach vacation spots are as quintessentially New England as this hook-shaped island. Its scenic sand dunes and shingled cottages have made it an annual summer vacation favorite for generations of Americans. A succession of charming beach towns — including Hyannis to the west, Chatham at the easternmost point and artsy Provincetown at road’s end — offer house rentals, B&Bs and hotels or motels with pools and spa facilities.

And any Cape Cod beach experience must include lobster-roll lunches and sunset clambakes to make for one of the best beach vacations in the U.S. It’s all wicked cool.

Laguna Beach, California

For summer R&R that includes gallery hopping, wine sipping and spa going, this upscale beach community, located about 90 minutes north of San Diego, is ideal. Several of the best beach resorts in the U.S. — Montage Laguna Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and Surf & Sand Resort, among others — are set along the area’s picturesque cliffs and are perfect for a romantic couple’s escape or a girlfriends’ getaway.

The town is a longtime art colony (with more than 100 galleries), so it’s easy to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir. The region’s focus on healthy California cuisine means you’ll eat well in every sense, along one of the best vacation beaches in the country.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida

Some places just make you go, “Ahh…” and these neighboring islands on the west coast of Florida are among them. Their endless white-sand beaches — many scattered with delicate sea shells — offer panoramic views of the clear, calm waters and golden sunsets of the Gulf of Mexico.

Sanibel has a distinctly casual charm with small, traditional beachfront motels. Captiva, on the other hand, is golf-cart friendly with legendary eatery the Bubble Room and the large South Seas Island Resort offering activities of all kinds, making for one of the best beach vacations.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Historic lighthouses, wild horses and scenic flights in open-cockpit biplanes above the spot where the Wright Brothers first flew — beach family vacations in the Outer Banks can include all this and more.

With a large inventory of beach-house rentals (and quite a few resorts and inns, too), towns such as Duck, Corolla, Hatteras, Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are scattered along this series of sand dune-studded barrier islands, making it a top spot for leisurely getaways with friends and multi-generational family vacations. Fresh seafood is plentiful, and activities include hang gliding, bike riding and deep-sea fishing at one of the best family beach resorts.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

To experience nature at its finest, it’s hard to top Cannon Beach, a wide, wild swath of sand on the Oregon Coast about 90 minutes from Portland. Known for its dramatic rock formations (235-foot-tall Haystack being the most famous), lush rainforests (complete with waterfalls), large artist population (galleries abound) and wildlife (you can easily spot nesting puffins and grazing elk), Cannon Beach is ideal as a romantic-getaway spot for eco-loving couples.

Aside from beachcombing and surfing, hiking is the activity to do (the views from Ecola State Park are sublime), and accommodations include dozens of inns to suit all budgets.

The Hamptons, New York

Each summer, this string of charming villages, located on the southeast coast of Long Island, plays host to New York’s A-listers — from Wall Street bigwigs to music moguls — who escape the city to weekend at beachfront estates worthy of an Architectural Digest cover.

But, if you plan ahead, more modest house rentals are also available in Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Amagansett and Wainscott. Besides sunning and socializing, the Hamptons are known for farm stands offering fresh, local produce, restaurants specializing in Long Island seafood and farm-to-table cuisine and vineyards ideal for lazy afternoons sipping wine.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is nicknamed “the Magic Isle” and with good reason.

In addition to its famous beaches (Kaanapali, Wailea and Makena, to name a few), this Hawaiian island is home to Haleakala (a surreal volcanic crater that’s 10,023 feet above sea level), Molokini (a crescent-shaped, offshore lava formation offering superb snorkeling), Upcountry (a lush area with historic cowboy towns and lavender farms) and Hana (a remote spot perched on black-lava landscape and accessible solely via the twisting, turning Hana Highway).

Add in humpback whales (from November to March), spinner dolphins and a half dozen golf courses, and Maui has something for everyone.

Newport, Rhode Island

Whether you’re into surfing, sailing or touring Gilded Age mansions, Newport is a beach vacation destination with a star-spangled pedigree. Its largest beach, Ruggles, is sweeping crescent of sand favored by surfers. Its historic Thames Street is lined with antique shops, pubs and seafood restaurants.

Choose from an array of romantic inns (the Chanler at Cliff Walk and Forty 1 North, for instance) or full-service hotels (Newport Marriott or Hotel Viking). For active sightseeing, stroll or jog the scenic 3½-mile Cliff Walk with grand mansions on one side and the sailboat-studded waters of Narragansett Bay on the other.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Want to tick another state off your visited list? Then make it Alabama, where Gulf Shores offers nature (it’s home to 6,500-acre Gulf State Park), entertainment (outdoor concerts) and foodie fun (from shrimp to barbecue).

In total, there are 32 miles of white-sand beaches that let you explore the region’s beautiful landscapes, as you spy on seabirds and eagles, alligators and even black bears. Accommodations include condo rentals, B&Bs, motels, hotels and campsites.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

If you’re looking for a beach vacation destination that offers active summer sports as well as easy access to a city famous for its history and quirky charm, check out Hilton Head Island. Located 45 minutes from Savannah Georgia, it has carved a niche with its focus on golf, tennis, biking and nature walks, along with a plentiful supply of hotel rooms and condo and house rentals in all price ranges.

Day trips to Savannah add antiquing, historic home tours and low-country cuisine (shrimp and grits, anyone?) to the mix.

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So hop in the car now — you’re pretty much already packed and ready for this style of beach day. All that’s left to do is choose a destination. Our guide to the best nude beaches in the U.S. will hopefully inspire you to consider clothing optional beaches from coast to coast. And why choose just one? Start with nude beaches in Florida and cross destinations off until you complete your list by visiting the nude beaches in Hawaii.

Land of the free? Home of the brave? Check and check. Here are the best nudist beaches in the U.S.

Gunnison Beach – New Jersey

The only legal nude beach in the state of New Jersey, Gunnison, found on the north end of Sandy Hook near Parking Lot G, may be crowded, but its community is very considerate of others. You won’t likely hear loud music. And your photo won’t be taken, thanks to regulars who make sure the space stays safe for all.

Canaveral National Seashore – Florida

There are two sides to Canaveral National Seashore: the north end, Apollo Beach, near New Smyrna Beach, and the south end, Playalinda Beach, near Titusville. Park rangers turn a blind eye to nudity, so long as it’s contained to the beach near specific parking lots (#5 for Apollo, #13 for Playalinda) that are unofficial nude sunbathing areas. Both sides of this natural stretch of sand are about an hour’s drive east of Orlando.

Hippie Hollow – Texas

There’s couldn’t be a more fitting name for a nude beach — and of course it’s found on Lake Travis outside the liberal enclave that is the city of Austin. One caveat: This hideaway isn’t a beach in the truest sense as it has wide, flat rocks, perfect for sunbathing, lining the water’s edge. But you’ll forget the lack of sand when you take the time to roam: This spot occupies 109 acres in Hill County, 20 minutes outside the city.

Secret Beach – Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai locals call it Kauapea Beach, but others simply refer to this unfrequented spot with waves too strong for swimming as Secret Beach. Either way, find it — if you can — on the north shore between Kalihiwai Bay and Kilauea Point. Pack patience as it may take a few tries to locate the unmarked steep trail to the caramel sand.

Longnook Beach aka Ballston Beach – Massachusetts

Hike to the patch in between these two Cape Cod beaches in the greater town of Truro for the isolated, scenic sand dunes that have made this getaway a favorite among city fleers. Here, you’ll gain no-tan-lines freedom, and the liberty to spread out, as this stretch is typically secluded and serene.

Secret Cove – California

It’s called “Secret” for a reason. This boulder-studded stretch of golden sand along Lake Tahoe in northern California is tricky to find, and requires a 15-minute walk south from Chimney Beach. But then you find the staircase leading to this gem, and you’ll discover why the place also answers to the names Paradise Cove and Paradise Rock.

Kehena Black Sand Beach – Big Island, Hawaii

One of the world’s only nude-friendly black-sand beaches is found near the eastern tip of Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s a small strip of sand, no more than 75 yards. Although textiles — that is, folks who favor swim trunks — frequent this beach, you likely won’t mind, as dolphins are regulars as well.

Black’s Beach – California

The sheer cliffs hemming in this beach outside La Jolla in greater San Diego make for excellent scenery, and a 15-minute calorie-burning haul to the water’s edge. No concessions cater to visitors, so pack in what you need. But, the isolation factor also makes for walks that are especially long and peaceful.

Eight-Mile Beach – Nevada

This Lake Mead hideaway is so hush-hush that it has no official name — just a nickname based on 8 Mile Road, the dirt track outside the town of Boulder, Nevada, that dead-ends just shy of the water. Despite the fact that this nude beach is just 41 minutes by car from Las Vegas, it rarely sees enough sunbathers to start a poker game.

Collins Beach – Oregon

This khaki-color beach on the Columbia River may not be the prettiest in the state, but it’s pretty much the most liberal. Nudity is completely allowed, with signs alerting passersby who may be unaware that they’re about to enter a bare-buns-friendly zone. Find the one-mile stretch on the northeast side of Sauvie Island, less than an hour’s drive north of Portland.

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When word got out that Lark Hotels had purchased Rhode Island’s iconic Surf Hotel, residents of Block Island were concerned that “The Surf” would become nothing but a footnote in this popular U.S. destination’s history. But Lark CEO Rob Blood quashed those fears back in March when he told the Block Island Times that he understood the hotel’s importance to the island, and the building itself would still be called the Surf. And much to the relief of the island’s Historic District Commission, Lark agreed to keep the Surf’s original sign.

However, Blood admitted that while he would “honor and respect” the Surf’s legacy, it was also time to move forward “in a way that will ensure that its place on the island will be sustained for many more generations.” Lark did so by also purchasing the Gable Inn and turning both properties into one new resort: The Block Island Beach House.

Reopened on July 1, Block Island Beach House became Lark’s first and only full resort and the accommodations have been designed “to evoke surf shack charm with a modern edge.” Artist Matt Schwartz was tasked with creating a “nostalgic summer” vibe throughout the rooms, using his Polaroid artwork to decorate the various suites with images of old surfboards and the island’s scenic beauty.

Said Blood: “I’ve always thought of Block Island as the perfect summer spot. The mentality and pace here is completely different from anywhere else in the area—it’s relaxed, casual, and made for memory making, and that’s exactly what we wanted to capture in the design of Block Island Beach House. We really hope that we’re creating an experience that will become part of the fabric of our guests’ lives and that they will return again and again to their summer beach house.”

Queen and king suites are available with a variety of options, ranging from village view to balconies overlooking the ocean. Pet-friendly and ADA accessible rooms are also available. As for dining, the aptly-named oceanfront kitchen and bar The Surf is likely to be a local favorite, serving fresh fish and BBQ, while Beach Bar will host clam bakes and serve tropical cocktails.

When the 2019 summer season has ended, the Beach House’s bigger expansion will begin, with completion expected for reopening in May 2020. Oceanside cottages and larger suites are being added, in addition to a pool and two event spaces. An outdoor venue will serve as a spot for weddings and larger parties, while the Surf Shack will allow groups of 30 or less to enjoy a more intimate, indoor beachside setting.

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Labor Day is over and autumn is on the horizon. So once there’s a chill in the air — and rather than drinking rum punch under a palm tree, you’re in the mood to sip warm cider beneath a majestic golden maple — where should you go to enjoy autumn in all its glory? Here are eight islands known for their fall colors.

Mount Desert Island, Maine

Home to Acadia National Park, Maine’s Mount Desert Island becomes a spectacular patchwork of autumn colors in early- to mid-October. Temperatures might be a bit brisk (in the 40s and 50s), but the fresh air is perfect for a hike to the summit of 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain. Prefer to sightsee by car? Drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road to check out the beauty of Sand Beach, the views from Otter Cliff and the crystalline waters of Jordan Pond, where your can enjoy lobster rolls and chowder in the Jordan Pond House restaurant.

Honshu Island, Japan

Japanese red maples — need we say more? The temples of the ancient city of Kyoto on Japan’s main island of Honshu are even more stunning when surrounded by the intense crimson hues of its native fall foliage. Colors tend to peak in early to mid-November and there’s an array of top leaf-viewing spots from which to choose: Honen-in Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple as well as Sento-Gosho Garden and the mountain village of Takao. Crowds swell on weekends (the Japanese love leaf-peeping, too), so plan to visit midweek.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Travel back more than a century in time as you celebrate fall on this car-free Michigan island that’s located where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron and is home to the legendary Grand Hotel, built in 1887, and hundreds of horse-drawn carriages. Peak foliage occurs from late September to late October (ferries run until Oct. 31) and it’s the perfect time to rent a bike and ride the 8-mile trail that circles the island to experience its many charms: Victorian mansions along East Bluff; late-blooming dahlias in the Grand Hotel’s flower beds; the rocky, postcard-perfect shorelines; and the golden maples and red oaks around Fort Mackinac.

The British Isles

Take your pick of England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales — but we especially love the fall colors in England’s Lake District. Rolling hills, tidy villages and meandering back roads set the scene as native trees and plants that include oak, beech, birch and heather color the landscape with painterly shades of red, yellow, orange and purple. From Derwent Water to Windermere, there are fireplaces galore to get cozy in front of and ample pints of local craft beer to down. Foliage tends to peak in early October, but if you can’t make it then, November 5 is Bonfire Night (aka Guy Fawkes Night — a four-century-old tradition), when fireworks and bonfires provide a color show of another sort.

Prince Edward Island, Canada

Anne of Green Gables may be the fictional redheaded heroine of this island in Canada’s Eastern provinces, but from mid-September to late October, fiery red maples and brilliant yellow birches are the stars. In autumn, Prince Edward Island is a haven of relaxation, offering walking, hiking and biking trails as well as a rich harvest of local fruits, vegetables and seafood. If oysters, mussels, lobster and other tasty ocean treats are your favorites, time your visit to coincide with the annual PEI International Shellfish Festival in mid-September as the leaves are just beginning to change.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Catch a ferry from Anacortes across Puget Sound to one of these rugged Washington State islands — San Juan, Orcas and Lopez being the main three — and you’ll feel instantly relaxed. And with summer crowds a distant memory, the pace is laid-back and temperatures range from the mid-60s in September to around 50 in November. Discover the region’s flavors during farm tours, beer tastings and harvest dinners with special “Savor the San Juans” events throughout fall. As for the foliage, Garry oaks and big leaf maples add splashes of color to the velvety forests of firs, hemlocks and cedars.

New York, New York

Yes, the island of Manhattan is mostly asphalt and concrete, and yet the nature-blessed oases it does have — Central Park, Riverside Park, the Cloisters — put on a pretty amazing autumnal show from mid-October to mid-November. You can jog through a “shower” of gently falling leaves on the Mall in Central Park or pose for a selfie by the Bow Bridge with its backdrop of golden branches. Riverside Park’s walking trails are enveloped in a canopy of color and the medieval sculptures and gardens of Upper Manhattan’s Cloisters become even more inviting. Frank Sinatra chose to record Autumn in New York for a reason.

Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia

Why settle for fall colors when you can see magnificent wild horses, too? Assateague Island, located on the Eastern Shore and divided equally between Maryland and Virginia, is home to both. Its coastal groundcover turns vivid yellow and deep red by late October and early November (but be careful to avoid the poison ivy!) and the 300 horses, also referred to as ponies, freely roam the island’s state and national parks in small groups. You can get within a safe viewing distance (40 feet or more) several ways: wildlife cruises, kayak tours, bike rides or leisurely drives around the island. Just remember, these horses are feral and should not be approached or petted.

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As much as we all wish to see every corner of the globe, it can be a challenge to do it all with limited funds and few vacation days. Seeing exotic islands either in the Caribbean or in Southeast Asia, for example, seem like fantasies. Luckily, the United States is diverse enough to offer an array of exotic locales, from golden beaches to volcanic islands.

Check out Cedar Key, Florida, for a true harbor feel in an area centered around fishing and the delicacies that come with it. Any of Hawaii’s islands are a sure bet, but check out Kauai specifically for mountains and seemingly endless green wildlife. Or try Washington state for kayaking on the sea and even get a chance to see whales.

Here are our picks for the 10 most exotic islands in the U.S. and for some of the best ideas for U.S. island vacations.

Dry Tortugas, Florida

Turquoise water, tons of green sea turtles and white-sand beaches with visibility seeming to stretch to forever. Sounds like the Caribbean, right? Wrong. The Dry Tortugas, 67 miles off Key West into the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, pack epic snorkeling alongside southern stingrays, parrotfish and schools of Creole wrasse in one of the best U.S. islands. This is all just a ferry or seaplane ride from the Conch Republic. And unlike other parts of Florida, pest prevention will be your least concern.

San Juan Islands, Washington

With conifer forests thick along its coasts and a marine climate with cool summers and mild winters, the San Juan Islands of Washington state feel a lot like Norway. Both destinations are renowned for sea kayaking as well as whale-watching tours, and, yet, the San Juan Islands are just a three-hour drive (and a ferry hop) north of Seattle. Plus, with alpaca ranches and lavender farms covering the hillsides, the experience also includes a touch of Peru-meets-Provence.

Assateague Island, Maryland

Like Portugal’s Soajo Mountain, Maryland’s Assateague Island is home to wild horses — more than 150 in total. These feral ponies have free range of the beaches, marshes and forests. For the best viewing, try the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife Loop Road, a three-hour walk.

For a more unique spectacle, time your visit with the annual pony swim, held every July, wherein a group who call themselves the Saltwater Cowboys wrangle up the horses, leading them on a swim across the Assateague Channel

Sapelo Island, Georgia

The Spanish moss hanging from live oak branches gives Sapelo Island, Georgia, an only-in-the-Southeast feel, but its golden-sand beaches feel a bit like the islands off Queensland, Australia. Reach it only via boat: either the DNR ferry or private vessel.

Once ashore, walk in the hiking trails through dunes and maritime forests to encounter hundreds of bird species, including the Chachalaca bird, which otherwise requires birders to travel to either Mexico or Central America to cross off lists. Stay the night, and you might even spot a bobcat on one of the most unique island vacations in the U.S.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Travel to Puerto Rico for one of your next tropical vacations in the U.S. Culebra, a satellite island of Puerto Rico, is often referred to as one of the Spanish Virgin Islands — and for good reason. Its sugar-sand beaches are mostly undeveloped, lending it to the feel of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands.

Like the BVI, Culebra lacks any of the large, major hotel chains. Instead, it has a sleepy charm, appealing to those content to kayak, snorkel and beachcomb on one of the most tropical places in the United States.

Kauai, Hawaii

One of the wettest places on the planet, Kauai packs its mountains with unending greenery, punctuated by a dozen epic waterfalls. This makes the island every bit as lush and exotic as Tahiti but at a fraction of the flight time. Worth the splurge, a helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast — where Jurassic Park was filmed — shows visitors more highlights than they could see in a week of hiking.

Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts

Just south of Cape Cod lie the Elizabeth Islands of Massachusetts, including Penikese and Cuttyhunk, two of the only inhabited islands in the bunch not owned by the Forbe family. Cutthyunk, in particular, still exudes British flavor, carried over from 1602 when it was the first British settlement on the new coast.

Experience it at Avalon Inn, one of the few choices when overnighting. To see more of the neighboring isles, book a day cruise to explore beaches and see wild harbor, harp and gray seals.

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, is perhaps best known as the home of the Gullah people, a community of African Americans in the lowcountry who speak their own Creole language called Geechee. To get a feel for the people and their culture, stop by the historical foundation to hear local stories and legends, as well as chat up the local guide who’s been on the island for decades.

Cedar Key, Florida

Overwater bars weathered and leaning on stilts give the fishing village of Cedar Key off Florida’s Gulf Coast a back-in-time vibe, like that of Bocas del Toro, Panama. But, unlike Bocas, Cedar Key averages in the low and mid 80s, making for more pleasant conditions for sea kayaking, for which the area is renowned.

The Suwannee River empties into the Gulf roughly 10 miles north of Cedar Key, and the sound separating the two is lined with uninhabited islands, perfect for any boaters to enjoy day picnics and exploring.

Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, a chain of 14 volcanic outposts that string out west of the state, remain one of the most remote places on the planet. Sea kayakers treasure the destination, willing to brave the inclement weather for chances to see grey, minke, orca, sperm and humpback whales, as well as walruses, seals and sea lions.

From these United States islands, it’s possible to view the Northern Lights year-round. For those who aren’t into roughing it, know that there is lodging at places like the Grand Aleutian Hotel on Unalaska Island.

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The beaches of South Walton, Florida, are known for their sugar sand, turquoise water and distinct beach communities — 16 in all, including Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Santa Rosa — filled with funky bars, art in unexpected places and plenty of outdoor activities. Here are a few things to do on your next visit to 30A.

SUP on Western Lake

Start Happy Hour at Noon

Rent a Bike and Explore

Hike in a State Park

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Still trying to squeeze in one last getaway before the kids go back to school? It’s not too late. These 10 resort packages, in hot spots from Fiji to Florida, are perfect for families looking to hang onto that summer vibe just a little longer. Read on for bonus nights, free kids meals, room discounts, resort credits and even the odd pirate.

CARIBBEAN & CENTRAL AMERICA

Royalton Riviera Cancun, Mexico

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

SOUTH PACIFIC

Nanuku, Auberge Resorts Collection, Viti Levu, Fiji

UNITED STATES

Timbers Kauai – Ocean Club & Residences, Hawaii

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida

Mission Point, Mackinac Island, Michigan

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, San Diego, California

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September is the perfect time to take that trip you’ve always wanted to go on to Hawaii; the Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian culture with events all month long. Or, if you’re more of a movies buff, venture to Southeast Asia for the Bali International Film Festival held on a beach. More interested in boats? Italy’s Regata Storica is a historic race that pits 16th-century-style boats against each other. Enjoy hundreds of craft beers — or just a couple — at the Key West Brewfest in the Sunshine State, or visit Honduras for the renowned Roatan International Fishing Tournament.

Whatever you’re looking for, read on for our list of the best places to visit in September.

Bali

Calling all film fanatics: plan your next vacation to coincide with the Bali International Film Festival (Balinale for short). This weeklong event held in South Kuta Beach showcases over 100 feature films, documentaries and shorts produced by Indonesian and international filmmakers. The schedule also includes workshops and seminars offering tips on scriptwriting, editing and acting, to learn the ins and outs of the industry from the pros.

The 2019 13th-annual Balinale goes from Sept. 24 to Sept. 29.

Oahu, Hawaii

The Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian culture with free events all month long, making Hawaii one of the best places to vacation in September. The festivals kick off in Waikiki with the induction of the Royal Court, where the chosen king, queen, prince and princess are adorned with lei head feathers, helmets and cloaks, accompanied by traditional Hawaiian chants and hula dancing.

The Waikiki Hoolaulea is an epic block party, with a variety of crafts, food vendors and performances by hula schools. Don’t miss the Floral Parade to watch bloom-covered floats, pau horseback riders and marching bands cavalcade down Kalakaua Avenue.

Aloha Festivals kick off with the opening ceremony on Aug. 31. The 73rd-annual Floral Parade concludes the festivities on Sept. 28.

Venice, Italy

Nearly every resident in Venice comes out to watch the annual Regata Storica (the Historical Regatta), which takes place on the Grand Canal. The festivities start with a pageant by locals in 16th-century-style boats reenacting the last Queen of Cyprus’ return to the city. Then gondoliers donning traditional costumes race their vessels for major bragging rights. Watch all the action from a waterfront cafe or from a floating grandstand in the lagoon.

The 2019 Regata Storica takes place on Sept. 1.

Dana Point, California

Travel back into time at the Tall Ships Festival, held at Dana Point Harbor in Southern California. Tour classic schooners dating back to the 1770s, and watch them parade by at the Sails ‘n Ales event, with craft beer tastings, food trucks and live music. Have a blast (literally) at mock cannon battles between the ships where you can choose to act as part of the crew or just enjoy the show.

The 2019 Tall Ships Festival starts on Sept. 6 and lasts all weekend.

Florida Keys

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a cold one at the annual Key West Brewfest, held at various restaurants, hotels and bars around the island. Sample over 150 beers, including a few local brews at the festival’s seminars, pool parties, happy hours and tap takeovers held throughout the weekend.

Notable craft-beer breweries (think Funky Buddha and Dogfish Head) will also team up with nearby restaurants for beer-pairing dinners. But the main event is the Saturday night tasting festival held on South Beach. When that’s over, party through the streets in a second line, led by a New Orleans brass band, to the after party at Green Parrot Bar.

Key West Brewfest takes begins Aug. 29 and concludes Sept. 2.

Roatan, Honduras

Anglers, get ready for the Roatan International Fishing Tournament, a catch and release competition and an Offshore World Championship qualifying event and one of the best tropical places to travel in September. Divisions include billfish (blue and white marlin, sailfish and spearfish), junior (15 year-olds and younger) and rodeo (points based on specific fish) with prizes awarded to the team who reels in the heaviest catch and earns the most points overall. Other awards include the Record-Breaking Blue Marlin prize for anyone who reels in a catch above 708 pounds, and the Top Lady Angler award, presented to the female competitor with the highest billfish or rodeo points.

The 2019 Roatan International Fishing Tournament goes from Sept. 12 to Sept. 15.

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The Cook Islands are a South Pacific paradise, with fewer crowds and cheaper room rates than Tahiti. August is a prime time to visit, as the islands celebrate their independence with a festival filled with traditional song and dance, so your vacation will come with a side of culture.

Food festivals abound in August, offering the chance to indulge on everything from lobster in Maine to chocolate in St. Lucia. Honoring ancestors in Thailand, a sailing regatta in Aruba, the king of all fringe festivals in Scotland, and hula celebrations in Hawaii round out the August offerings. These are some of the best places to travel in August.

Cook Islands

The people of the Cook Islands celebrate their independence at the annual Te Maeva Nui Festival, held in Rarotonga. A parade kicks off the festivities, which involves eight teams (four from Rarotonga and four representing the Outer Islands) challenging each other in cultural competitions. The traditional dance and choir performances that take place throughout the week are not to be missed. Plus, postcard-perfect beaches and resorts at half the price of other islands in the South Pacific make the Cook Islands one of the best places to travel in August.

The 2019 Te Maeva Nui Festival takes place from July 26 to August 5.

Oahu, Hawaii

Bring a blanket and picnic lunch to Kapiolani Park (Honolulu’s largest public park) to witness the Na Hula Festival. The non-competitive event showcases Hawaii’s oldest dance form, with hula students showing off their skills. Watch the graceful movements and appreciate the Hawaiian art form, all while enjoying a family-friendly day at the park.

Hawaii’s 78th-annual 2019 Na Hula Festival will take place at Kapiolani Park on August 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Maine

The quaint harbor town of Rockland hosts the five-day Maine Lobster Festival each summer. Nosh on all things lobster, like bisque, rolls and mac and cheese while overlooking Penobscot Bay. Events include a parade, local beer and wine tastings, a seafood cooking contest and a lobster crate race, where contestants run across a series of crates bobbing in the ocean.

This five-day food extravaganza makes Maine one of the best places to visit in August for seafood enthusiasts. The 2019 Maine Lobster Festival starts July 31 and goes until August 4. Tickets are sold at any gate at the festival itself.

St. Lucia

Calling all chocoholics: St. Lucia is one of the best places to visit in August. The island officially declared August as Chocolate Heritage Month in honor of the island’s cocoa industry, which dates back to the 18th century. Embrace all things chocolate by taking a tour to learn the ins and outs of how the delicacy is made.

At Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, set on a cocoa plantation, take part in the Tree-to-Bar Experience, where you can harvest cocoa pods straight from the tree and make your own chocolate bar. Anse Chastanet offers a similar experience, with a tour of Emerald Estates’ organic farm to see how cocoa is harvested, followed by a visit to the resort’s chocolate lab for tastings.

New Zealand

Bring your appetite to New Zealand’s largest food festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate, held in the country’s capital. During this two-week annual festival, more than 140 of the region’s top eateries offer dining deals and limited menus, including an exclusive Festival Dish (patrons vote on a favorite that wins the festival).

Special events include creative cuisine presentations like Dumplings Around the Globe, Umami Origami and Pie and Pinot pairings. A food truck rally and Beervana, a mecca for craft-beer lovers, are also on deck. Be sure to pack a coat: it’s the end of New Zealand’s winter.

Thailand

The Chinese heritage of Thailand’s population is celebrated at the annual Por Tor Festival. Translated as “Hungry Ghost,” communities gather to offer food for both their own ancestors and those spirits who no longer have living relatives. The event takes place in Phuket Town at the Seng Tek Bel shrine and on Ranong Road, where revelers parade through the streets dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.

Special offerings are left at ancestor’s altars including flowers, candles and food (mainly a red turtle-shaped cake that symbolizes good luck and long life to the person offering the gift).

Por Tor takes place on the first day of the waxing moon in the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, usually landing around late August or early September.

Aruba

Anyone from veteran sailors to novices can race at the Aruba International Regatta. Spectators can watch the action from Surfside Beach, where vessels ranging from yachts to miniature boats compete for bragging rights. The event also includes windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions, and post-race happy hours and beach parties.

The 2019 regatta takes place from August 16 to August 18.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Drama nerds and theater geeks, take note: the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the king of all fringe festivals. Artists from nearly 50 countries come to Scotland’s capital city to perform in plays, ballets, operas, comedy shows and more. As a visitor, it’s easy to get in on the action without a ticket. Just stroll the Royal Mile to watch street performers amid a magical Harry Potter-like backdrop — after all, this is the city that inspired the books.

The 2019 festival starts on August 2 and ends on August 26.

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Spring House Hotel – Block Island, Rhode Island

Since 1852, visitors to “the Block” have flocked to the Victorian-style hotel on a hill — you can’t miss its red mansard roof, expansive wraparound porch and sprawling lawn facing the Atlantic Ocean. Thirteen miles off the coast of Rhode Island, natural beauty and classic New England ambiance surround the relaxed island (accessible via ferry) where visitors leisurely bike and fish, but Spring House is the main attraction. Three on-property gardens mean heirloom tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini are likely to pop up on the menu. Simply put, if it’s romantic enough for a Kennedy wedding, it’s good enough for a romantic getaway.

The White Elephant – Nantucket, Massachusetts

Preppy, nautical, elegant — The White Elephant has been synonymous with this mellow Massachusetts island since the 1920s. With 66 rooms right in town on Nantucket Harbor, the grey shingled hotel keeps it quintessentially Nantucket with its mellow plaid furnishings and black and white sailing photos. Sip a Nantucket Mule (a cranberry vodka cocktail) and watch sailboats float by at the hotel’s Brant Point Grill, and book a detoxifying salt polish at the spa. Reserve the top three-bedroom suite for keys to the hotel’s BMW for the duration of your stay (that is, unless you prefer to travel by boat).

Baron’s Cove – Sag Harbor, New York

While Hamptons real estate has made more than a few fall in lust, enduring love is found in its unassuming nooks — like the nautical village of Sag Harbor, a year-round enclave with a decidedly artsy vibe. On one of its prime corners opposite the water, the 67-room Baron’s Cove (once a destination for the likes of Jackson Pollock and John Steinbeck) gets flirty with nautical maps and anchor pillows in guest rooms, happy pineapple-print wallpaper in the handsome lounge and its own burgee flags. As for the sexiest spot, it’s a tie between the outdoor fireplace and a table on the deck of the upstairs restaurant.

Gurney’s Newport Hotel & Spa – Newport, Rhode Island

Tip: If your summer travel is already booked solid, tony Newport is still a safe bet well after Labor Day — perhaps even lovelier once prime season crowds dissipate. Recently debuted on Goat Island, the 10-acre Newport outpost of Gurney’s is happening year-round. The 257-room resort has all the makings of an ideal waterfront retreat: views of both Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, marina, indoor and outdoor pools and four restaurants, plus walkability via a small bridge to downtown’s Thames Street and proximity for exploring the famed Gilded Age “cottages” of the founding families.

Ram’s Head Inn – Shelter Island, New York

Birds chirping, wine glasses clinking and bay water gently lapping is what you’ll hear from a perch in a pair of Adirondack chairs on the sprawling lawn of this neatly tucked away, historic 17-room inn. Shelter Island, known as the “un-Hamptons,” sits quaint and quiet on Long Island’s east end (accessible only via ferry from Greenport or Sag Harbor). Ram’s Head’s private beach, tennis court and charming farm-to-table restaurant render leaving the property entirely optional, though you’ll want to explore the island’s 17 miles of shoreline, trails of Mashomack Preserve, antiques shops and gorgeous sunset over Crescent Beach.

The Great George – Prince Edward Island, Canada

On Canada’s East Coast island full of history, The Great George in the capital of Charlottetown encompasses 20 restored historic buildings — guests get a behind-the-scenes take during the hotel’s daily afternoon walking tour before breaking for local PEI brews. Built in 1846, the property has carefully transformed these local colonial landmarks into 54 suites with charming freestanding claw-foot tubs and antiques. Whiles beaches are a short drive, the nearby Charlottetown waterfront and boardwalk are instantly accessible.

The Winnetu Oceanside Resort – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

It’s not just a beach, but the beach — with sunbathers, surfers, sandcastles and large dunes protecting this stretch of three-mile stretch of sand, The Winnetu sits on the Vineyard’s most coveted South Beach. Comprised of the Winnetu Hotel and surrounding Mattakesett Properties’ private home rentals, touches like lawn games, lemonade and s’mores tout the feel of a proper old-fashioned shore getaway, with the Atlantic as the background.

Gurney’s Montauk – Montauk, New York

At the eastern tip of Long Island, Gurney’s Montauk is a local icon of the town that gets more popular with each passing Memorial Day. While a cooler-than-thou surfer scene pulses throughout Montauk, Gurney’s gets all the romance points—and it’s not just because of the epic 2,000-foot private beach and 146 rooms with ocean views. A yellow daybed and Gurney’s Punch at the Beach Club is the most coveted spot to watch the brave ones catch waves. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, dinner at Italian hotspot Scarpetta and a dip in the seawater indoor pool keep up the good vibes.

Chebeague Inn – Chebeague Island, Maine

A short ferry ride from Portland or Yarmouth, Chebeaugue’s eponymous hotel retains the away-from-it-all feeling of the small island in Casco Bay. Everything about it says Maine: The restored 1920s Greek Revival-style inn features artwork from local crafters and photographers, bikes to borrow to pedal across the three-mile island, and a top restaurant boasting freshly caught lobster. Here, visitors favor games and books over TVs (there are none in-room) and cool ocean breeze swaying through open windows over buttoned-up air conditioning.

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