MIDWEST
HOLLAND, MICHIGAN: An American beach town with a distinctly Dutch flavor, Holland offers tulips, windmills and a choice between two refreshing lakes, Michigan and Macatawa. Call 616-394-0000.LAKE ERIE ISLANDS, OHIO: From a home port of Sandusky, with its world-class amusement park, the watery charms of Kelleys and South Bass Islands are just a ferry ride away. Call 800-255-3743.
WEST
PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS: This laid-back fishing village on Mustang Island, a short ferry ride off the Gulf Coast, is a shore town with frontier spirit. The catches of fish--marlin, sailfish, amberjack--are Texas big; the shrimp are plentiful. Call 361-749-5919.SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara offers sand, sun, surf--and plenty of town to explore. Call 800-676-1266.
CAPITOLA, CALIFORNIA: Small, warm and family-friendly, Capitola-by-the-Sea boasts protected beaches, safe swimming and a remarkably fogless summer climate. Call 831-475-6522.
SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA: Surf's up, dude. And when it's not, take a walk on the nearly 100-year-old beach boardwalk, ride a roller coaster or enjoy the spectacular scenery of Natural Bridges State Beach. Call 831-425-1234.
MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA: A former logging port set between a rugged coastline and majestic redwoods, Mendocino is now a picturesque village of cozy inns, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Call 707-961-6300.
PACIFIC GROVE, CALIFORNIA: Sea lions, pelicans and harbor seals along with Victorian bed-and-breakfast inns dot the Pacific Grove coastline. Call 831-373-3304.
DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA: Del Mar has some of the best surfing, fishing and tide pooling in San Diego County, yet the town has kept its oceanfront free from T-shirt shops and hot dog stands. Call Del Mar City Hall for more information at 858-755-9313.
NEWPORT, OREGON: This Pacific Northwest seaport affords nature-loving families a chance to explore groves of ancient spruce, splash in tide pools and spot gray whales. Call 800-COAST-44.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in May 1997. Updated February 2005.
