On this Gypsy Bandeau & Gypsy Skimpy Pant, Rusty combines a flirtatious mauve ruffle with confetti and snakeskin, a popular animal print in 2010 swimwear collections.

Toughen up a girly bikini with snakeskin print. Image courtesy of Transworld Business.

Roxy updates the traditional triangle with graffiti writing in neon colors, reversible in black.

This traditional triangle bikini becomes edgy with neon graffiti writing. Image courtesy of Delia's.

Earthy geometric tribal prints go uptown with gold hardware and black and white punk edging in Leilani’s Bali Lounge bandeau.

Ethnic meets urban with a touch of hardware. Image courtesy of Transworld Business.

My favorite is Kooey’s Spear Neck One Piece. Who can resist the contrast of the demure leg with the plunging neckline, gorgeous detail and that hot color!

Glam it up in this one piece with plunging neckline and chic detail. Image courtesy of Transworld Business.

Sea glass specimens

In the days before environmental laws prohibited such actions, some of this glass came from trash dumped off ships. In other cases, the source of debris was old garbage dumps located near the ocean. Over the years, wind and rainstorms caused trash to migrate toward the shore, tumbling until it disintegrated, leaving behind only the more durable glass. In areas where perfect geography, wave action, and wind combined, sea glass deposits grew deep and were left undisturbed, since the glass was still regarded as useless trash.

Gradually, people began to notice the beauty of this delicately etched glass. They marveled at colors ranging from frosty white to deep turquoise, cobalt blue, and even blood red. Initially collected as pretty baubles to be displayed in a glass bowl, jewelry makers eventually began creating pieces from the unique material. Today sea glass is in such demand that it is growing scarce; many of the beaches that had contained thick beds have been thoroughly picked over. However, the following beaches still offer beachcombers a good selection of quality sea glass:

Bar Island – Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar island is a tidal island in Bar Harbor, Maine that is located directly north of the West Street town pier (look for Bridge Street on the north side of West Street to gain access). Glass found on the island has a tendency to collect at the high tide line. Check for the local times of low tide and plan to stay no more than one hour before and after low tide.

Farthest left island, Bar Island, which is connected by the mainland at low tide, offers excellent sea glass hunting

Rosario Beach, Fidalgo Island, Washington State
Sea glass on this beach is typically mingled with agates, shells, tumbled pebbles, and driftwood, so beachcombers may need to look closely, but 6-15 jewelry grade pieces can normally be found in less that two hours. To find Rosario Beach, going north on Highway 20, turn left about 1/3 mile past Deception Pass Bridge and follow the signs.

Sea glass collection in a glass brandy snifter

Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, California
For many years the people in this town dumped their trash over the bluffs and onto a strip of beach owned by the Union Lumber Company. Locals simply called it “The Dumps.” In 1967, city leaders closed the area and various cleanup programs were begun, but by that time, much of the glass had been washed down to the shore, becoming the small, smooth, colored pieces that coat the beach today. Although much of the material has been carted away by collectors, there is still a good deal left. A few years ago, this beach was taken over by the California State Park Department, which voiced concern over disappearing sea glass. Rumors soon began circulating that sea glass could no longer be taken. While it is true that the Parks Department discourages the collecting of sea glass, California beaches are public up to the mean high water mark, thus collecting cannot be banned. Current opinion seems to be that it is perfectly legal to collect glass on any of the beaches in Fort Bragg, although care must be taken not to trespass on surrounding private properties to get to any of the three collecting sites. Of these, the best known is Glass Beach, located inside McKerricher Park, which is said to holds the highest concentration of sea glass in the world. Although generally depleted of the larger specimens, great quantities of small pieces are abundant and larger pieces can still be found after storms churn the beach. The path to Glass Beach is located at the end of Elm St.

Sea glass layer is many inches thick on Glass Beach at Fort Bragg

Seaside State Beach, Monterey, California
Located just northeast of Monterey, California, Seaside Beach is very long and is flanked by sand dunes and sand cliffs. On the main beach at high tide, sea glass is found in a narrow five-foot band just above the water line, as well as underwater near the shore. At low tide, much more of the glass is exposed on the beach. For better pickings, head north to the rocks, where sea glass can be found by the handsfull. Fort Ord Dunes State Park and Sand City lie along the same stretch of beach and are also good collecting sites.

Monterey State Beach, Monterey, California
Beginning next to Fisherman’s Wharf and continuing to the town of Seaside, Monterey State Beach is popular with beachcombers who often uncover sea glass. Pieces of vintage green are often discovered here, the source of which is an old beach dump site.

The beach at Cannery Row, California, near Monterey State Beach

Glass Beach, Port Townsend, Washington
A 90-minute hike from North Beach (also not too shabby a site for sea glass), the area known locally as Glass Beach lies at the foot of a bluff that once served as the town dump. Although this particular shoreline is unmarked, collectors know they have arrived at the correct spot when they spot corroded auto parts jutting out of the sand.

Playa Media Luna, Isle Mujeres, Mexico
Collectors have reported finding two pails full in about two hours. There are numerous beaches on this small island, and any of them are likely to offer up sea glass treasures, but the best scavenging is found on the rocky northeast side of the island.

Isla De Mujeres, Mexico

Antonio’s Beach to River Mouth Beach in Puntas, Rincon, Puerto Rico
Antonio’s Beach to River Mouth is a favorite place to hunt for sea glass. From the public parking lot at Antonio’s Beach adjacent to the new Punta del Mar Beach Resort development, head north to the river. Sea glass becomes more abundant nearer the river. On some days, it is not unusual to gather a plastic bag full of pretty pieces in less than an hour.

River Mouth, Puntas, Rincon, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
From the capital building, descend via steps along the fort wall to Playa Ocho, or look around the public beaches down from La Perla (near the stadium and the Caribe Hilton). It is best to go right after high tide and look in the rockier areas on the edges of the beach. Pieces of all sizes and colors are easily found here.

Glass Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai’s Glass Beach isn’t mentioned in many guide books, mostly due to its location in the middle of an industrial zone not far from the popular tourist area of Poipu on the southern end of the island. To get there, take the Port Allen exit off the highway, then turn down a street past some warehouses, then follow a very rutted dirt road to the water. It’s worth the effort, for this beach is inches thick with sea glass of all colors – even the rare cobalt blues. But don’t get greedy; local law limits each person to a gallon of the shiny stuff per day.

Photo credits, in order of appeaarance: Patricia Scott Interiors (sea glass in brandy snifter); Barbara Weibel (Bar Island); Patricia Scott Interiors (sea glass in bowl); BillLovesMarcy (Glass Beach at Fort Bragg); brunkfordbraun (Cannery Row Beach); sarunas.b (Isla de Mueres); Richard Monteverde, Rincon, Puerto Rico.

Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

Ocean Beach Dog Beach - San Diego

As blogger Barbara Weibel noted, our country has a nice selection of dog beaches where you can have some fun in the sun with your pooch. Barbara pointed out a lovely dog friendly beach in Carmel, but San Diego has a handful of other terrific dog beaches.

One of them is Ocean Beach Dog Beach. I used to visit this dog beach frequently when I lived in San Diego - it’s so much fun! Not only is it a completely off-leash beach, but there are shallow portions of water where even smaller dogs can easily splash around and swim. I love to just put down a towel and watch the doggie mayhem – on warm summer days, there might be up to 100 dogs running around playing. It’s great fun to get in the water with them. (Just don’t go too far out!! This part of Ocean Beach is known for some nasty rip tides, so make sure neither you nor your pup venture out too far in the warning, especially if you notice the warning flags. )

You can also choose to walk your pet on a paved sidewalk that runs along this portion of beach – less sand, but just as much fun.

There’s no entrance or parking fee, so you can visit as frequently as you like.

Photos: Dagmar61

Washington Coastline and Beaches

When many people think about the beach and hotels on the beach, they picture beaches in Florida and California. Fair enough – the beaches in both states are gorgeous and known worldwide for their surfing and sunbathing possibilities. But what about the fantastic beaches in the Northwest such as those in Washington State? Talk about picturesque! The water here many not get as warm as it does in Florida (though Southern California beaches can have very chilly water as well!), but the picturesque scenery, quaint towns and fresh, breezy beach air more than makes up slightly cooler waters in summer. 

Ocean Park, Washington offers almost thirty miles of sandy beaches, all of which are less crowded than those you’ll find on the East Coast  in summer. You’ll also find quaint historic villages, beautiful Willapa Bay and more spectacular scenery than your digital camera card can likely capture.

If you plan to visit Ocean Park, you’ll likely want to stay for a few days and enjoy everything that the area has to offer. There are numerous Ocean Park hotels which can offer you ocean views and beach access, as well as those which are steps away from the charming towns and villages. Check out the following hotels the next time you’re in the area!

Blackwood Beach Cottages

Very close to the water - and if you like them enough, you can purchase them as well!

Charles Nelson Guest House

Overlooks beautiful Willapa Bay – it’s a B&B, and the breakfast is generous!

Ocean Park Resort

Only 4 blocks from the beach! You can camp as well as stay in lovely accommodations.

Photos: Akarmy

Hunting Island State Park - Beaufort, South Carolina

Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort, South Carolina is  South Carolina’s most popular state park, and its beach areas are heavily visited as well, especially in summer. Visit just once, and you’ll soon see why. The beach here is clean with white sands and dotted with assorted sea grasses, and at low tide, the beach looks incredibly wide – perfect for exploring tide pools. Don’t forget to take your dog with you to Hunting Island! Dogs are allowed on the beach, so long as they are on a six-foot (or less) leash. Unfortunately, they’re not allowed in any of the cabins or campground areas. If you  have a dog like mine though, sometimes it’s nice to be in complete control over them at all times. As much as she loves me, I’m not sure my dog would ever come back to me if let off leash on such a beautiful beach as this!

There are over five miles of beach to explore with your pooch, and there is plenty of room to jog and walk on the beautiful sand.

When you drop your dog off at a nearby pet-friendly Beaufort hotel, you can explore the historic lighthouse here as a variety of lagoons, marshland and tidal creeks.

Photo: Hawkwild

Aerial viel of Cayo Costa State Park

Accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa State Park is located on an unspoiled, eight mile long barrier island that is part of a chain of islands sheltering Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The 2,506-acre island contains unique tropical vegetation and it looks much as it did 500 years ago when the first Europeans arrived.

Cayo Costa, translated as “Key by the Coast,” was the name given to the island by early Spanish traders. In the early 1800’s, Spanish fishermen from Cuba established “fishing ranchos” on the islands along Florida’s west coast, where they caught and dried fish before transporting them to Cuban markets. The Smithsonian Institution has identified two of these “ranchos” on Cayo Costa. In the late 1800’s, a quarantine station was established on the northern end of the island for immigrants entering the country through Boca Grande Pass. During the early 1900’s, approximately 20 fishing families living on Cayo Costa established a school, post office, and a grocery store.

While fishing continues to be an important activity on Cayo Costa, 95% of the island is now owned by the Park Service, with the remaining 5% in the hands of private owners. Neither electricity nor cable is available from the mainland and water is from wells, thus the private residences tend to be rustic weekend getaways. Within the park, 12 primitive cabins and 30 tent sites are available for overnight stays. Each cabin is equipped with a table and three bunk beds with mattresses; guests must bring everything else with them, including all food and drinks. Restrooms, showers, and water are located near the cabins and tent sites.

Nine miles of white sand beaches with no crowds

Because of its limited facilities, Cayo Costa is not a destination for everyone, but those who don’t mind roughing it find deserted beaches where sightings of manatees dolphins and a spectacular assortment of birds are virtually assured. Visitors can swim or snorkel in the surf or picnic in the shade along nine miles of beautiful beaches. Saltwater anglers can fish from their boats or throw a line out into the surf. Shelling is especially good during the winter months and nature trails provide opportunities for hiking and off-road bicycling through acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, and mangrove swamps. Of course, day trippers are welcome, but must depart on the last ferry, prior to sunset.

Primitive cabins can be rented for $40 per night

Cayo Costa State Park is located directly south of Boca Grande and west of Pine Island and North Fort Meyers. In addition to private boat, the park is accessible by Tropic Star passenger ferry, which departs from Pine Island. Reservations are required and there is a fee for the ferry service. The $2.00 per person park admission fee is collected at an honor box, thus correct change is required. Tent camping is $22.00 per night, plus tax and cabins are $40.00 per night, plus tax. For ferry information and overnight reservations call Tropic Star of Pine Island at 239-283-0015.

Photo credits: Aerial photo courtesy of Airborne Pilot; beach and cabins courtesy of Florida State Parks

Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

Martian Beach.

Located on the far side of Ka’uiki Hill south of Hana Bay, Kaihalulu is also known as Red Sand Beach. Here the sand gets its unique red-black color from the crumbling cinder cone that hugs the ocean. The thick sea wall is composed of porous, rocky lava, , the sand pebble-y sharp volcanic shards. The water is not exactly friendly to swimmers and the hike down the beach is treacherous, often slippery from pine needles discarded by overhanging ironwood trees. Yet despite these hinderances Kaihalulu Beach is a must-see stop for the stunning vision of the turquoise water on red sand against a verdant backdrop of pine.

Due to the the volcanic cinder cone, Kaihalulu Beach is very isolated, attracting nude sunbathers during the day and some homeless people at night. There is no lifeguard and no facilities. Do not swim past the sea wall due to strong currents; use caution during seasonal high surf.

Photo credits in order of appearance: burrowingowl via Flickr, Alan W. George’s photostream via Flickr.

Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park is a gorgeous recreational area near Tampa, Florida and very close to St. Petersburg, Florida. The park is actually located in Tierra Verda on Tampa Bay, across from St. Petersburg. There are so many things to do for humans here including exploring the historic monuments, swimming in the beach, picnicking and more. If you have a pooch in tow, though, don’t despair – there are dog parks for big and small dogs as well as a fenced in area of beach where dogs can swim and play to their hearts’ content!

Fort De Soto, Florida Beach

The two dog parks at Fort De Soto are called Paws Playground. They’re located near the Bay Pier parking lot (Fort  De Soto is a big place, just follow the signs!) This Paws Playground area is the only place in the park where dogs can run off-leash on the beach. They can swim in the water, run in the sand and just have a good time.

There are showers available to help clean off the sand from your dogs before putting them back in the car. Hot summer days can bring a large number of dogs to this beach, so make sure your dog plays well with others before you take him or her off the leash to splash around in the water.

Dog on Beach

Photos: CreativeDC, comingstobrazil, Through the Lens, Darkly

Destin Florida

Destin, Florida’s powdery white beaches and beautiful Gulf waters make it a popular destination for families, couples and weddings. If you’re looking for a full-service resort in the area, you might want to check out The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. With 15 tennis courts, three pools, four championship golf courses and plenty of beachfront property, you won’t have to look to hard to find things to do!

The majority of the rooms at the Hilton Sandestin are suites, and you have to be 25 or older to check in to the property, so there won’t be any crazy college kids partying in the rooms. Kids are allowed, however, and some of the rooms offer bunk beds which are perfect for the kiddies. Rooms are between 460 and 768 square feet (and there are even larger Presidential Suites), so they’re perfect for family gatherings. You’ll be able to enjoy couches, living room areas, kitchens and balconies with views of the Gulf. Gorgeous! The water can be incredily clear in Destin – on the best days, the water rivals the clarity of Caribbean beaches.

The spa treatments at the Hilton Sandestin get rave reviews, and there are kids programs so that you can go enjoy your spa day or night and let the kids run wild somewhere else. There’s shopping nearby and plenty of restaurants onsite and nearby for dining options throughout the day.

And of course, you can wander onto the gorgeous beach at the hotel. If you plan to swim in the water, visit closer to summer when the water starts to heat up.

Photo: just jennifer

Located near Ka Lae (South Point) on the island of Hawaii, this secluded beach gets its dusky emerald-colored sand from the presence of a green, semi-precious stone named olivine (called peridot when the stone is of gem-quality). The cliffs above the beach contain this stone, and with the continual erosion of the cliffs by the waves of the ocean miniscule extracts of olivine are deposited onto the sand. 

Of course green sand does not come easily. Visitors must hike a rugged 2-mile dusty trail of ruts and trips down a giant bowl-shaped cinder cone.  The hike is so ragged that visitors might be tempted to question if it is worth it, but bear in mind: Papakolea is one of only two green beaches in the United States, the other located on Guam.

Please note: There are no facilities at the beach and little shade. Swimming is not recommended as the water is treacherous and there is no lifeguard on duty.

Photo credits in order of appearance: M + J’s Adventures, Weathermandale, both photostream’s via Flickr.