Plum Island is a barrier island located on the north eastern coast of Massachusetts. It is only about 11 miles in length bordered by the Merrimack River to the north and the Ipswich River to the south. Ron Risman‘s video “Day on the Beach – Plum Island” does a fantastic job of capturing the feeling of being there. Check out UpTake’s full list of things to do and places to stay here.

In early March 2011 we had the chance to go to Puerto Rico for a few days. It was great to get some sun and the food there was fantastic (if you don’t mind fried…well, everything). We had a car for one day and decided to go to a stretch of beach not too far away from San Juan, Condado and the Isla Verde area. This stretch of beach is called Piñones and the best thing about this area are all the street food vendors that line up along the side of the road.

I’m a sucker for anything overlooking the ocean but the Piere Giorgio Restaurant (La Puntilla de Piergiorgio) could possibly be one of the most romantic restaurants on this planet. I recommend going for dinner and particularly during sunset preferably with a date (of course). It is authentic Italian fare made with the freshest ingredients from the sea and imported from Italy. I know that I’ve always been an advocate of engaging yourself wholeheartedly in local cuisine (local everything actually) but this time; I would probably make an exception. In fact I, if you are able to secure the table under the gazebo, you would be in perfect form. Below is a video from Vimeo user Viacon Dima – it is a single shot of the restaurant but in its simplicity it conveys the feeling of being there quite well.

‘Tis the Spring Break season! It is an important season for us here at UpTake’s Beach Blog because it means that we get to ramp up again and start talking about sand, waves, surfing, fashion and all that good stuff. What better way to start of the season but with a list of the top spring break beach destinations for families. Here we go, in no particular order:

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head, South Carolina has just about everything you would need for an awesome family vacation. The twelve miles of Atlantic facing beach is fantastic as far as East Coast US beaches go. There is certainly enough to do on the island to keep both parents and children happily occupied from biking, golfing and kayaking to fishing and getting some sailing time in. For the full luxury experience check out the Sea Pines Resort.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, California in San Mateo County has a lot to offer a family on the hunt for a beach spring break. Apart from the fantastic beach setting there is Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, one of only 34 coastal habitats that the State of California has designated as having “Special Biological Significance.” If dad happens to be a pro surfer, he would already know the significance of Half Moon bay and more specifically the legendary Mavericks where big wave surfers challenge 50 ft. waves. Obviously I urge you to not even consider Mavericks as a ‘cool swimming spot’ because it isn’t. If curiosity gets the best of you, go check it out and WATCH the PROS. Apart from beach life you can head over to Montara Mountain for some outdoor fun.

Naples Fishing Pier Florida

Rated America’s Best Beach in 2005 by the Travel Channel, Naples’ 10 miles of pure white sand beach and blue waters does not disappoint. What is most impressive about this beach is how clean it is and to me that is quite simply a must for a beach to make it onto any list. Naples’ Botanical Garden is a great place to check out if you need a break from the sun and surf in addition to hunting down some historic homes such as the Palm Cottage and perhaps a visit to the Keewaydin Club, an inn that was open from 1934 until 1999 and has been added to the US National Register of Historical Places.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Why Myrtle Beach for spring break? Well, for starters they have a lot of beach, next they have a boardwalk that National Geographic considers the #3 boardwalk in the US. Then there is the water park, the nature preserve, the sculpture garden and a lot more.

San Diego Night - by Wikipedia user Rufustelestrat

Keeping the family classy this Spring Break? Then San Diego is for you. Once again, we have a destination with great beaches and LOTS to do. I sense a theme here, do you? Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Belmont Amusement Park; there is so much to do. One of my favorite things about San Diego are the historical sites in the city such as Mission San Diego de Alcala and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Kona Sunset - by Wikipedia user Mbz1

When it comes to beach destinations in the US, Hawaii seems to always come up, I wonder why…Hawaii is not close for everyone but if you are able to go for spring break, Kona is my recommendation. The beaches here on this piece of the Big Island are breathtaking. If you have been saving up for a beautiful and very memorable spring break, consider staying at the Kona Village Resort – a former fishing village that now offers inclusive packages. Just get there and start unwinding.