Urban beaches offer best of both worlds

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

CHICAGO, IL – Can’t decide between vacationing at a beach or big city this summer? You won’t have to choose if you visit one of the metropolises selected by the travel experts.

CHICAGO, IL – Can’t decide between vacationing at a beach or big city this summer? You won’t have to choose if you visit one of the metropolises selected by the travel experts. Each offers great beaches in urban settings.

Chicago has 26 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan with two of its best within walking distance of downtown. Oak Street Beach, located just steps away from Michigan Ave. shops, offers swimming, sunbathing and dining at an on-site bistro. Another favorite is North Ave. Beach, which offers beach volleyball a mini-gym, rollerblading and Castaways, a boat-shaped bar/restaurant.

Once an exclusive area catering to the rich and famous, the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach now attracts people from all walks of life. It’s a major entertainment destination with hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques and hotels. There is also fishing, tennis, golf and bicycle rentals.

Located on the east side of the city on Lake Washington, Madison Beach, Seattle, is one of the city’s most popular swimming beaches. It has a grassy area where sunbathers can enjoy views of the lake and Mt. Ranier. Amenities include a children’s playground; swimming raft; diving boards and tennis courts. The neighborhood also offers locally owned cafes, pubs, coffee and ice-cream shops, boutiques, and salons.

Oahu Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach is famous for its calm waters, which draw wannabe surfers from around the world. The less adventurous can learn about the history of Waikiki by reading the surfboard markers along the Waikiki Historical Trail. Other attractions include shopping and dining along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues.

Los Angeles has several beaches offering the best in volleyball, swimming, tanning, skating and bicycle riding and people watching. Some of the more popular include Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach and Marina del Rey. Santa Monica has tourist attractions such as the Looff Hippodrome , which was built in 1909. Hermosa Beach’s Pier has great views and a beachfront sidewalk called The Strand, filled with bikers, runners and walkers.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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