Scouted Waterfront Destinations: 6 Quintessential Seaside Spots
Originally published by THE SCOUT GUIDE on August 1st, 2022.
For many, summer simply isn’t summer without a trip to the ocean. And while we are in the waning days of the season, there’s still time to enjoy a last gasp getaway—or start planning for next year. If your schedule allows, shoulder season—the months adjacent to summer—are also a wonderful time to visit these areas as the crowds thin out but the weather is pleasantly warm. To help those looking to plan their seaside jaunt, we asked The Scout Guide editor/owners in six cities to share why their towns are the ideal place to take a dip in the big drink and feel the sand between your toes. Read on to discover their recommendations for must-visit spots in these scouted locales, and don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
NEWPORT BEACH, CA
If a west coast beach is calling your name, the southern California hotspot of Newport Beach will fit the bill. While this seaside town is a marvelous place to visit all year long thanks to that temperate Cali climate, it really comes alive in the summer. A vibrant yachting community, top-notch shopping, and culinary scene that’s hard to beat, has travelers flocking from far and wide to this laid-back beach town. “Newport Beach is guaranteed to please everyone with that perfect juxtaposition of seaside elegance and a casual relaxed atmosphere,” says Catherine Lowe, editor of The Scout Guide Newport Beach. “It’s truly a dream destination for families, girls’ trips, sailors, surfers, and everyone in between.”
To plan your Newport Beach getaway, check out the Newport Beach Lodging Guide, Newport Beach Shopping Guide, and Newport Beach Dining Guide. And for additional recommendations for what to do, see, and experience in Newport Beach, California, follow The Scout Guide Newport Beach on Instagram and visit The Scout Guide Newport Beach website. Keep an eye out for the inaugural issue of The Scout Guide Newport Beach in late-spring 2023.
THE HAMPTONS, NY
Summer in the Hamptons is all about long days relaxing on the beach, catching the surf, and exploring the charming farm stands and wineries that dot the area. According to Stacey Leuliette, owner/editor of The Scout Guide Hamptons, this enchanting region of villages, hamlets and towns along the east end of Long Island can be as low-key or as extravagant as you’d like! “The Hamptons draws a mix of casual fun and big city sophistication due to the number of Manhattanites who escape the city to come out east,” Stacey explains. “Summer begins Memorial Day weekend, but July to Labor Day is the true high season.” Don’t fret if you miss the window for a summer trip here as September and October are also a lovely time to visit thanks to cooler weather and less crowds. If you decide to make the journey out east, locals highly recommend attending one (or all!) of these quintessential annual summer soirees: Hamptons Fashion Week, Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer Party, Hayground Chefs Dinner, Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s run and The Hamptons Classic.
To plan your Hamptons getaway, check out the Hamptons Lodging Guide, Hamptons Shopping Guide, and Hamptons Dining Guide. And for additional recommendations for what to do, see, and experience in the Hamptons, New York, follow The Scout Guide Hamptons on Instagram and visit The Scout Guide Hamptons website, where you can browse or buy the latest volume of The Scout Guide Hamptons.
NANTUCKET, MA
Located 30 miles out to sea, off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is the quintessential New England Summer destination that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime. Time spent on this dazzling little island can include lazy beach days, strolls on the charming cobblestone streets, and afternoons spent at local haunts such as Cisco Brewery and CRU Oyster Bar. “Summer is high season and when the town and island are all abuzz with visitors and a busy social calendar,” says Stacey Leuliette, owner/editor of The Scout Guide Nantucket. Make sure to add events such as Figawi Race Weekend, live music at Dreamlands, Nantucket Historical Associations Nantucket by Design, Summer Antiques Show, and Nantucket Community Sailing’s Race Week, to your ‘can’t miss’ list while on the island.
To plan your Nantucket getaway, check out the Nantucket Dining Guide, Nantucket Shopping Guide, and Nantucket Lodging Guide. And for additional recommendations for what to do, see, and experience in Nantucket, Massachusetts, follow The Scout Guide Nantucket on Instagram and visit The Scout Guide Nantucket website, where you can browse or buy the latest volume of The Scout Guide Nantucket.
