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Shore leave: beaches we love—head to the coast and dive in! - Living Well Travel

Althea Lenore Honegan

Chances are that most of us will be vacationing stateside this summer. In an unsettled world, many Americans are choosing to avoid the hassles of airports and opting for pleasures closer to home. In a New York Times/CBS News poll, 55 percent of Americans said they wouldn't travel overseas now, even if they had the time and money. The good news is that the continental United States is blessed with miles of alluring sandy beaches just a car drive away. Thomas and Lenny Dorsey of soulofamerica.com, a leading resource for Black travel news, helped us select these lakeside and oceanfront vacation spots that have been popular among African-Americans for years. The large Black presence at these resorts can get us right into the mix, and there's usually at least one big summer event that caters to our cultural interests. So pack your sandals and sunscreen. Nothing beats stress like a good dose of beach time!

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA

Why we like it: A large supermodel and celebrity presence (Naomi Campbell, Will Smith, Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker and P. Diddy), a nightlife said to rival New York's and L.A.'s, and The Royal Palm on South Beach, the first Black-owned luxury resort on the strip.

Best beach: South Beach, which lines South Pointe Park up to 21st Street and Collins Canal.

Hot spot: Krave nightclub, 1203 Washington Avenue.

Must-do: Sip on a Call a Cab, a devilish daiquiri of grain alcohol, rum, sugar, cherries and strawberry flavoring. It's a party in a glass.

Money matters: While not inexpensive, it's worth the splurge. Plan far in advance and shop for all-inclusive packages. Information: Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, (800) 283-2707 or miamiandbeaches.com.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

Why we like it: It's near D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, as well as Black institutions such as Hampton University, so Virginia Beach has a large concentration of African-Americans.

Best beach: The boardwalk end of the beach runs from First to Fortieth streets. Sand was recently added to widen the shoreline, so bring your really big beach towel.

Hot spot: Club Broadway, 5671 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard. Must-do: Feast on seafood.

Money matters: You'll find reasonable rates in Virginia Beach, but during peak season (June through August), hotels quickly get booked, so plan ahead, information: Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, (800) 822-3224 or vbfun.com.

CHICAGO

Why we like it: It has a Black history that goes back to the city's very beginnings--Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, an Afro-French trader, established the first permanent settlement in the late 1700's--and continues through the Great Migration, the birth of Chicago blues and many civil-rights milestones.

Best beach: 55th Street Beach in Hyde Park, across from the Museum of Science and Industry.

Hot spot: Isaac Hayes's Music-Food-Passion restaurant, 739 N. Clark Street.

Must-do: Visit Chicago's Navy Pier, which boasts shopping, an amusement park, boat rides, biking and a host of other family-oriented activities.

Money matters: Purchase a Chicago CityPass (adults $49, children $38); it gets you into six attractions including the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Hancock Observatory. Information: citypass.com and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, (877) 244-2246 or chicago.il.org.

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

Why we like it: With 60 miles of beach, 120 golf courses and plenty of nightlife, this town's tourist draw is second only to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and it has attracted Black folks for years.

Best beach: Nearby Atlantic Beach--traditionally known as the Black Beach because of segregation laws that separated it from North Myrtle Beach for years--is still our preferred haunt.

Hot spot: House of Blues Myrtle Beach, 4640 Highway 17 S.

Must-do: Enjoy the temptations of Celebrity Square (Broadway at the Beach), with its fine restaurants and soul food. The profusion of clubs makes it easy to work off the calories while you dance the night away.

Money matters: Inquire about a Myrtle Beach VIP discount card, which offers substantial savings on accommodations, restaurants and clubs. Information: myrtlebeachvipcard.com and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, (800) 356-3016 or mbchamber.com.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS

Why we like it: This playground of the Kennedys, as well as of celebrities like Spike Lee, has Victorian charm and African-American historical sites such as the Eastville Cemetery and the homestead of Captain William Martin, who was the Vineyard's only Black whaling captain.

Best beaches: The Inkwell in Oak Bluffs is where most Black folks gather. You can fish undisturbed for bass and porgies at Menemsha Beach on the North Shore.

Must-do: Sample a lobster roll at Nancy's Snack Bar (27 Lake Avenue in Oak Bluffs), and shop at Inspirations, a Black-owned home-decor store (54 Main Street).

Money matters: Renting a cottage will help keep down costs. Information: Friends & Partners, Inc., (800) 758-0959; or the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, (508) 693-0085 or mvy.com.

SAG HARBOR, NEW YORK

Why we like it: It's home to many influential year-round and summer Black residents--including Johnnie Cochran, B. Smith and Earl Graves--and has a Black presence that goes back to the late 1700's, making it one of the earliest African-American resort towns.

Best beach: Havens Beach has 20 acres-a playground, barbecue and picnic areas, and more.

Hot spot: Kumba Room, 21 Water Street.

Must-do: Stroll along Long Wharf Harbor, nicknamed Million Dollar Harbor, to marvel at the luxury boats anchored there.

Money matters: Low-key inns are a reasonable option in this pricey marina paradise. Information: Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce, (631) 725-0011 or sagharborchamber.com.

VENICE BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Why we like it: Not only is it a bohemian carnival of jugglers, magicians, beach poets and vendors, but it also has a terrific singles scene.

Best beach: The entire strip, from end to end.

Hot spot: Hal's Bar & Grill, 1349 Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Must-do: Get a tarot-card reading from a street gypsy, and shop for handmade beaded jewelry and clothing.

Money matters: Prices of lodging average a little more than $100 a night. If you're willing to squeeze, apartment rentals can offer better deals. Information: Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, (213) 624-7300 or lacvb.com.

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