Recommended Hotel Nearby: Rod N Reel Resort. I would love to come to the West Coast to go shelling. Best Shelling Beaches In Texas - Title: Fiji One of the Best Shelling Beaches in the WorldPaper Type: Photographic PrintProduct Type: Framed Art PrintFramed in SOHO WhiteArrives ready-to-hang for fast, simple installationFramed Size: 38x26 in.Handcrafted in. For more information about Matoaka Beach Cabins and to reserve an overnight stay, visit the website. Let the water come to a boil slowly. They are so much fun. Assateague Island, Ocean City, and Sandy Point State Park offer some of the best opportunities to explore the regions unique coastal environment and bring home one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Boasting stunning vistas and plenty of shoreline for beachcombing, Matoaka is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Megan Johnson|Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson|Erin EvansFebruary 28, 2023, U.S. News Travel EditorsFebruary 28, 2023, Kyle McCarthy|Catriona KendallFebruary 22, 2023. 5 Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hammerman Beach. Amazing shells, and very different than the shells on west coast beaches! You will find lots of beautiful shells across the inlet on this beach, as well as to the Assateague Bayside. How To Find The Best Seashells On The Beach, The Ultimate Seashell Identification Guide. Adventurers looking for family-friendly outdoor activities in addition to a wide beach will no doubt appreciate this Maryland vacation destination. Photograph by, How to Get From DC to the Beach Without a Car.
Best 10 Beaches Near Washington DC - TripSavvy What's more, there are several short hiking trails for those who want to explore more of the park. Sandy Point State Park is a top choice for the safest beach for kids in the state. Known for its fine golden sand and the cliffs and rock formations flanking it on either side, youll also find an impressive array of seashells. To connect with like-minded shell-lovers, dont miss the annual Shell Festival held each fall.
10 Best U.S. Shelling Beaches - msn.com There are no homes or hotels on Shackleford Banks, but you can stay in nearby Harkers Island or Beaufort. If you go during the off-season, youll generally have the beach (and the seashells) to yourself. We were accustomed to tropical Christmases spent body-surfing, boogie boarding and beachcombing in the warm Pacific surf. Like other beach spots in the state, Matapeake Beach is an excellent place for tons of activities. The long walk will take effort as youll have to trudge through soft sand, so be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and snacks. 9 Breezy Point Beach. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. The best time to go is low tide since there will be more area available for strolling and searching for seashells. A word of caution to all well-intentioned seashell gatherers: Collecting seashells from any beach may disrupt the local aquatic ecosystem (they provide homes for hermit crabs, a place for small fish to hide, and material for birds to build their nests), so its best to admire, take pictures, and then leave them in their natural habitat. Make sure to explore the seafood restaurants in Kent Island. Search Hotels.com for the best places to stay near Shackleford Banks.Search VRBO.com for the best places to stay near Shackleford Banks. Thanks so much!! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Inn at Deep Creek, 5300 Breezy Point RoadChesapeake Beach, MD 20732(410) 535-0259. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Prince Frederick, an IHG hotel. This is one of the spots that few people have heard about to go shelling. Its waters are relatively shallow and calm, so even young kids and novice swimmers can enjoy dipping in the Chesapeake Bay. Theres not a lot of parking, so get your spot early or visit in the off-season. Contact a location near you for products or services. Characterized by imposing cliffs that were formed about 10 to 20 million years ago and occupy about 25 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs State Park overlooks the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County. Nestled in the town of Albufeira, Algarve, near the southern tip of Portugal, lies the beach Praia dos Aveiros. However, if you wish to stay closer to home, there are plenty of options on the inland shores. A treasure trove of shells awaits at South Africas world-famous Jeffreys Bay. Located in Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Beach offers guests both a relaxing day on the water and an energetic night at Riverwalk Landing, a popular dining and shopping experience for beachgoers. And how do they build monster bulldozers? Its a lesser-known island, so you may have it all to yourself. A top beach to go to in Maryland is Ocean Citys massive and accessible public waterfront. From there you can decide the best time for you to do some searching.
Matoaka Beach: A Maryland Beach Full Of Seashells And Fossils The shop preps for the 2022 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The chilly, snow-less morning arrived with a thick, heavy, gray cloud cover. While youre there, visit the Ocean Isle Museum, where you can watch the workers feed the animals in the Touch Tank. While the waters on North Beach are relatively calm, there are no lifeguards on duty on this spot. Located 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island is a five-mile-long beach perfect for beachcombers. In 1918 the SS Princess Sophia mysteriously sank near Juneau, Alaska. During an annual Sea Glass Weekend, docents at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center lead guided treasure hunts that begin at their headquarters in Grasonville. The sand at Flag Pond is especially sandy which makes it easier to sift through when looking for shells. This one-mile long beach on Andros Islandan archipelago within the Bahamasboasts millions of tiny pastel-colored shells, sand dollars, conchs, and other species. If youre a serious sheller and would like a great NC seashell guide, I recommend the following book: I will show you 24 excellent spots to hunt for shells starting at Carova, the northernmost beach in NC, to Bird Island, the southernmost beach. The public ferry limits what you can bring on board, so if you want to bring a wagon to carry your stuff, make sure it is collapsible. We chose Brownie Beach, near Chesapeake Beach in northern Calvert County, which is renowned for the fossilized shark teeth found on its shores. The only time I've found nice shells on the beach at OC is after a storm; after Nor Ida last year, found beautiful huge shells I'd never seen before there. 13 Bear Island At Hammocks Beach State Park? For instance, the Ark shells, one of the most common bivalve shells, range from gray, dark red, orange, gold, and white. Whether youre looking for rare or common shells such as scallops, oysters and clams, Breezy Point has something to offer everyone. Betterton Beach 21 Beaches By 703BillB703 Facilities include a pavilion on the overlooking hill, clean sand, benches, picnic tables, boat launch pier, and plen. When it comes to waterways and coastlines, Maryland is the state to visit. Besides going to the museum, you can also enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, and hunting when in the park. Keewaydin Island in Naples, Florida, is mostly uninhabited, says Charles McCool, a travel happiness advocate. This waterfront is a swimming beach so you can go wade in the water. I love the idea of using the shell bags when hiking. When cold, we climbed into the tent to sip hot chocolate and compare finds.
Thankfully, the name Shell Beach hasnt been trademarked, because theres another location worthy of the same designationthis time, its in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. Youll love Bear Island for its uncrowded beaches, beautiful views, public restrooms, and drinking water. Another option is to Uber there or rent a home right on The Point. Get outside and do some winter beachcombing in Maryland. Boil Method: This works well for most shells. The Raneys bring some homesteading mastery to a Vermont couple. While youre in the state park, make sure to visit the historic Turkey Point Light located in the south part of Elk Neck Peninsula. Rounded edges, different sizes, and colors ranging from reds and whites to dark browns and pink, too. Some people prefer to carry bags or waist packs in which to drop treasures. Storms tend to bring an influx of new shells, while high tides can loosen up existing ones that may be buried in the sand. The mailbox is actually the inspiration behind Nicholas Sparks novel Every Breath. Im glad you think its a good resource. I really hope you get to come here to go shelling. It is awash with numerous snails, clams, and all kinds of cool and fancy shells.. Thanks! 4. Im glad you found it useful. Bird Shoal Island is another uninhabited Island, but Beaufort is close by and a lovely place to stay.
As you go further, you will see fewer people. It can also be a great place to find shells. Bear Island is accessible by catching a ferry during the warmer months at Hammocks Beach State Park (info here) or booking a Shelling Adventure Cruise with Marsh cruises (info here). Pretty cool, huh? Sanibel island has 15 miles of beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, abundant wildlife and the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country. 10-50. 7 Best Sea Glass Beaches in New Hampshire, 8 Reasons why Pahokee is the Worst Town in Florida, 8 Reasons NOT to Move to Colorado Springs | Must Read Before Moving, 5 Reasons why Missouri is so dangerous | Must Read Before Moving, 13 Reasons Not to Move To New Jersey | Must Read Before Moving, Best places to live in Edinburgh for young professionals, 8 Things Long Beach Is Known For | Discover Long Beach. You can go swimming, fishing, and boating. But when Marty is forced to quarantine, Matt and Misty make a golden discovery. We found an enormous amount of live Sand dollars and a few dead ones. It's possible to find shells walking along the shoreline at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach! How do they fashion the iconic Fedora hat? No trip here would be complete without sampling steamed Maryland crabs, Thrasher's french fries and Dumser's Dairyland ice cream. 4 Bed 3 Bath Sunset Beach HouseJust Steps From Kindred Spirit Mailbox.
Beachcombing Hot-Spots | Coastal Style Magazine People claim to find dozens of shark teeth there. Search Hotels.com for the best places to stay near Shark Tooth Island. Rutherford Beach in eastern Cameron Parish is one great site, and the smaller beaches west of Holly Beach are also prime shell-collecting territories. Why are shells so plentiful here? I love shells, but your post made me realize how little I know about them and where to find them. But, one small fix becomes a big problem for Ant as the entire engine has to be Mike finds a true unicorn of the car world: a '95 Volvo 850 T-5R, a station wagon with a racing pedigree. One of the best beaches in the Bahamas for shelling is Somerset Creek Beach, on Andros Island, although you'll need to wear sandals or shoes to keep from cutting your feet. Bonita Beach. Besides swimming, you can also go fishing as Breezy Point Beach has a 200-foot pier. This makes for great shelling as the waves are milder, and shells can wash up in one piece. Marco Island. There are many different species of shells that can be found on these sandy shores, making for a great day at the beach for children and adults alike. You may recognize the iconic lighthouse on North Carolinas Crystal Coast, but its the 56-stretch of undeveloped shimmering beaches accessible only by boat that will catch any shell-lovers attention. This state park also allows fishing and offers kayak, canoe and sailboat rentals perfect for active adventurers. Boil for about 3 minutes. 9. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. We love the Carolinas, especially for exploring at the beach! Thank you! Later, using an old toothbrush and a dental pick, clean off any residue. The Best Snorkeling Along the Florida Best Beaches Near Fayetteville, North Annette O'Neil is an air sports athlete, digital nomad, full-time traveler and yogini. Heading to the shore for a day, a weekend or even a week is a fun, relaxing option for travelers of all ages. People also enjoy kayaking on the sound side of The Point as the water is calm there. Mike tracks down a rare '91 Alfa Romeo 164L. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Kent Narrows Inn, 9023 Bay AvenueNorth Beach, MD 20714(410) 286-3799. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. ed bicknell wife; can i take melatonin during colonoscopy prep best shelling beaches in maryland. The beaches of Sanibel Island are perhaps one of the best shelling spots not just in North America, but anywhere! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Goggles Find on Amazon 5 - Dig Into The Sand Digging into the sand can also help you find seashells. Thanks so much!
Best Sanibel Island shelling beaches (+ sanibel stoop) From there, its a short paddle to Shark Tooth Island. If you want to kayak to Masonboro Island or nearby Zekes Island, you can find a kayak tour HERE. Nevin Martell is a parenting, food, and travel writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times, Saveur, Mens Journal, Fortune, Travel + Leisure, Runners World, and many other publications. Find out more tricks here. Cherry Beach is a great place for fun and recreational water rides. rent a 4WD Kubota from Island Express Ferry Service, The Ultimate Guide To Shelling On Ocean Isle Beach, NC, 19 Tips For Finding Seashells On The Beach, Occasionally you may find larger shells like Whelk, Sand Dollars (not a shell, but definitely a treasure! Jupiter Island. Search Hotels.com for the best places to stay on Bald Head Island.Search VRBO.com for the best places to stay on Bald Head Island. To find the best shells, enter at the public beach access and walk left toward the jetty. You can even see those phosphorescent plankton that you only see in pictures. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. It is a popular destination in the beach town of Delaware, with many fun options to keep your family together. UPC: 832972481. Dave and Kev attend the first concours d'elegance, and their knowledge of cars is pushed to its limits. Carova Beach is also great for shelling because it has a shallow shoreline that gradually slopes downward; this allows delicate shells to wash up without breaking. We love rock collecting whenever we go out in nature. They call this part of the state Louisianas Outback, and its full of natural wonders (and alligators, which outnumber humans ten to one). And since youre in the bay, you can even swim in the significantly calm waters. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. They are only found in rocks once subjected to great heat and pressure formed long ago during the rise of the Appalachian Mountains. This restored waterfront town looks stunning because of its architecture and incredible landscape. $10 for a seven-day vehicle pass. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Lexington Park, Related: Best Places to Visit in Maryland, Marine Academy DriveStevensville, MD 21666(410) 758-0835. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There's a nice sandy beach on the Sanibel and the Captiva side and . Here's a list of the best beaches in Maryland that you must absolutely visit. A famous UFO case occurs above Alaska when an unidentified flying object pursues a Boeing 747. If youre looking for an abundance of seashell-lined beaches, then the Florida Gulf Coast is the region for you. I gathered a bucketful of various shaped and sizes of sea shells here. Cherry Beach is perfect for boating and fishing, thanks to its boat ramp and pier. #3 Shelling Tip - If it is possible, stay at a hotel or inn close to the beach. Your prized finds here will include lion's paws, moon shells, lightning whelks, and coquinas. Sand dollars have imprinted a leaf which is so perfectly designed that at first sight seems impossible that arent manmade. Although it may be very tempting to bring some shells home with you, its actually forbidden to do so in San Blas. Along with silvery smooth driftwood and soothing orbs of quartz stones in rose, amber and white, you can also find American Indian arrowheads, old glass buttons, marbles, bottles and bottle stoppers, antique ceramic shards and fossilized sand dollars more than 15 million years old! 2023 Discovery Networks International. Join the group to stroll the local public beaches, then learn about the history of sea glass and beachcombing at a lecture afterward. I like to keep my hands free so I always wear old, loose clothing or jackets with large pockets. For travelers who don't want to bring their own food, a small concession stand and grills are available on-site. These teeth, we learned, were from seven to 20 million years old. 6. Locals refer to beachcombing as progging, which literally means to forage or poke about. And how do they harvest and freeze millions of peas in under Mike finds a 1970 VW Flashback that needs some love and attention from Ant to be roadworthy again. Dead sand dollars break easily, so I would suggest bringing something to help you transport it home in one piece. While you can find them year-round, some claim winter seems to be the best time to find seashells of all shapes, sizes, and colors. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. Shell beach is one part of the island where a ton of shells have accumulated on the shore, says Sveva Marcangeli, owner and founder of travel blog Svadore. You can book your ferry ride with Morris Marina. Alameda, Los Olivos, Pacifica, CA, TX, Los Gatos, TN, Toronto, Greensboro -- You are reading "15 Best Shelling Beaches in Florida this Weekend" Back to Top. Whelks are common, so you might pick up shells of the knobbed, channeled, or lightning variety. Once you get to the island, you can get a ride to your rental home by making a tram reservation(make your tram reservation before you board the ferry). An archipelago on the Caribbean shore of Panama, the San Blas islands are some of the most beautiful, remote beaches in the world, with coral reefs and lots of shells. Assateague Island National Seashore is 37 miles long. Its super exciting to find shells. Pro-tip: There are only around 100 homes or condos for rent on Caswell Beach, so book your stay early or stay in the off-season. The 11 Best Washington, DC Hotels With Spas, Top Picks for Vienna and Fairfax City Restaurant Week, The 100 Very Best Restaurants in Washington. Also, know that there are no restrooms or water fountains. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 12 other most dangerous beaches in the world, guide to the best Florida beaches that locals want to keep secret, gorgeous pink sand beaches around the world, blue holes, which are one of the most stunning deep-sea sights in the world, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Tubbs Inlet is located between Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach. Number of Slips. Aside from going on a boat trip, Tiger Tail beach is probably the best place for shelling on Marco Island. Ive known people to pull several out of the waters here.
Best Beach for Sharks Teeth: 6 Well-Known Places to Search If you want to take public transport, there is an all-day bus ticket you can buy that will take you to all the main attractions in Ocean City.
Other fun things to do on the island include fishing, birdwatching, swimming, and hiking the trails around the island. All rights reserved. 100 feet. It is so fun with kids to find all of the shells. Shipwreck Beach , on the Hawaiian island of Lanai, churns up all sorts of goodies in addition to shellseven, on rare occasions, blown-glass floats from Japanese fishing nets.
19 Best Tips For Finding Seashells - The Trippy Life I had no idea NC had such great shelling. People love the amazing views and how uncrowded it is.
shelling tips on Isle of Palms | Miss Mustard Seed Hart-Miller is accessible only via personal boat and has a 3,000-foot sandy beach for you to enjoy. Search Hotels.com to find the best places to stay on Carova.Search VRBO.com to find the best places to stay on Carova. However, if you wish to stay closer to home, there are plenty of options on the inland shores, Family Movies Announced for Annapolis Film Festival. By 12, we were at each others throats. It also has gently sloping shorelines that help delicate shells to wash ashore in one piece. Will Virginia Ever Get Its Glass Poop-Emoji Building? While bay beaches also offer up shells and some lovely, luminous fragments of glass, the range of other artifacts, both natural and man-made, is far more interesting than you might think. Bowman's Beach. 200 feet. Tiny pink iridescent shells, which are sometimes so plentiful that they make a tikka tikka sound when the waves retreat. Touring the world with friends one mile and pub at a time; which yttd character are you uquiz. But also keep a lookout for shark teeth, sand dollars, and sea glass, as youll probably find them while youre out shelling. All Rights Reserved. Get outside and do some winter beachcombing in Maryland. Thats interesting that you cant keep the shells in Southern California. Lincoln City Beach, Oregon. Wrightsville Beach's white sandy beaches are an ideal setting to beachcomb for shells as they are easier to recognize against the lighter background. Shackleford Banks is just a short 15-minute ferry ride from Beaufort or Harkers Island, NC.
Or read the thoughts of others. No cars are allowed on Bald Head Island, so youll leave your car on the mainland. It has a vast stretch of powdery sand for you to play and lounge on. Or go to one of the fantastic shows at the Ingram Planetarium. Topsail Islandhas always been one of my familys favorite beaches in North Carolina because of the calm waters and uncrowded beaches. As with most beaches, shelling is best early in the morning, at low tide, and after a storm. High tide will leave a line of shells on the shore line and you can pick thru that line after the tide goes out. If you want to rent your own boat that comes with a captain and carries 6 people go hereto book. This is another hidden gem with over two miles of beachfront along of the Chesapeake Bay area. Or that the plain, chalky while shells found on some beaches are actually 10 million year old fossils. Dont forget to walk on the citys 3-mile boardwalk and check out the incredible local restaurants. The beach offers plenty of room to explore and even some picnic tables if you want to take a break from your shell hunting while enjoying the beautiful scenery. At low tide, when water levels are at their lowest point, you can even search for fossils! When I was a kid I would always find the smallest, perfect shells. Maryland's Shellfish Harvesting and Closure Area Map. Point Lookout State Park is a 1,079-acre county park and historic preserve at the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac Rivers tip. Cherry Beach is located just a short 15 minutes from Salisbury and is along the Nanticoke River.
Best Shelling Beaches Near Me It is about 48 minutes away from Washington, D.C, making it the nearest beach spot on this list. So bundle up with a hat, gloves and a scarf or neck warmer (to pull up over your mouth and nose to protect against the cold when necessary). We have awesome shelling if you can find the right spot and go at the right time! I love reading about them on your website. Contact: jalvarenga@onlyinyourstate.com, 7 Little Known Swimming Spots In Maryland That Will Make Your Summer Awesome, The Sunrises At This Beach In Maryland Are Worth Waking Up Early For, The Hidden Beach In Maryland Thats Off The Beaten Path, Marylands Most Refreshing Hike Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole, Youll Love This Secluded Maryland Beach With Miles And Miles Of White Sand, Assateague Island Is A Fascinating Spot in Maryland Thats Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale, Head To Woodlake Tree Farm In Maryland For Your Autumn, Winter, And Home Decor Needs, These 10 Lakes In Maryland Are Picture-Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip, 9 Little Known Beaches In Maryland Thatll Make Your Summer Even Better. 10540 H. G. Trueman Rd., Lusby, Maryland; 301-743-7613. Or, you can bring a small sifter (like this one).
12 of the Best Beaches in the World to Find Seashells We love looking for shells at our beaches here in Southern California, but here we arent supposed to keep them, so we usually toss them back in the water. The southern end of the island, South Point, is also a good place to look for shells as scotch bonnets and sand dollars can wash up on the shore. Some are short and flat, while others are steep and rocky. In the autonomous community of Andalusia in Southern Spain is Punta Umbriaand its beaches are bursting with bivalve seashells. Pull on your sneakers, bring a bag and head for the rugged beaches of Maryland to find your own bits of these recycled treasures. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, The Best Snorkeling Along the Florida Gulf Coast, Best Beaches Near Fayetteville, North Carolina, The Baltimore Sun: Treasure Hunt: Eastern Shore Beaches are the Perfect Place to Find Sea Glass, NBC Washington Outdoors: Sea Glass Hunt on the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center: Sea Glass Weekend. Just check local rules and regulations. Good luck! The sandy beach here is small, but visitors have access to a playground and 13 miles of hiking trails. If pink is your favorite color, then feast your eyes on the pink sand beach of Low Bay in Barbuda (one of the two main islands that make up the Caribbean nation Antigua and Barbuda). 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia; 757-301-7329. Sometimes the best treasures are not at the wave break but further up along the strandline that place where waves roll in at high tide and dump things before rolling back out to sea. Nontraditional. Squat or use grippers or long-handled scoops to retrieve things of interest in the sand. Carova Beach is the northernmost beach in North Carolina. For an extra special experience, keep walking until you see the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. Shackleford Banks is one of the best places in North Carolina to find Conch Shells. I wish I could be back at the beach shelling too!
Also, visit this Facebook Page to get tips and learn more about specific spots to get sea shells. The later parking option only has 10 parking spaces, so youll want to get there early. The west end of the island is also a great place to hunt for shells, but you can only access it by staying in the private community there or walking a long distance from a public beach. I am channeling my inner artist looking at I found some awesome shells when I was at Okrakoke. Check out these other gorgeous pink sand beaches around the world. Interested in even more beaches in Maryland? See Also: 8 Reasons why Pahokee is the Worst Town in Florida.
Best shelling beaches in maryland - drsr.wififpt.info You can find fighting conch shells, calico scallops, sand dollars, starfish, horse conch shells, moon snail shells, and lightning whelk shells to name a few. With its diverse coastline and abundant marine life, the state is home to a wide variety of shells just waiting to be discovered. Some of the finest beaches in the country produce no sea glass. Breezy Point Beach is a half-mile stretch of powdery white sand along the Chesapeake Bay. Beachcombing is a far more expansive activity in terms of locale and artifact selection that you might think. Note: There is no free parking at Tiger Tail. You can also follow the official Facebook page by clicking here. Its like finding treasure! (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. This is a 21-mile long island and is not really that crowded. Search Hotels.com for the best places to stay near Bird Island. When it comes to beaches, Maryland is mostly known for its most touristy spot, Ocean City, Maryland. See Also:5 Best Beaches for Toddlers in Florida. Ocracoke Island is known to be one of the best shelling beaches in the U.S. partly because of its uncrowded beaches that take a 4WD vehicle to explore.