The next time you plan a Caribbean vacation, forget the Bahamas, Jamaica, or Antigua. Take yourself to the most beautiful island in the world: St. Lucia. It's a tropical rainforest with a steaming volcano, and beaches in white, gold and black sand. All the beaches on St. Lucia are free to the public, even if they're right in front of a ritzy hotel, although you may have to pay to rent a beach chair and umbrella!

Two St. Lucia beaches are this week's best; which one you choose depends on what you want. If it's a bustling beach with restaurants, bars, shops, and rental spots for every water sport, choose Reduit Beach. Five miles of beautiful white sand, and even when it's busy it's not too busy. If you start to get too hot, take a dip into the clear blue-green waters of Rodney Bay, or move into the shade of the palm trees. You'll never be bored on Reduit; if you get tired of the beach, how about a hike or a round of golf? A whale watching trip? Some time in a pampering spa? Whatever you want, you'll find it on Reduit.

If you want to relax somewhere more intimate, head for Marigot Bay, and take a 3 minute boat ride from the pier to the white sand beach. It doesn't have a lot of amenities, although recent additions include a small restaurant and bar, but it's quiet and romantic, and a favorite of the locals. Once you're on the beach, you can admire the steep palm-covered hills that surround three sides of the bay, really more of a narrow cove, soak up the sun, or go for a swim. For anything else, take the boat back to the pier, where you'll find almost everything.

St. Lucia is about relaxing, so don't pack too much. Throw in a pair of cute tropical-print shorts, a flirty white top, and your favorite sandals. Make sure to take a tropical tote to carry your water, reading materials, shades and sun screen. Then kick back and relax in the sand!

If you're thinking Gulf Coast beaches, think Georgia. Georgia may not have a long coast, but what it has is absolutely beautiful. And one of the very best beaches is the 10-mile stretch of beach on Jekyll Island, a barrier island off Georgia's Gulf Coast.

Historically Jekyll Island was a winter resort and playground for the rich and famous, but now "Georgia's Jewel" is open to everyone. The 240 acres that encompassed the old resort is a National Historic Landmark, and is the largest such landmark undergoing restoration. But, the Historic District isn't all construction; it has shops and restaurants, and it's decorated in a 19th century style. Guides are dressed accordingly.

If lying on the beach and soaking up the sun isn't enough, put on your walking shoes and take a nature walk. You can go solo, or you can take a tour with an experienced guide from the Tidelands Nature Center. You may see some of the island's loggerhead turtles, who bury their eggs on the beaches and dunes from May through August. They're a protected species, and their nests are flagged by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. If you see a disturbed nest, or an unflagged one, let the Georgia Sea Turtle Center know.

Another great way to see the island and its many specimens of wildlife is by canoe or kayak. You can rent one and slide through the protected salt marshes and estuaries, and see birds, fish, dolphins and more. Be sure to bring a jacket in fall or winter, as it can get cool out on the water, and don't forget a good-sized tote to carry your camera, notebooks, water and snacks.

Jekyll Island's beach is divided into three named parts: north, middle, and south. You can park at the middle beach, and public restrooms are also available there. The north beach has an access ramp, but no parking or amenities and access to the south beach is a long boardwalk over the fragile and scenic oat grass covered dunes. Whichever you choose, you'll be able to enjoy the soft white sand and the Georgia Coast sunshine.

South Beach is not the only hoppin' beach in town: Florida's Gulf Coast responds with its own up and coming party on Clearwater Beach.

After a beautiful Gulf Coast sunset, the lights turn on and the music turns up at Clearwater Beach bars and clubs. And as day turns to night, party-goers trade in their flip-flops for stilettos and bikinis for a short summer dress. But don't wear yourself out dancing, because you'll want to be ready to rise and shine the next day.

If you prefer a more low-key celebration, don't worry, you can keep your flip-flops and head to one of many small bars and family-run restaurants on Clearwater Beach to eat, drink, and wait for the sun to come back up.

And when the sun does come up, Clearwater Beach doesn't disappoint. Sure, Clearwater Beach doesn't have the glitz or glam of South Beach...at least not yet, but it does have sand. Miles of wide, white sandy beaches stretch into the soft warm, waves of the Gulf. Visitors to the beach can lie back and soak in the sun, take a swim in the sandy-bottom waters, or go shopping. Mandalay Avenue is filled with boutique shops, gift shops, and plenty of restaurants.

But as the day comes to an end, you really have to head to the Pier for the nightly Sunsets at the Pier 60 Festival celebration. This can't-miss family event features artisans, crafters, street performers and live musical entertainment. And after the sun goes down, it's back to party time at this beautiful beach.

Whether you live in the San Diego area or are just visiting, make sure to head for Mission Beach, this week's best beach. Just be sure to head there early, because parking can be a problem later in the day.

There's a lot more to Mission Beach than just sand, although there's 2 miles of that. There's a family amusement park, Belmont Park, that has rides, food, and games, including a simulated wave that lets young and old surfers practice or try out the sport. Another big draw is the Big Dipper, a roller coaster whose relatively small size and height disguise a wild ride of drops, hills, curves, and speed that will delight the most ardent roller coaster fan. In addition to those features, the Big Dipper Roller Coaster was built in 1925 (no worries, it's been restored since then!) and is one of the two original roller coasters built along the Pacific Coast that's still in operation.

The south end of Mission Beach park is the place for beach volleyball; there are games going on from morning to dark. So wear a pair of shorts that will let you play and surf in style, top them with a cool tank and carry a sturdy bag that has room for a towel, water, shades, cell phone, and a volleyball.

You may want to include walking, jogging, or biking shoes in that bag, too. Another great feature of Mission Beach is the boardwalk. It extends for miles, all the way around Mission Beach and down the coast, and has lanes for walking and biking. There are plenty of places along Mission Beach where you can rent a bike or board, too. The boardwalk itself ends at the north point of Pacific Beach, but a bike path continues all the way to downtown La Jolla, for serious bikers.

So pack your bag for your choice of activities, even if it's just soaking up the sun, and head for Mission Beach. You'll have a great day in the southern California sun!

One of the best known beaches in the Northeast is Old Orchard Beach. Located on the southern coast of Maine, about 15 miles south of Portland, Old Orchard Beach has been a year-round destination for ocean-side fun for 170 years. But no worries - that doesn't make it old-fashioned!

Old Orchard Beach is located on Saco Bay, a glistening bay of deep blue water with generally low surf, making it ideal for sunbathing and swimming, although not a surfer destination. The seven miles of soft sand offer plenty of space even on crowded days, and there are beachfront stores and restaurants along much of its length. The 500 foot Old Orchard Pier has stores, restaurants and games, as well as offering a variety of entertainment events year-round.

If it's possible to get tired of the beach, put on a good pair of walking shoes, load up a nice-sized tote bag like the "Enjoy" from Diesel, with pockets for everything you might need, and head to the Route 1 corridor. You'll find shopping, two water parks, an amusement park, plenty of restaurants, and just a little further, the Maine Mall with over 140 shops.

You can also head to the southern end of Saco Bay. At Camp Ellis, the Saco River enters the bay, and you can rent a sailboat, or go whale-watching or fishing. There's a breakwater there that will give you a long walk in the fresh salt air. When you go, remember it can get cold up there, so bring a jacket like this "Cabin Fever" Bomber with a hood. Its plaid flannel outer layer with cute toggles will fit right in "down east" and the faux fur lining of the body and hood will keep you warm enough.

Old Orchard Beach isn't just for summer. Fall and spring offer plenty of summer-like days, and the turning leaves in the fall are priceless, especially with off-season rates! The ocean is beautiful in the winter, too, and there are sleigh rides and Nordic skiing to keep you busy.

Not all the best beaches are on oceans or tropical seas. Some of them are in the middle of North America, on the shores of the Great Lakes. One of the best places to head for a Great Lake beach is Door County, Wisconsin. The county is a peninsula extending into Lake Michigan, with the lake on one side and Green Bay on the other.

Door County offers more than just beaches, but there are some great ones: Whitefish Dunes on Cave Point on the Lake Michigan side, Nicolet Beach in Peninsula State Park on the Green Bay side, and Sand Dunes beach on Washington Island, a small island off the tip of the peninsula. Since you will want to spend time in the sand, bring a great two piece suit like this one from TYR in Hyacinth, with a tankini top and a black and hyacinth bikini bottom.

Whether shopping is an occasional vice or a full-time profession, you'll find plenty of it in Door County. You can buy locally made wine and cheese, handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs, and you'll need a roomy tote like this Sophia bag from Dakine in Glitterati. This bag can also take you to a fancy restaurant for an elegant dinner, or to the shore for one of Door County's traditional fish boils.

If you'd rather hike than shop, you're still in the right place. There are ten lighthouses to explore, along with five state parks and over a dozen county parks, all with hiking trails and great views of sparkling water, sandy beaches and gorgeous pristine countryside. Take a ferry to Washington Island, and make sure to go a bit further out to Rock Island State Park, called the crown jewel of Door County. Hike, bike, or just enjoy the beach. Afternoons and evenings can get cold out there, so do bring a packable light jacket like this Women's Venture from North Face, in this season's hot color, knight purple.

Whether you choose to soak up sun, sail or waterski, hike, bike or golf, you'll find what you're looking for in Door County, Wisconsin.

If you're looking for a little something unexpected, try Lovers Key State Park near Fort Myers Beach, Florida. This is not your typical Florida beach, not even close. Sure, you'll find the white sandy beaches typical of the beautiful Gulf Coast. But at Lovers Key State Park, there's so much more, and there's definitely something for everyone.

If you just like to lounge on the sand, head to the main beach. Go through the main entrance and take the tram or walk the scenic boardwalks over the intercoastal waterways to find a beautiful, unspoiled piece of beach. Pack a cooler of essentials, or hit the concessions before you head over. Add a few accessories for a little bit of beach glamour and you're good to go.

Perhaps you'd prefer a more active day? Lovers Key has plenty of options for you, both on land and water. This park is a favorite for kayakers, with its beautiful, peaceful shoreline and abundance of wildlife such as dolphins, manatee, and an amazing range of shore and wading birds. Pack your camera and binoculars because you could spot American Bald Eagles, Osprey, or the beautiful pink roseate spoonbill.

Looking to stay on land? You can rent bikes for the day or just a few hours at the concession stand. Don't forget your watch because it's easy to lose track of time once you've found your quiet piece of Florida's paradise.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at Lovers Key State Park, just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it. You'll be glad you did.

South Padre Island, on the tip of tropical Texas, was a quiet fishing village until college students on spring break discovered it. Now it's a popular year-round tourist destination, with beaches among the top 10 in the United States.

Between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay, there's nowhere on the island that you can't find a beach warmed by the Gulf stream, and no time you won't find something to do. Aside from soaking up the sun, you can swim, boogie board, kiteboard, rent a jetski, or learn to surf at Isla Blanca Park, with its gentle waves for the beginner. The island is a 30+ mile long barrier reef, so the snorkeling is fantastic. You can even watch dolphins playing in the surf.

If you want to get out to sea, rent a boat and go fishing. Most of the beach-side restaurants will cook your catch for you. You can also rent horses and ride on some of the beaches. On the beaches, a popular activity is building sand castles. We're not talking the bucket and shovel kind of sandcastles; there are professional teachers here who'll help you make a work of art. Beach volleyball is another event you'll find all along the beaches. Want a nice walk? The Laguna Madre Nature trail is a 1500 foot boardwalk that extends across four acres of the bay, and lets you see the wild birds up close and personal.

Should you get tired of South Padre Island, you're just 10 miles from the Mexican border. You can take a tour bus, or head off with friends and stay the night. Remember, you need a passport for Mexico.

When you're headed to the beach, show off some skin in this bikini from Lost. The Heart pattern halter top and side-tying hankie bottom are great beachwear. This Maui Beach tote from The Sak has plenty of pockets for everything you need, and comes with its own coin purse. Keep your feet comfy in these Cool Flip-Flops from Haviana. Whatever you choose to do, you'll enjoy your stay at South Padre.

Florida's Gold Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, and some of the best shopping, too. If you're taking A1A south along the east coast, make sure you go past Jupiter Inlet, one of Florida's lines of demarcation. This one has nothing to do with the sand, and everything to do with the water. North of Jupiter Inlet, the Gulf Stream is 10 to 15 miles off-shore; south, it's only 2 to 3 miles from the beach. Not only does that mean warmer water and weather, it also means clear blue-green water. But where in Palm Beach County should a beach-goer go?

The county bought up a lot of beach, making it free and accessible to the public, and put in amenities like picnic tables, restrooms and lifeguards. If you're too close to the city, you might just get sucked inland - which you'll want to avoid if you hate traffic, because it's a mess here. Try heading down to Juno, where you can enjoy both Juno Beach Park and Loggerhead Park.

Juno Beach has a 300 foot beach with lifeguards, showers and picnic shelters. It also has a 990 foot fishing pier with a bait shop and a snack bar. It's a great place to enjoy warm shallow water, while the fishing is far from the beach. Carry your gear in a beach-to-town tote like the Spree 2 from Element. Dress your feet for the beach in these darling Sandi Thong Sandals from Gabriella Rocha.

If you get tired of Juno Beach, just down the road is Loggerhead Park. Along with a developed 900 foot beach with lifeguards and picnic facilities that include grills, it has nature trails and a marine life center where you can meet the famous loggerhead turtles of the area. If it's possible to have enough beach time, slip into this cute sundress from Hype and head into Palm Beach for some serious shopping.

Palm Beach County has everything from Shakespeare by the Sea to chi-chi boutiques to stretches of soft sand and whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here.

If you're heading to Maui this fall or winter, you know you're going to be hitting a beach. The beaches in Maui range from the famous black sand (volcanic ash) to perfect white sand, and even a red sand beach. They can also be full of tourists, since many of them sit in front of resorts or rows of timeshare condos and bungalows. For a change of pace, and just maybe a little space and privacy, don't hit the Big Beach. Choose Po'olenalena instead.

Pronounced "po-oh-leba-lena," Po'olenalena is a half-mile curve of soft sand with lava outcroppings at each end. It's tucked away between the South Maui resorts and the Makena Big Beach. It's better known by locals than tourists, so it's quiet. This little piece of paradise in Paradise is great for bathing or playing, with water over a sandy bottom for swimming, volcanic and coral reefs for some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii, and perfect waves for surfing or bodyboarding. If you're snorkeling, remember you don't want to step on the reefs, and don't want to touch the water life! It's all fragile.

There is paved parking at both ends of the beach, and there are porta-potties and showers. There isn't a life guard on duty, so be sure to swim or snorkel with a buddy, and if you bring your kids, keep a close eye on them. Because of the quiet, the view of sister islands, and the gorgeousness of the setting, Po'olenalena is slowly becoming a popular wedding spot. But don't worry, there's plenty of room for beach-goers!

In Hawaii, all beaches, including Po'olenalena are free and open to the public, even those right in front of hotels or resorts, so don't worry about paying an entry fee. Take a beach tote like this one by Gravis, that's both pretty and practical, and fill it with everything you need for the day. Slip on this Sexylicious One Piece from Body Glove Smoothies and don't worry, from behind, they'll think it's a bikini! Keep your feet cool in these Chaco Flips from EcoTread, and you're set for the perfect beach day.

If you've been avoiding the Mississippi Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina, well, it's ready for visitors, and it's time you went back. Mississippi doesn't have a long coastline, but that coast is 26 miles of soft white sand, and the communities and beaches have bounced back from Katrina just like they did from Hurricane Camille in 1969.

The entire 26 miles along U.S. Highway 90, also called "Beach Boulevard," offers breath-takingly lovely (and photogenic) views of the Gulf and barrier islands, and any spot you choose has wonderful sand. This week's beach is the section along the towns of Long Beach and Pass Christian (that's pronounced "kris-tee-AN" by the locals), just west of Biloxi. It's been a restful vacation spot to six U.S. Presidents, including Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, and a resort destination since before the Civil War.

The town of Pass Christian (aka the Pass) is definitely a southern town, filled with southern charm and hospitality, as well as an eclectic and historic downtown with a selection of shops, restaurants, and grocers providing anything you need. The beach offers restrooms and acres of powdered sugar sand. If you drive through town and see the antebellum West-Indies style mansions and Georgian revival homes, and the tranquil beaches that are some of the most romantic and quiet in Mississippi, you'll understand some of the area's history. Sailing buffs should know that Pass Christian is home to the first yacht club (founded in 1849) in the south, and the second in the entire U.S. If you'd rather surf, take the ferry out to Ship Island.

Fill this bright and beachy O'Neill tote with everything you may need for your day at the beach. Be sure to include this Tommy Bahama Island Princess beach towel, an ample 70 inches by 40 inches, this flirty FP Beach Pele ruffled cover-up for day's end, and a good supply of sunscreen, because the sun gets pretty intense on that white sand. Bring flip-flops and shades, and a good book, because all you'll want to do is lie there and soak up the sun.

North Carolina is famous for mountains, rivers, the Wright brothers, and beaches! The best beaches are on the Outer Banks, sandy islands with the Atlantic on one side and a river on the other. Cape Fear is renowned for the movie of the same name, and is an extremely popular destination, but if you'd rather relax it may be too popular. Drive across Snow's Cut Bridge to Pleasure Island, and down to its southern tip. There you'll find Kure (pronounced CUR-ee) Beach, this week's best beach.

Kure Beach is both a town and a beach, and if you decide you want to stay longer than a day (and you probably will) you'll have no problem finding a beach cottage or ocean-front condo to rent, or a motel for a shorter stay. There are plenty of shops and great restaurants that range from 5 star to inexpensive, but always tasty, in this town of about 1,800. If they're not enough for you, it's a short trip back to Wilmington. But if you're a beach-lover, you'll just want to spread out your towel and stay.

The sands of Kure Beach are open and unspoiled, and you can sunbathe, amble along looking for shells, or just admire the ocean without constantly tripping over people. There are hiking trails and some fascinating vegetation, including the Venus flytrap. Kure Beach is also a great place for surfing or sailboarding, and it's one of the best spots along the Outer Banks for fishing. The town has a 700+ foot pier, one of the best on the east coast, and you're guaranteed to catch something. If you'd rather look at fish than catch them, visit the North Carolina Aquarium, also on Kure.

Carry all your beach needs in this spacious and stylish tote from JanSport. Keep your feet happy on sand, trail or water in these Sun Chill Thongs from Columbia. Catch everybody's eyes while you're catching rays in the shirred tubini with matching twist front hipster in Holly Berry from Tommy Bahama's Sunkissed collection. Pack water, sunscreen, and shades and you're ready to hit Kure Beach.

You probably won't need a bikini and flip-flops for this week's beach, but for its beauty and solitude, Crescent City Beach is the beach of the week. Crescent City is located on Highway 101 in extreme northern California. It's on a lovely curve of beach that provided the town with its name, and is the only incorporated city in Del Norte County. This quiet town of about 7500 is in the heart of California's redwood country and both Redwood National Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park are an easy drive. The beaches include Crescent Beach and Enderts Beach, both just south of town, and South Beach, at the Crescent City Harbor. Just 8 miles north of Crescent City is Kellogg Beach, while Hidden Beach, with the head of an 8-mile hiking trail through the redwoods, is 20 miles south of town. Only South Beach has amenities like restrooms and concessions, but if you choose Crescent Beach or Enderts Beach, you'll probably have the sand all to yourself.

Crescent City definitely has a north coast climate. With 75 inches of rain a year, you can count on green year-around, but you can't count on a sunny day: they're as beautiful as they are rare. The average daytime high in January is 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and in August just 67 degrees, so you will want a jacket, and maybe a sweater under it. You'll also want a pair of convertible pants, so you're ready if it warms up, and a pair of hikers, because you can't visit Crescent City and not visit the redwoods.

Beaches here are for strolling, searching for shells, agates, and other treasures from the sea, and watching the tide pools brimming with sea life. From the beaches, you can see historic Battery Point Lighthouse, one of the first lighthouses in California. Whale-watching is great here too and the best months are between November and February, then between March and April.

Accommodations range from moderately-priced motels to pleasant bed-and-breakfasts. There are also plenty of restaurants with fresh seafood, which is their their specialty. But amenities aside, Crescent City beaches will soothe your spirits.

Thinking of heading to the Caribbean? Maybe the Bahamas? If you're going to a beach for soft pink and pearly white sands, snorkeling over coral reefs filled with tropical fish, diving into long-ago shipwrecks, or surfing away from the crowd, choose Eleuthera and her neighbor, Harbour Island.

Two of the "Out Islands" of the Bahamas, Eleuthera and Harbour Island are between 1 and 3 miles wide, and provide over 110 miles of achingly beautiful beaches. Harbour Island offers one of the Travel Channel's Best Beaches but my first choice is Eleuthera, with glorious pink sand and white sand as fine as powdered sugar. These islands aren't famous for nightlife, but if you're there for beaches and gorgeous water, they're the best.

There are dozens of beaches on these two islands. For pink sand, hit Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, or choose French Leave Beach on Eleuthera, just outside of Governor's Harbour. If white sand is your choice, head for Cotton Bay, with two private beaches stretching over a mile. The Cove Eleuthera beach near Gregory Town provides privacy and a great view of the cliffs. My favorite beach is Lighthouse Beach. On the Atlantic side of Eleuthera Point, behind some sand dunes, this beach is a secluded oasis of rosy pink sand, the perfect place to watch a sunset with the one you love.

If you're a surfer, the two best beaches for you are Surfer's Beach and James Cistern Beach. Blue Hole and Oleander Reef provide great snorkeling, with hundreds of tropical fish just off the beautiful beaches. You can rent boats on both islands.

Take a good-sized tote like this Cape Getaway from Columbia. This darling bikini from Moschino lets you wear your heart on your - well, bikini, with a red heart on white print on the bandeau top and ruffled bottom. Keep your feet from burning with these comfy and stylish Ohana W sandals from Olukai, adorned with a sea urchin. Pack sunscreen, shades, a towel, a book and a bottle of water and you're ready to hit the beach!

It may be possible to live in San Diego and never visit the beach, but why on earth would anyone want to? And the very best beach, at least according to residents and the Travel Channel, is on Coronado Island.

The beaches of Coronado Island (technically a peninsula; a narrow isthmus connects it to the mainland) can be reached by ferry, or a car trip across the Bay Bridge from downtown San Diego. The first thing you'll notice is the Hotel Del Coronado, known to locals as the Del. This legendary hotel, built in 1888, is a National Historic Landmark, and is the only hotel in San Diego that's truly a beachfront hotel.

When you're getting ready to go, pack a tote like this large, stylish, green plaid number from Oakley. Choose a new two piece, like this one from Hurley with a sweetheart top and a boyshort bottom, both in black with a blue trim and edging. Match them up with these jelly, and jellyfish patterned, flip-flops by Kate Spade, to keep your feet from burning on that white sand! If you're visiting Coronado, it's time for a new beach towel, so why not go all out and get this palm tree towel from Tommy Bahama?

One of the most justifiably popular strips of beach is the North, Central, and South Beach. North Beach begins at Sunset Park next to North Island, and stretches from there to the intersection of G Street and Ocean Boulevard. There it becomes Central Beach, all the way to a line of palm trees that marks South Beach, right in front of the Del. There are lifeguards on duty, and on North Beach you can bring your dog. There are plenty of opportunities for surfing, windsailing, or boating from this beautiful strip of white sand, or you can choose to just soak up the sun and listen to the waves and the seagulls.

When the sun is ready to go down, throw on a cover-up and go up to the Del to have a drink on the boardwalk and watch the sunset.