Recently, Travelocity issued its 2016 Summer Travel Index, identifying the best cities for a summer vacation based upon a variety of factors including attractions, weather and prices. Not unexpectedly, the proximity of the beach was a common thread among many of the identified summer destinations.
Three beach cities identified in the Travelocity Summer Travel Index were Los Angeles, San Diego and Jacksonville, Florida. But while the index named these cities as “the best”, we also wanted to find out from locals why they think that their city would make the best choice for a great summer vacation.
Los Angeles
Sun, sand and stars are what often come to mind when talking about California’s largest city. But native Angelino Brandy Stone thinks there is a lot more to her hometown that makes it the best choice for a summer vacation.
“A great place to spend a summer day is The Grove. It’s an outdoor mall with shops, and there are even more shops in the surrounding neighborhood,” says Brandy. “The restaurants are also delicious – like TART, which is located just across the street from The Grove. It’s a great place for weekend mimosas.” And after a day of shopping at The Grove, Brandy recommends heading to the Huntley Hotel, which features a rooftop restaurant with a “mesmerizing view of Malibu and Santa Monica beach and the city itself.”
While Los Angeles may not be steeped in history as older East Coast cities like New York or Boston, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a past worth experiencing. “Visiting the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Exposition Park allows people to see the sports arena that was first built for the Olympics in 1932 – you can also see where our Los Angeles Rams will play when they return next season,” says Brandy. “Exposition Park is also amazing because of its interactive and interesting museums. Some of them have exclusive, limited-time exhibits that come in from all across the world.”
Venice Beach Boardwalk
And since a trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without kicking off the shoes and stepping into the sand, Brandy also has her favorite area beaches. “Venice Beach is one of my favorite beaches to visit because it is so laid-back and relaxed. Along the boardwalk you will get to see all kinds of things – paintings, sculptures, handcrafted charms – and even breakdancers! Sometimes I rent a bike in Venice and ride it along the boardwalk to Santa Monica Pier.”
Just a 10-minute ride from Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier features a ferris wheel, a small rollercoaster, arcade games, as well as nearby local bars and lounges. According to Brandy, “It’s the perfect place to go on a warm summer evening.”
San Diego
Having lived in the San Diego area for over three decades, native Californian Brad Shewmake has spent some 30 summers finding all that there is to do in this southernmost Golden State city.
First opened in 1916, the world-famous San Diego Zoo has attracted tourists from around the world for a century, and while it makes for a memorable visit, Brad suggests a somewhat different wildlife experience for visitors. “The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, about 40 minutes to the northeast of downtown, lets you experience animals in their natural habitat,” says Brad. “There are rhinos, zebras, giraffes, elephants and even wildebeests. And during the summer, they offer sleepovers so you are surrounded by the sounds of the nocturnal animals living in the park.”
La Jolla Beach
Rightfully known for its beaches, Brad spent many of his San Diego summers enjoying the ocean and the California sun. But for a unique experience, he recommends visiting La Jolla Shores beach where, for a few weeks in the summer, visitors can literally swim with the sharks. While that may sound frightening, Brad says that there is nothing to worry about. “There is a phenomenon where leopard sharks, which are completely harmless, gather right near the shore. You can rent snorkel gear and a boogie board, and have hundreds of them hovering all around you. I did it every summer.”
If history beckons after swimming with sharks or sleeping with wildebeests, Brad recommends visiting Mission San Diego (Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala). “When people think of California missions, they first think of San Juan Capistrano. But as missionaries traveled up from the Baja Peninsula into what is now the United States, the first stop they made was San Diego,” explains Brad. “You can explore the mission, or take a guided tour to learn more about the history of California.”
Jacksonville
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Angie Orth can draw on years of local experience to help guide travelers visiting her beloved hometown. And while Angie is the first to admit that “vegging out at the beach” is always an option in sunny Jacksonville, she also wants people to know that there is a lot more to do in Florida’s most populous city.
Downtown Jacksonville
For a unique shopping experience, Angie recommends the Riverside Arts Market for local beauty products, crafts, artwork, music and produce, saying “admission is free, parking is free, and since it takes place under the Fuller Warren Bridge, it never gets rained out!”
Like many large cities, Jacksonville is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and personality. While exploring the Jacksonville Beaches communities and their galleries and eateries is a must, Angie urges visitors to dig a bit deeper into the city. “Check out Riverside/Avondale for historic homes along the St. Johns. Downtown is up-and-coming once again with lots of quirky one-off shops, bars and restaurants. The San Marco neighborhood is adorable too.”
When she wants to get away from the city, Angie enjoys hiking at one of the area’s many state parks or exploring nearby Amelia Island and Fort Clinch. And if getting a bit closer to wildlife is appealing, Angie says to “head to the Catty Shack Ranch, a wildlife sanctuary with dozens of spunky lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bobcats and more.” Feeding times and opening hours can vary, so Angie recommends checking the website before heading out.
Which beach city is on your summer must-visit list?
Travelocity Editors
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