The Sporting Road Trip: A Journey Through Iconic Sports Cities

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 19, 2024

There are many different beaches in Washington, including those on the Puget Sound, Pacific Ocean, peninsulas, lakes, and islands. Washington beaches feature grassy dunes, pebbles, rocks, or sand and offer activities like swimming, boating, wildlife observation, tidepool exploration, and gathering driftwood or seashells. Beachgoers may be kept on the shore by the chilly water, but sunsets on Washington's west coast provide the ideal cap for a day at the beach. The most prevalent type of beaches in Washington, Puget Sound, are gravel ones, though they can also be found along the coast (such as the Willapa Bay side of Tokeland). Small-stone beaches aren't great for volleyball, but they tend to attract more marine life because they offer hiding places from raptors. They're a favorite among crabs, and harbor seals graze on mixed gravel beaches. Beaches in Washington If you are looking for the best beaches in Washington, then we are listing some of your top options here. So, look at all the names we are dropping. Golden Gardens Park, Seattle With views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, the 80-acre Golden Gardens Park is home to one of the largest beaches in the Seattle area. Swimming is available at the sandy beach, and hiking, volleyball, and fishing, as well as water sports like sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, are all very popular. On the beach, there are fire pits and a one-acre dog off-leash area available. Read More: The Best Mountain Getaways In Washington: Where To Stay, What To Do, And How To Relax Green Lake Park, Seattle This urban park is about five miles to the north of Seattle's downtown. Visitors can enjoy the grass and sand areas, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer. In addition to tennis courts, an indoor pool, picnic areas, equipment rentals, restrooms, and a historic bathhouse, the park has basketball courts. A 2.8-mile path encircling the lake is popular among bikers, skaters, walkers, and joggers. Madison Park Beach, Seattle Northeast of Seattle's downtown, this little park on Lake Washington's edge offers a small sandy beach, grassy area, parking, tennis courts, restrooms, and lifeguards in the summer. There are benches and a walking path nearby, and guests can go shopping or eat at neighborhood eateries. Alki Beach, Seattle Alki Beach is a 2.5-mile sandy beach located on Elliot Bay in West Seattle, along with a corresponding long pedestrian walkway. One of the eight lighthouses on Puget Sound is a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and it is open for tours. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, beach fire pits are open. There are picnic tables, parking, as well as restrooms. Madrona Park, Seattle Madrona Park, which is on Lake Washington's western shore, has picnic spaces, a bathhouse, a swimming beach, and parking. Together with a grassy shoreline, hiking trails, and views of Mount Rainier, there's a jogging path alongside the lake. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty, and the beaches are open until Labor Day. Madrona Park is one of the least explored beaches in Washington. Jackson Beach, San Juan Island Approximately two miles from Friday Harbor's downtown, this lengthy sandy beach is open all year round. A small dock, volleyball courts, fire pits, barbecue grills, restrooms, and a picnic area are all present. The presence of bioluminescent dinoflagellates, which glow in the dark when a kayak paddle touches them, is an exciting feature. This phenomenon is only available to guided groups. Individuals must make reservations for evening events as the park is closed to visitors. Fort Worden, Port Townsend The sandy beach, which is part of Fort Worden State Park on Puget Sound, has access to a boat ramp, kayak and canoe rentals, and views of the Northern Cascades. Part of the original concrete fortifications still stands from the once-powerful military fort that once guarded the city. So, the exhibits at the Marine Science Center are open to visitors in the summer. There are campgrounds close by, and you can see the lighthouse from the outside. Long Beach, Long Beach Peninsula Long Beach calls itself the "World's Longest Beach." It stretches 28 miles along its shoreline and is in Washington's southwest. Hikers, bikers, as well as walkers can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape and art installations along the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail. A half-mile boardwalk leads down to a grassy dune. The broad, level sands of the peninsula taper off to the horizon in both directions. It is battered by Pacific waves that are nearly always too erratic and too chilly for swimming. It boasts the best boardwalk in the state. The 8.5-mile Discovery Bike Trail meanders among sand dunes, public art, and the restored whale bones. Long Beach's fine, soft sand is created by the addition of clay and silt from the Willapa Bay’s large mud flats. It is paler than beaches in Washington near river mouths because of its higher quartz concentration. Cape Disappointment State Park, Long Beach Peninsula Sandy beaches in Washington, with breathtaking views of Baker Bay and the Pacific Ocean, can be found in the park. Two operational lighthouses, a military fort, as well as the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, which tells the history of Cape Disappointment, are all part of the historic area. In addition to building sandcastles and driftwood forts, beachgoers can hike through coastal forests and explore tidepools. The water is a little too cold for swimming, but there's still plenty to do. This miniature version of Waikiki Beach seems to have welcomed all visitors since it opened. Despite how beautiful the cove and black river sand are, the name doesn't refer to a paradisiacal place but rather to the passing of a Hawaiian sailor who lived nearby. Half Moon Bay, Westport Light State Park, Westport The 560-acre day-use park has grassy dunes and beaches on Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, as well as picnic areas, restrooms, grills, a lighthouse, and a coastal forest. Moreover, Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean have a 1.3-mile paved path dividing them. Activities nearby include fishing, surfing, as well as exploring the Westport Lighthouse. Moreover, on the beach, dogs are welcome, and camping is available close by. Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park, Ocean Shores The mouths of the Copalis River and Connor Creek are where you'll find this state park on the Pacific Coast. Walking trails, a boardwalk, and grassy sand dunes all lead to the sandy beach, which is frequently empty. Seashells, migrating birds, and the neighboring Copalis National Wildlife Refuge are all attractions for nature enthusiasts. Many people come here to dig for shellfish, and dogs are welcome. There are picnic tables and restrooms. Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island Nearly a mile of Lake Washington waterfront is available for swimming, boating, and fishing at this 77-acre park. There are walking trails, tennis courts, picnic areas, grills, a kids' playground, and restrooms (during summer). From October through April, dogs on leashes are welcome on the beach. Mercer Island also offers off-leash areas. You can check out Luther Burbank Park if you are looking for quieter beaches in Washington state. West Beach and Sunset Beach, Washington Park, Anacortes Located in Washington Park on the western tip of Fidalgo Island along the Swinomish Channel, there are two beaches- West Beach and Sunset Beach. There are picnic areas, restrooms, a playground, a boat launch, and beachside fire pit barbecues at Sunset Beach. It comprises 220 acres. West Beach has campsites, a small rocky area, tide pools, and breathtaking views. Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah This day-use park has a playground, walking trails through forests and wetlands, and two lakefront beaches. At Tibbets Beach, you can rent equipment for water sports, reserve an outdoor kitchen, and have a picnic area. This 530-acre park hosts annual events, including boat parades, concerts, and nature walks. Dogs on leashes are allowed in the park but not on areas designated as swimming beaches. If you are looking for beaches in Washington, Lake Sammamish is another option. Idylwood Beach Park, Redmond The Idylwood Beach Park is on the northwest coast of Lake Sammamish and has a lot to offer. It has a bathhouse, swimming beach, picnic tables, restrooms, a small boat ramp, a fishing pier, and picnic shelters. The park sprawls over 17 acres of land. It provides the only free recreational access to Lake Sammamish. This popular park also has playground equipment, volleyball courts, fishing, and barbecue pits. Cama Beach On Camano Island, the beach is all about boats. The most well-liked sound-front spot has a parking lot uphill and is hidden from view. Situated near the water, the Center for Wooden Boats and its vintage vessels take center stage. It is encircled by luxurious cedar cabins that resemble a sleepaway camp. The place rents out boats and hosts weekend workshops for building toy boats. Because of the extremely rocky shoreline, transport by sea is the preferred option. North Bay This park on San Juan Island, like many other beaches in Washington, is home to bleached-white driftwood. It forms a barrier between a grassy bluff and dark, dense sand. Guided groups are usually the only ones allowed after the park closes at dusk. North Bay, located just south of Friday Harbor, just outshines everything else. At night bioluminescent dinoflagellates light up the water when in contact with a kayak paddle, making the trip even more memorable. Kitsap County Park's Beach This Kitsap County park's beach is a three-quarter mile walk (all downhill, but that means an ascending stroll on the return trip). The waves are very calm because Vashon Island feels like it is almost touching the narrow finger of Colvos Passage. The required hike keeps the beach comparatively deserted. Crescent Bay Imagine the craggy islands along Washington's coast, minus the ferocious waves. The most striking areas of this county park on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula are tucked inland. Moreover, it has old military bunkers buried deep under the overgrown forest, and many of them are concealed behind overgrown trails. Tide pools form the eastern end of the water, and a sandy stretch hugs the relatively calm Crescent Bay. Far off in the distance is Vancouver Island. Quileute Oceanside Resort Sea stacks, or little islands with a few scraggly trees at the top and basking sea lions at the base, are due to rock columns just offshore. About two miles north of Rialto's parking lot, Hole-in-the-Wall is a naturally occurring sea arch in a headland on this section of the national park that is only accessible at low tide. The Quileute Oceanside Resort is next to La Push's dully named First Beach, south of Rialto. Olympic National Park Even with its magnificently isolated beaches, the Olympic National Park still has some gems near the parking lot. Ruby Beach's broad sands are just a quarter mile from Highway 101, and the distance between pavement and dunes at Kalaloch, to the south, is just a few feet. In addition, the Tower of Wisdom is collapsing. It's one of the few spots in the park where dogs are allowed, so keep an eye out for bald eagles and look down on leash-wearing pets. Tokeland Smugglers used the hotel's hidden spot behind the fireplace to hide undocumented workers, and there are plenty of antiques and rooms with floral wallpaper in this 127-year-old establishment. The Victorian-era farmhouse is one of the few businesses in a quiet residential waterfront community, and it looks out over the serene, kelp-filled coast of Willapa Bay. Seaview The Depot restaurant is a welcome diversion on a coast popular for bins of saltwater taffy and hand-caught razor clams rather than for fine dining. The old Clamshell Railroad station has a lot of tables, with chef as well as owner Michael Lalewicz cooking up local oysters as well as combining wild razor clams and Willapa Bay clams for a flavorful chowder. Wrapping Up Washington's beaches, with their unparalleled beauty and ecological significance, stand as a testament to the delicate balance between human joy and environmental responsibility. So, whether you're drawn to the windswept shores of the Pacific or the calm bays of the Salish Sea, Washington's beaches invite all to connect with nature and savor the timeless allure of the coastal landscape.    The unmatched beauty, as well as the ecological significance of Washington's beaches, serve as a testament to the fine line that must be drawn between environmental responsibility and human enjoyment. Therefore, beaches in Washington invite everyone to connect with nature and enjoy the timeless allure of the coastal landscape, whether they are drawn to the windswept shores of the Pacific or the serene bays of the Salish Sea. Read Also: Washington State Bucket List: 6 Amazing Attractions You Can’t Miss Family Fun In The Gulf Of Mexico: Beaches, Boating, And More The Best Beaches In Puerto Rico Ranked!

BY  Sibashree Mar 23, 2026

Knowing where the state of Maine is can be viewed as knowing what it means to go “down east.”  By looking at a map, one would seem to be travelling in a northern/easterly direction.  However, this term has its origins steeped in maritime history. Sailors from Boston were navigating south of their port. Furthermore, they had to change their sails so that they could sail downwind on their way to Maine (also known as the Pine Tree State).  So this linguistic peculiarity now serves as an analogy to describe life along the rugged coastline of Maine and how that affects the way you live, work, and play every day. Bar Harbor, located about 155 miles northeast of Portland-Maine, is considered the “crown jewel” of Mount Desert Island.  With the option of taking highway I-95, the fastest route available from Portland, the travel is less than 3 hours to the entrance of Acadia National Park. However, I decided to take U.S. Route 1, one of the most scenic highways on the East Coast, due to its many curves, which require you to slow down and enjoy the essence of TheLowDownUnder Travel.  The scenery will reward your patience by providing a “pictorial texture” that cannot be found anywhere else in America. So, do you want to know more about the Portland Maine to Bar Harbor road trip? Here are the details.  A Time Travel In Portland’s Old Port I started my Portland Maine to Bar Harbor road trip by indulging in the largest food scene of the state.  Given the limited time in Portland (one night), I decided to spend it within the Old Port district.  When you arrive in Old Port, all of the cobblestones have been drenched in salt, which gives you the impression that you aren't going to be on vacation, but instead you have just completed a chapter in one of Herman Melville’s books. The architectural splendor of the 1800's is prominently displayed on the secure, weather-proofed, antique brick buildings and their well-worn piers. Here, tourists and local fishermen have become blurringly intermingled as one does, sharing docks and vessels of their respective types.  The Harbor is similarly blessed, with beautiful yachts docked near rusted fishing boats or lobster traps, all rocking together in unison as the water ebbs and flows with the tide. I made my way to Scales, a restaurant located in a restored warehouse that extends out onto the wharf.  Underneath its tall rafters and the large windows that covered the walls on both sides, I had my first culinary experience in the area. The Lobster Revelation Once, I was a lobster hater. I thought that a lobster was the least appealing of sea creatures, being little more than an aquatic creature that has no flavor.  A whole lobster was just a lot of work for no real taste. My experience changed dramatically with the wonder of the Portland Lobster Roll. I had the buttery, soft, and fresh buns, and delicious homemade lobster dressing on each roll.  Along with a bowl of clam chowder that was creamy and full of brine, it was the best thing in New England. The next day, I discovered another type of local genius at the Holy Donut. It is a "closet-sized" donut shop that features a "Maine [mashed] potato" as its secret ingredient.  This potato gives the donuts their incredibly moist, dense texture and flavor.  After sharing a [dark chocolate] donut and a [fresh-squeezed] lemon donut on a bench by the harbor, I saw a larger freighter passing through the morning fog. It was a sweet beginning to continue my trek north. Mastering Slow Travel From Portland Maine To Bar Harbor Through Route 1  Leaving the Portland area behind, I started heading north. The GPS wanted me to go back to I-95, but I went along the less popular Highway 1. The road quickly became a narrow, two-lane, winding road.  I continued to go through nearly empty dense pine forests. Some of the open areas had light-coloured wooden houses. It was a drive that forced us to take in all the little stuff. The light on a weather vane! The woodsmoke mixed with salt air! Now, this is the perfect kind of trip you can plan for your last-minute spring break.  Maine is also one of the best places to visit in the fall and winter, thanks to its apple orchards and crimson colors.  Moreover, it is among the top spots to see the Northern Lights in the USA.  1. Finding Flannel In Freeport My first stop was Freeport, which changed from a dying industrial mill to a shopping centre. It is also the home to the 'mecca of plaid,” L.L. Bean. The company began as Leon Leonwood Bean’s attempt to keep hunters’ feet dry, and is now an outdoor industry giant.  The Freeport campus is large, with separate buildings for hunting, fishing, and skiing.  After wandering through aisles of rugged gear, I came out "dressed the part" in a nice green and blue plaid shirt.  I also slipped into Sea Bags, where old sailcloth is recycled into trendy nautical totes, showing that Maine’s maritime history is also a part of its contemporary economy. 2. Naval Giants And Lobster Jams  Continuing north, I crossed the Kennebec River and entered Bath. The city is not dominated by tall buildings, but by the enormous cranes at Bath Iron Works.  Since 1890, this shipyard has constructed close to 5,000 vessels, including the most advanced stealth destroyers for the Navy.  The hulking ships at the shipyard reminded me of the industrial history of the state. In the city of Woolwich, there is another type of giant. At the Taste of Maine restaurant, there is a 70-foot giant lobster. This creepy installation is the perfect precursor to the traffic jam I was about to encounter in Wiscasset. Wiscasset is the prettiest town in Maine, and food lovers know it for the traffic jam it creates with Red's Eats.  This food trailer with a striped awning is in a prime location, and the line is over a block and a half long.  After a 45-minute wait, I received my bun, and to my surprise, there was so much lobster on it that it was nearly impossible to see the bun. 3. Harbors And Hidden Gems On The Way From Portland Maine to Bar Harbor While technically off Route 1, any coastal trip would require a stop at Boothbay Harbor. The town's history speaks through its winding, narrow streets, lined with aged buildings that tell their stories. Before the Cow sat on a souvenir. After a jam, toy, and gift shop stroll, I made the encounter with coastal popcorn at the bench with haywire lobster traps, while the fleet of skiff passengers was in a hurry. Pure Maine's untidy delight jingled at me. The Hunt For Local Flavor Driving up Lincolnville became a search for more local and primarily lobster-filled McLaughlin’s Lobster Shack, and some new chips.  The gulls at the bay skimmed the water and the salt and mud scent left with the tide as I pulled the slaw and fries shrimp dinner up to the table under the sun. 4. Engineering Marvels And Military Shadows While driving towards Bucksport, my journey brought me to a massive engineering structure, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.  The majestic cable-stayed bridge, with its webbed steel-and-cable strands, also features a tower with an observation deck at 437 feet. The elevator ride to the top of the bridge is a mere minute, and the view is a breathtaking 360-degree sight of the river valley, the Bucksport Village, and the Fort Knox granite walls. The Other Fort Knox Maine's Fort Knox is unlike its gold-named counterpart in Kentucky.  This fort defended the Penobscot River Valley from British Navy invasions in the mid 1800s.  I spent an hour exploring 144 acres while using our phone flashlights to navigate what one reviewer called a “catacomb of dark, forbidding tunnels'' beneath the walls.  The massive black cannons that never saw combat remain overseers to the river as silent sentinels. 5. Destination: Bar Harbor And Acadia  After exploring leisurely for 175 miles over 9 hours, I arrived at Mount Desert Island.  I checked into the historic Bar Harbor Inn, which sits along Frenchman Bay.  The next day, I started my "Down East" pace by walking along the Shore Path (1.5 miles), which leads past the “cottages” (the term used by locals to describe their sprawling Gilded Age mansions). I also visited prehistoric formations like Balance Rock. It is a glacial erratic that has been precariously balanced on the shore for more than 10,000 years!  The Wilds Of Acadia  Just up the road from my hotel was Acadia National Park, my favorite among the Maine national parks.  This majestic national park has 47,000 acres of stunning granite peaks with ocean views.  I spent the day hiking part of the park's 120 miles of trails. The carriage roads of the facility were amazing.  To end my adventures, I went to Atlantic Brewery and their BBQ restaurant. I had Mainely Meat there (yes, that is an accurate description)!  For dessert, I enjoyed a flight of locally brewed ales, which were a perfect nightcap!  The blueberry ale was sweet and highlighted Maine's most famous crop. However, the highlight was the Bar Harbor Real Ale, a nutty brown ale with an enormous malty backbone.  The Real Ale complemented my platter of slow-roasted and smoked meats, which were my perfect "last supper" in the woods. Overall, the Portland Maine to Bar Harbor was a fulfilling experience with nature and great food. 

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.