What Is The Best Island To Visit In Hawaii? Choose One Based On Your Travel Style 

BY  Sibashree Sep 27, 2025

The beautiful, majestic Californian coastline is what dreams are made of - vibrant boardwalks, an infinite horizon, and rolling waves. Each beach I visited in California welcomed me with its own personality. So, while Treasure Island welcomed me to its calm and serene coastline, Santa Monica impressed upon me its vibrant, lively spirit.  Exploring the best beaches in California was a dream come true - and now I can tell you about the best beaches. The problem with all such blogs on the internet is their number game - if there are 20 beaches in a single state, then a travel blog’s job is to pick the most beautiful ones for you, and not list all of them to rank higher.  My apologies for the rant - let’s get down to business now! On that note, I’ve tried listing down the best beaches in California. My parameters? Well, I’ve got quite a few - check them out before jumping down to my list of California’s best beaches! Does the beach come with a long coastline and a great view?  Is the water good for swimming? What activities can you try?  How’s the sand? Is there a restaurant to dine at? Does the restaurant offer takeaway? How’s the parking? Can you rent umbrellas and chairs?  Is there anything unique or rare about the beach? Stay tuned. 11 Best Beaches In California: Keeping my parameters, let’s check out the best beaches in California: 1. Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach: This is truly one of the best beaches in California - it looks exactly like what people imagine a beach to look like, complete with clear, blue water and sandy coves.  In the whole of Southern California, this beach has the bluest water - it is worth the drive to Orange County to visit this beach. Located near the Montage Laguna Beach resort in Treasure Island, this beach is maintained beautifully with easy access to pathways, showers, and restrooms.  Additionally, you will find a cave on the beach that leads to a cove, turquoise water, and tide pools. Also, you can go on dolphin and seal sightings. Plus, you can park your vehicle for free in the area close to the beach.  2. McWay Falls, Big Sur: I loved visiting McWay Falls, the only waterfall in California that directly flows onto a beach. Located inside the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you cannot access the beach since it is off-limits for protecting the surrounding landscape.  However, you can go on a short and easy hike from the main lot of the park, leading to a sort of overlook. The falls are situated to the south of the main town, and it’s a must-stop if you are on a road trip on Highway 1.  3. Point Dume, Malibu: A beautiful headland at Malibu’s northern end, Point Dume happens to be a state-reserved spot with lookout points, hiking trails, and a hidden beach. You can access this beach from a rocky, unpaved path.  Situated off Cliffside Drive, this area has very limited parking, but the reward is panoramic views of the picturesque Santa Monica Bay. Moreover, if you go on a clear day, then you will be able to see Catalina Island as well.  Also, we spotted whales during the migratory season, usually between December and April. My partner and I loved the casual, local feel of the beach.  4. Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica: Santa Monica is one beach that literally everyone knows. My partner was living in Santa Monica for three years before moving away earlier this year.  And he told me that the popular beach is not the one locals usually go to. So, when I visited him in April this year, we checked out both spots - the popular tourist spot, the Pier, and the local spot.  For starters, let’s talk about the popular spot - Yep, I’m talking about the iconic Pier, always buzzing with activities - from endless stretches of soft sand to the amusement park, there’s so much to do. Also, there’s a path for riding bikes on the beach - it’s perfect for biking near the coastline.  5. Will Rogers State Beach, Pacific Palisades: Now, Will Rogers State Beach is the one locals love in Santa Monica. Located to the north of Santa Monica Pier, this beach has a casual, relaxing atmosphere, perfect for hanging out. Moreover, it’s not very crowded - it’s nothing really compared to the Pier.  Having said that, I had a lot of fun stuffing streetside food from local carts. Also, we went to Back On The Beach Cafe for lunch - we had a meal while soaking up the sun with our feet in the sand. Ah!  Moreover, we biked down to the spot from the neighbourhood and avoided parking. However, there’s paid parking available here. Plus, we were impressed with the clean restrooms.  6. Montaña de Oro State Park, Los Osos: To the south of the beautiful Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro State Park spans over 8,000 acres of remote beaches, tide pools, and cliffs. We spent an entire day exploring the area, and we had so much fun that we went back the next day. The most accessible (and convenient) beach here is Spooner’s Cove - it has plenty of basic amenities and parking space. Also, if you love hiking, then you should check out the Bluff Trail for coastal wildflowers and rocky coves, especially in the Spring.  7. Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach: Popular for the legendary Pirate Tower on the cliffside, Victoria Beach is a beautiful (not to mention scenic) spot in the whole of Orange County. Another local gem, you can access this beach by going down the steep stairs near Victoria Drive.  When the tide is low on the beach, you can take a walk to the Pirate Tower and explore the tide pools. In addition, when the sun sets, you can take some of the best photos of the beach. Also, there is no official parking space, and as a result, it gets difficult to find a spot, especially on holidays and weekends.  8. La Jolla Shores, San Diego: This flat, wide beach is in the upscale neighbourhood of La Jolla. Perfect for paddleboarding, surfer lessons (for beginners), and kayaking, this San Diego beach is a must-visit, especially if it's your first time in San Diego.  There’s parking available, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Moreover, this spot is only a few minutes from the charming La Jolla Cove, another must-stop if you are here. Why? You can go snorkelling and explore the rocky reefs. Also, if you are lucky, you will spot some cute sea lions lounging.  9. Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica (@bourbonisvegan) Of course, I have been to several beautiful beaches in the world, and the view has always been a crucial parameter for me! But this is not one of those beaches - the point of visiting it is not the view. I loved the shallow, calm water here - we swam and even tried out paddleboarding for the first time. You can find the beach close to Padaro Lane - it’s a local favourite and perfect for couples and families. Moreover, if you are lucky, then you will find free parking since only a limited spots are available for free. Also, you won’t find a lot of amenities here - in that case, it's best to carry snacks and gear.  10. Morro Rock Beach, Morro Bay: Before I get to the beach, let me tell you about Morro Rock - it's a volcanic plug that is 576-feet tall and naturally dominates the entire shoreline. Moreover, the beach is sandy and wide with frequent fog and moderate waves, giving it an otherworldly (not to mention eerie) feel.  The spot is located close to Highway 1. As a result, it is super easy to find parking for free. Also, you can easily access restrooms and a marina nearby.  11. Under Bixby Bridge, Big Sur: Undoubtedly, Bixby Creek Bridge is one landmark in California that is always popular in photographs. Yep, the spot is one of the most photographed spots in California.  Hidden beneath this bridge is a small beach that you can access only via steep, unmarked trails. It can be a little risky to reach a secluded beach - but if you are fit, go for it! The beach is only 15 minutes from Highway I.  Flanked by strong cliffs and strong waves of the Pacific, this beach is south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Remember, this is not the place for swimming. So, it’s best to visit if you want to see the unmatched and rugged, natural beauty of the beach, especially during golden hour. Are Beaches In California Safe? The best beaches in California are not always universally safe. While typically open, the quality of water tends to fluctuate due to various reasons like bacterial contamination, strong currents, and large surfs.  As a result, it is best to always check current guidelines from local park staff and health agencies.  Moreover, it is best to swim at beaches that have lifeguards. Plus, just be aware of the weather and other conditions since they are prone to rapid change.  On that note, let’s look at the potential hazards that you can face on California's beaches.  Bacterial contamination. Rip currents.  Large waves.  Cold water.  Sudden drop-offs. Rocky shores. Sharks. Safety Tips: So, here are some safety tips to remember while exploring the best beaches of California: Check local weather and ocean conditions. Swim at a beach that has lifeguards.  Be aware of all your surroundings.  Always be familiar with your limitations.  Keep yourself hydrated.  Always be careful near the burn areas. Frequently Asked Questions: Check out the most frequently asked questions about the best beaches in California: 1. Is It Safe To Swim In The Sea In California? Beaches in California are usually open recreationally. Having said that, it is not always safe to swim in California’s seas due to potential hazards like bacterial contamination. So, it is always vital to stay aware of information on closures, beach postings, etc. Check local websites for regular information, especially while planning a trip.  2. What Is The Least Popular Beach In California? The least popular beaches in California are as follows:• Wildcat Beach. • Black Sands Beach. • Mattole Beach. • Gold Bluffs Beach. • Tomales Bay.• Marshall’s Beach.  3. Why Is Laguna Beach Water So Clear? Laguna Beach is one of the only cities in California with a fishing and boating-free coastline. Also, removing marine wildlife is prohibited on this beach. These are two major developments that ensure the ocean’s overall health is fine.  Read Also: 11+ Best Beaches In Portugal That You Must Visit Once In Your Life 9 Best Beaches In Greece That You Must Visit Once In Your Life Uluwatu Beach: The Prettiest Beach In Bali

BY  Sibashree Apr 23, 2025

Is the Bahamas safe? Trust me! My mailbox is getting flooded with this question from the tourism businesses and professionals I know.  I think that the recent announcement from the Trump administration to avoid visiting the Bahamas has raised this concern.  But why is this sudden announcement? The growing crime rate, unsafe boating practices, and a rise in shark attacks have prompted the US State Department to issue an advisory on 31st March 2025 and an urgent warning against Americans visiting the Bahamas.  Now, the Bahamas, with the largest economy in the Caribbean, has often been under the radar as a nation with a Level 2 travel caution.  Level 2 caution means that a traveler needs to “exercise increased caution” while planning a trip to the Bahamas.  So, can I travel to the Bahamas right now? Yes, you can, but with increased safety precautions.  Do you want to know about travel safety in the Bahamas? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog. Is The Bahamas Safe? Hear It From The Travel Advisories "Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.”The Bahamas Travel Advisory, Bureau of Consular Affairs, The US Department of State Now, this is not great news for the Bahamas, a country heavily reliant on tourism. Further, in February this year, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism confirmed the arrival of 11.22 million international visitors in 2024.  Everyone was pleased to see that the country had recorded such high numbers despite the ravages of hurricanes such as Oscar and Milton.  However, we cannot deny the fact that the Bahamas started the year 2024 with frequent reports of murders. The homicide rate in the Bahamas in 2024 was 29.7. It was a sharp 8% increase from the murder rate of 2023. No wonder that the growing number of crimes has raised concerns across the globe. We can consider the travel advisories issued by the governments of the USA, UK, and Canada as responses to the growing crisis.  1. The Bahamas Travel Advisory, The Bureau Of Consular Affairs, The USA Caution Level: Level 2, Increased Caution Date Issued: 31st March, 2025 Is Nassau Bahamas safe for tourists? No, it is not. In fact, Nassau, Freeport, and various areas in the Grand Bahama Islands and New Providence are not suitable for travelers.  There has been disturbing news of residents getting killed by gang members in these areas. The Bahamas Travel Advisory advises against selecting a vacation rental property without personal security guards.  Along with instructions on how to practice increased caution in these areas, the US Travel Advisory has also shared the following guidelines.  Safety Related To Weapons And Ammunition  Carrying firearms and ammunition is not allowed in the airport. If you are carrying one, even by mistake, you can face detention, jail, and more severe punishments.  The advisory tells a visitor to avoid combating robbery or theft physically. Moreover, a traveler must keep the doors of their room locked and use safety measures to avoid security threats.  Beach Safety: Is The Bahamas Safe?  Many unauthorized or unlicensed companies operate watercraft services in the Bahamas. However, the recent incidents of sexual assaults in downtown Nassau beaches have made it difficult to enjoy beach activities freely in Nassau.  Also, there has been news about the growing number of deaths caused by snorkeling and swimming.  Moreover, there has been an alarming rise in the number of shark attacks in the Bahamas. Unregulated Boating And Jet Ski Rides  Due to the lack of regulation in the Bahamas' boating industry, boating-related accidents are common in the country.  Also, sexual assaults during jet ski rides are common in the Bahamas.  So, you must only choose watercraft services that have the right insurance and licenses. ⁕⁕ “Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.” ⁕⁕ 2. The Bahamas Travel Advice From The Government Of Canada: Is The Bahamas Safe?  Caution Level: “Exercise a high degree of caution” Date Issued: 8th April, 2025 The Bahamas Travel Advice from the Government of Canada is very similar to the Bahamas Travel Advisory issued by the USA government.  However, a few additional points are there in the Government of Canada's Bahamas Travel Advice.  For example, it asks you to be careful about not having spiked food. Criminals in Canada often add drugs to food and drink to commit robbery or sexual assault.  Further, the travel advice highlights road safety precautions, especially while driving through areas like Nassau.  It asks the travelers to keep the doors of the car locked and windows rolled up. Moreover, you must not get out of the car and try to remove anything that’s obstructing your road.  It can be a trick to rob or assault you as soon as you get out of the car.  Moreover, the advisory talks about water and power supply shortages in the Bahamas. Hurricanes are frequent, and Milton and Oscar are two hurricanes that have left major impacts on the Bahamas recently.  Hurricanes create problems in power supply, water supply, and the availability of essential services. So, always keep an adequate supply of water.  3. Are The Bahamas Safe For Families? The “Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas” By The UK Government Violent crimes, sexual assaults, and drink spiking are the most prominent crimes that travelers need to be alert about when traveling to the Bahamas.  Furthermore, despite the potential for the Bahamas to experience substantial growth in adventure tourism, safety concerns related to swimming and water sports are causing major problems.  Also, the Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas issued by the Government of the United Kingdom highlights the possible problems for LGBT+ travelers and how a traveler from the UK will experience major cultural differences there. “In The Bahamas, same-sex sexual relations have been legal since 1991, with an age of consent of 18. However, LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention. Showing affection in public, especially for same-sex couples, is uncommon.”Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas  Are The Bahamas Safe For Families, And Why We Still Love The Bahamas See, the questions like “Is it safe to walk in the Bahamas?” or “Is the Bahamas safe for families?” will not fade anytime soon, as the crime rates are high in the country.  Also, countries such as the USA, the UK, and Canada have issued travel advisories that highlight almost the same major issues.  Having said that, we still love the Bahamas, which has endless stories about the voyages of Vasco da Gama, and it is the home to the Pirates of the Caribbean.  The major tourist attractions in the Bahamas are Nassau, the capital city, Freeport, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Exuma Cays. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 17, 2024

Washington is notable for its exceptional natural beauty, which includes three national parks, more than 8,000 lakes, and 155 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. However, the Evergreen State is also among the wealthiest in the nation; in 2022, the median household income in the state was $84,247, nearly $6,000 higher than the national average. Major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon call Washington home, and there are plenty of excellent job opportunities there. Even though the Seattle area is still a popular place to relocate, there are many other towns throughout the state's interior and along its coastline that entice newcomers with their picturesque surroundings, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, close-knit communities, and family-friendly amenities. Here are 7 of the best places to live in Washington state, as rated by locals. Best Places To Live In Washington State It can be tough to zero in on one city to call home when you choose the Washington state to pick from. But we are listing the best places to live in Washington state to make your life easier. Take a peek. Cheney It's worth considering other universities in eastern Washington besides Gonzaga. Eastern Washington University, a public university with 11,000 students and 800 faculty members, is located in Cheney. Although EWU is not the biggest university in the state, a sizable portion of Cheney's population attends it. The population of the city is about 10,600 during the summer months. In academic terms, this increases to 17,600 inhabitants. For students who prefer to be fully immersed in campus life but are concerned about getting lost in a bigger city, EWU is an excellent choice. Families looking to live or work close to a university may find it to be a good alternative to other towns on this list. Cheney is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Washington state for young adults. Spokane Although many of the greatest areas to live in Washington are located in the east, people tend to concentrate on the western side of the state. In stark contrast to the rainy weather in Seattle, the eastern portion of the state is level and experiences a desert climate. Spokane, which is located near the Idaho border, is the 99th most populous city in the country. With 500,000 residents, Spokane serves as a hub in opposition to Seattle. For those who prefer to be outside, Spokane is a sanctuary. Within a few hours of the city, one can find hiking and rafting in addition to ski resorts. The men's basketball team at Gonzaga University, which is based in Spokane, draws fans from all over the nation. In the NCAA March Madness tournament, the Bulldogs are always a formidable opponent.   Portland In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is not the only significant city. The Columbia River divides Washington and Oregon, with Portland, Oregon, situated along its border. Nike and Columbia Sportswear have their corporate offices in Portland, a sizable city. Vancouver, Washington is the state across which Portland is located. Many people who live in this city make the daily commute into Oregon. One city to another can be reached by car in fifteen minutes, although traffic may make it take longer. The fact that Washington does not impose a state income tax is one advantage of relocating to Vancouver. This can save you money. Ocean Shores The coast of Washington has many of the best places to live, with huge rocky outcroppings and thick fog making for enigmatic and fascinating beach walks. Selecting the best city to stay in along the Pacific Ocean is difficult. One well-liked location is the town of Ocean Shores, which is home to about 6,000 people. If you enjoy going fishing and cooking your catch, Ocean Shores is a great place to call home. It is known for the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival held every year in the spring. Sand and wood artists from all over the nation come to the Sand and Sawdust festival in the summer. For those who enjoy the sea and the arts, this town is fantastic. Olympia Seattle is not the capital city of Washington, despite its size. It is Olympia's turn to receive this honor. Both cities are situated near water, and they are about an hour's drive apart with minimal traffic. Olympia has 46,000 people living in it, far fewer than Seattle. Olympia is a center for theater and the arts. Fine art organizations such as the Olympia Symphony Orchestra as well as the Olympia Family Theater are popular among the locals. Families can enjoy hiking or lounging on the waterfront with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier on the weekends. Whether you work in government, this is a great city to live in. Tacoma Those who wish to live in a more tranquil area but still commute into the city frequently choose Tacoma, which is only thirty minutes from Seattle's downtown. Known for Port Defiance, a park and family recreation area combined, it is situated along the water. Look into Tacoma if you want to live in the Seattle region but are having trouble locating the perfect spot. This town offers waterfront living in addition to being a center for the art and culture. You might find that there's more to do than you thought. Tacoma will prove to be more than what you expect. It is easily one of the best places to live in Washington state. Seattle Seattle is not only Washington's most populous city, but it also has a large metropolitan area spanning the Puget Sound. Many locals drive and ride their bicycles for work, averaging 138 hours a year (28.4 minutes each way) in the downtown area. Nonetheless, a lot of people believe that living in Seattle is worth the expense and commute. Along with dozens of other businesses, the city is home to the corporate offices of Amazon, Microsoft, Costco, Expedia, Alaska Airlines, and Starbucks. Seattle is home to the NFL's Seahawks, MLB's Mariners, NHL's Kraken, and NBA's Supersonics. Seattle is for you if you like a work-hard, play-hard lifestyle. What Is The Pacific Northwest? The states in the northwest of the nation that are bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range to the east are collectively referred to as the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The two states that are mentioned in the PNW the most are Washington and Oregon. But the area also includes portions of California, Idaho, and Alaska. Does Washington Have A State Income Tax? Nine states do not impose an income tax, including Washington. The following states don't have a state income tax: Florida, Alaska, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. States without income taxes either decrease the services provided to citizens or find other ways to raise money. To avoid paying taxes, some Washingtonians commute to Oregon. What Is Seattle Famous For? In addition to being the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle was once home to a sizable grunge music scene. The city has gained notoriety over the last ten years as the home of Amazon and is a sought-after location for tech companies to establish their operations. Living in the city has become more costly as a result. Wrapping Up States like Washington are our favorites because they have so many wonderful cities to choose from. There were so many, in fact, that we had to start by providing you with a list of three towns that you should definitely visit. We understand that you may be experiencing analysis paralysis right now. Where does one call home with so many wonderful options? If you're searching for a large city, Seattle is the only option. There is no doubt about that. However, if you're willing to settle for a somewhat smaller city, Spokane or Tacoma are a better option than Seattle. No matter where you choose to call home, never forget that we will assist you in getting there. Let us know if you choose to relocate to Washington. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best places to live in Washington state, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Temples, Markets, And More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!