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Swim The Extra Day Away: Our Top Five Memorial Day Beaches

May 20, 2009 at 10:36 AM | by | Comments (0)

Although the definition of Memorial Day seems to have shifted over the years to the importance of remembering to party on the beach whenever possible, we like to remember that the reason for the day off work is to take a moment to reflect on those who have died in the service of the USA. Once that moment is over, however, you can reach us on the interstate as we make our way to the beach at long last. Because we love the water and the start of beach season, we've rounded up a few of our favorite spots for you to consider:

· Water Taxi Beach, Long Island City, NY: Okay, so you can't swim here because you'd be taking a dip in the East River and that is gross, Nonetheless, this sandy oasis just across the river from Manhattan and easily accessible by water taxi, subway or car (yes, they have a parking lot). Since the beach celebrated its season opening last weekend, this weekend should be hopping with sand volleyball and acres of picnic tables for al fresco beer drinking.

· Hampton Beach, NH: Letting you know that there's an active beach only 30 minutes away from Boston should be enough reason for you to dust off your favorite beer cozy and throw the collapsible chairs into the trunk. There's surfing, cruising the quaint town, and always plenty of fried food. Just save some room for the fireworks on Monday, which continue throughout the summer every Wednesday night.

· Cocoa Beach, FL: The space coast has more to offer than just shuttle launches and the occasional cruise ship stopping by; it's got a pretty rocking beach scene with pier concerts and festivities. This is one spot that doesn't forget about the importance of honoring the armed forces during Memorial Day either; Cocoa Beach is where to mix military demonstrations and music with muscled tetherball players.

· North Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL: Memorial Day marks the second weekend of the season for the faux boat bar, Castaways, which occupies the enviable position of jutting out into the lake with views both up and down Lake Shore Drive. It is also from here that visitors and locals can rent bikes, sign up for beach volleyball, strap on rollerblades, or simply stretch out on the grass in the shadow of the John Hancock Building, It's pretty much the gateway beach; from here, walking down to Oak Street beach or north to Montrose Avenue's dog-friendly beach is highly recommended.

· Huntington Beach, CA: It's not called "Surf City USA" for nothing! Huntington Beach's beach will see the surfers and the swillers this weekend after true military remembrance festivities conclude at Pier Plaza. If it were up to us, however, we'd take this day off of work to enjoy driving on the Pacific Coast Highway, culminating in walking the length of the famous pier.

Related Stories:
· Water Taxi Beach [Official Site]
· Memorial Day 2009 in Hampton Beach [AC Travel]
· Castaways North Avenue [Official Site]
· 2009 Memorial Day Ceremonies in Huntington Beach, California [AC Travel]
· Memorial Day Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

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