Some people just can’t get enough of the water – swimming, snorkeling, or sailing across it, and then there are some who just like to look at the water. Just being near water is good for mental health – lowering blood pressure and bringing a sense of calm. Whether you’re a fish in or out of the water, these waterfront towns are contenders for some of the best places to enjoy “blue space” when glamping nearby.
Virginia Beach: Check into a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay or Thousand Trails Williamsburg and you’re about an hour from the fabulous Virginia Beach Boardwalk which provides a scenic 3-mile stroll along the Atlantic shores. At 28-feet wide, the Boardwalk is great for biking, blading, running and walking. Plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions can also be found along the Boardwalk including the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum and the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Don’t miss the statue of the King of the Sea, Neptune, who holds court on the Boardwalk towering above the visitors with his ever-present trident.
San Antonio: The serenity of the meandering San Antonio River is one draw of the San Antonio Riverwalk, one of the top attractions in this historic Texas town. Just about everything can be found along the 15-miles here including art (the San Antonio Museum of Art); waterfalls (The Grotto); a historic mansion (the Edward Steves Homestead Museum); and plenty of shops and restaurants. There are several options to explore this historic and scenic attraction from river cruises to guided walking tours and even a haunted walking tour! A glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake is the perfect accommodation for your San Antonio Riverwalk exploration.
Long Beach, Washington: The boardwalk found in Long Beach, Washington is more serene than others in that it doesn’t offer carnival rides and other attractions, but simply an opportunity to connect with nature as you stroll along the grassy dunes on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Watch for whales, seabirds and other wildlife or enjoy the kite flyers on windy days (Long Beach is known as the Kite Flying Capital of the US.) Named one of the top boardwalks in the US by Travel + Leisure magazine, there is a lot to do here including a visit to the odd, yet interesting, Marsh’s Free Museum where visitors can see “Jake the Alligator Man” among many other curious curios. Speaking of interesting, check out the yurt accommodations at Thousand Trails Long Beach for your glamping stay (cabins and cottages are also available here!)
Carmel-By-the-Sea: Book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort and take the scenic drive to charming Carmel-By-the-Sea. You will definitely feel transported in this quaint village with the European flair which people have described as Italian, German and British. To get the seaside effect, visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for spectacular views of the Pacific – views that are so spectacular that renowned landscape artist Francis McComas called Point Lobos the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” Back in town, take a self-guided walking tour to learn the history of the area (for a map, visit carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-walking-tour). Other options include shopping, dining and visiting the several wine tasting rooms located around the town. Upcoming events here include the 36th Annual Taste of Carmel (October 3) and the 108th City Birthday Party & Halloween Parade (October 31).
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