Rustic relaxtion ...
May 21, 2009 1:48 PM Subscribe
Looking for some U.S. rustic beach / hiking options for mid-July.
I'll have some time off 7/15-7/26, and am looking for a quiet, rustic, beautiful place where I can sit on a beach, swim, do some solo hiking, and enjoy the local food and beer. Where this can be done on the east coast, I've done it, so I'm looking for recommendations for branching out.
I'd like the trip to cost less than $2000, flight included, if possible (camping is a possibility.) I haven't spent much time in the South generally or in Southern California, so interesting options in those parts of will be especially appreciated.
Hot springs, mountains, used bookshops, old taverns, healthy(ish) food, and wild, craggy scenery would all be pluses for me. I'll be leaving from D.C.
I'll have some time off 7/15-7/26, and am looking for a quiet, rustic, beautiful place where I can sit on a beach, swim, do some solo hiking, and enjoy the local food and beer. Where this can be done on the east coast, I've done it, so I'm looking for recommendations for branching out.
I'd like the trip to cost less than $2000, flight included, if possible (camping is a possibility.) I haven't spent much time in the South generally or in Southern California, so interesting options in those parts of will be especially appreciated.
Hot springs, mountains, used bookshops, old taverns, healthy(ish) food, and wild, craggy scenery would all be pluses for me. I'll be leaving from D.C.
I feel like I'm always suggesting it, but northern California's Lost Coast is pretty damn amazing. It's seriously the last stretch of unspoiled coastline in California. You could you the Eureka / Arcata area as a jumping off point, which is chock full of bookstores, brewpubs, and... uh... herbal supplements if that's your sort of thing.
posted by dersins at 2:35 PM on May 21, 2009 [3 favorites]
posted by dersins at 2:35 PM on May 21, 2009 [3 favorites]
I'll 2nd the Lost Coast as awesome, but it may be a bit more expensive to reach. It's a long way from any major transportation hub (that's why it's still 'lost'), so figure in extra car rentals or airfare costs. Also, in July the coast is often socked in with fog, and the water's pretty cold year-round. So hanging on the beach in summer is different experience from the east coast version. Water's still cold, but you'll get better weather (and lots more people) at Big Sur.
Maybe you could explore the farther reaches of the Great Lakes? Great Sleeping Bear Dunes?
posted by TDIpod at 3:25 PM on May 21, 2009
Maybe you could explore the farther reaches of the Great Lakes? Great Sleeping Bear Dunes?
posted by TDIpod at 3:25 PM on May 21, 2009
Response by poster: Thanks to everyone for their suggestions so far - all new to me, and just what I needed to start thinking more seriously about planning this trip - please keep them coming!
posted by ryanshepard at 6:25 PM on May 21, 2009
posted by ryanshepard at 6:25 PM on May 21, 2009
« Older Any recommendations for a helpful mental... | What kind of jobs to apply for with a graduate... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
Oh, getting all nostalgic now, and thinking I must plan a trip there really soon ...
posted by Capri at 2:07 PM on May 21, 2009 [1 favorite]