Search results matching tag 'Beaches'

Santa's Wearing a Speedo: Spending Christmas in Kauai

Jennifer — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:10:00 GMT

No, it's not Santa's sleigh in the sky; it's you parasailing off the docks in Lihue. Or maybe, that's Santa in the red canoe with a Speedo under his red suit with the pant legs rolled up. He wants to get back in the water as soon as possible. For a Christmas or Thanksgiving holiday that is Hawaiian Don Ho Ho Ho friendly, consider the island of Kauai.

What would Christmas be like without cold snow and roasting chestnuts in the fire? A lot more fun unless you like shoveling snow to shovel, expensive heating bills, and being stuck inside for days without end with relatives who have nothing to do. On the beautiful garden island of Kauai, winter becomes your sunny playground. You won't need mittens and hats, just swimsuits, swim goggles, and sunscreen. The fire you gather around will be the imu roasting the pig for the luau, and the delicious aroma will be equal to (if not better) than the traditional turkey back home. There may be macadamia stuffing and fresh pineapple instead of mashed potatoes and string beans, poi instead of cider, and purple sweet potato cheesecake instead of pumpkin pie. But, one thing that will be the same anywhere you travel in Hawaii is the sense of gratitude and celebration that are hallmarks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Even before Europeans brought Christianity to the islands, Hawaiians celebrated Mahahiki, a four month period of peace, feasting, and gratitude to the earth for plentiful harvests. The holiday has been enriched by every culture which has become part of Hawaii. You'll still hear Silent Night, but you'll also hear Mele Kalikimaka and Here Comes Santa in a Red Canoe. Christmas trees will likely be Norfolk Pines and will be decorated with kukui nuts, woven pineapples, and tapa cloth angels.

The annual Festival of Lights Parade takes place December 1st in Lihue and the annual Christmas Parade (complete with fire engines escorting the floats) is held in Waimea on December 23rd. Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances at both events. If you need to help Santa out with his presents, check out the Waimea Craft Fair at the old Waimea Sugar Mill on Kaumualii Highway, or shop in the many fun stores in the Coconut Plantation near Poipu.

Kauai, like all of Hawaii, is very church oriented. You'll have many choices of religious services to attend and many opportunities to experience old traditions and to learn new ones. The blending of cultures has resulted in holiday celebrations that emphasize the joy of friends and family, the happiness of gift giving, and the honoring of Nature for its beauty.

Whether you're surfing the waves at Hanalei, swimming with turtles in Poipu, or strolling the streets of Lihue, at the end of the day, you'll gather with family and friends to share a delicious, colorful meal (Hawaiian style) and to give thanks. Kauai makes the holidays a real celebration.

This guide to Holiday Kauai was brought to you by Cynthia Wall.

Four Fabulous Beaches in St. Simons

Jennifer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:26:00 GMT

St. Simons Island, Georgia is an island rich in history and rich in natural marvels that will make you feel like you are the only person to have discovered this beautiful paradise. The shores of this haven of nature, abounds in sugar white beaches that offer you a tranquil, more private beach experience.

There are scores of private beaches on this 31-mile paradise. Many hotel resort communities have come in and snatched up glorious areas of once public beach making them their little slice of heaven. (Obviously the only way in is to sneak into these areas and look like you belong, unless you plan on staying at one of the resorts. You must talk about the rooms and how wonderful they are, or just act aloof and completely ignore everyone else!) The resorts have glorious beaches that are well kept, and looked after and have lifeguards monitoring the area. But, there are four beach access areas that yes, people who don't stay at a resort can abide in. They are as follows:

1. St. Simons Beach, also called Masengale Park, has several miles of beach that is absolutely glorious. The sand is sugary white and practically falls off of you when it dries. The water is warm and wonderful to swim in almost all year. Masengale Beach allows drinking, but it is a very family friendly beach with free parking and picnic areas. There is a playground for the kids to romp around on. There are on-duty lifeguards from June 1 until Labor Day. This beach provides bathroom facilities with showers, and a bathhouse to change in. There are also some gorgeous old Southern trees here that provide some necessary shade. This beach is also great for water sporting activities such as jet skiing, boating, and fishing.

2. East Beach has a maritime museum located at the access point of this beach. Pretty cool huh? You can go to the beach and get a quick history lesson about this history- laden area. Magically enough, this beach is located on the Eastern side of St. Simons Island, and very family friendly. It isn't as popular as the other beaches, but maybe that's because it is a smaller beach than the others. There are bathrooms and showers here and picnic facilities.

3. Coast Guard Station Beach is a very family friendly beach. This beach is a wonder to behold in that it has a large stretch of sand that seems to go on forever. It is great for shell collecting and sighting those playful dolphins. You can drink alcoholic beverages here while relaxing in the glow of the sun. There are bathhouses and showers here also.

4. Neptune Park Beach offers much more than just a beach, its an entertainment complex too! I guess you could call it that, there's a beach here, mini-golf and a live music venue. It's got everything! There's a pier here to fish off of and catch some small sharks, and watch the dolphins swim around seeing what trouble they can get into. Neptune Park Beach has picnic areas, and some of those gorgeous trees you only see in the South. Here you can enjoy the water to its fullest by participating in any water sport known to man such as windsurfing, kayaking, boating fishing, hanging on a raft, or tube.

St. Simons Island Beaches are a part of history dating back thousands of years, so enjoy your time spent in this rich island paradise. It's well worth the trip!

This guide to St. Simons Island was brought to you by Kate Johns.

Luquillo Beach: San Juan's Greatest Locale

Jennifer — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:21:00 GMT

The warm summer breeze blows through the tall, elegant palm trees in Luquillo Beach. The aquamarine waters, just a few miles from San Juan, give you a crystal clear view of the ocean life below by your feet. The loose sand allows for kids to dig themselves in it or build elaborate castles.However, what makes Luquillo beach, the best beach in Puerto Rico is the opportunity for a day of fun inexpensive activities.

Even though Luquillo is primarily a tourist town it's not yet tarnished by the big resorts that flare up the cost of dining and entertainment, as in Isla Verde. This beach is about 15 -20 minutes away from Fajardo's Wyndham El Conquistador and Rio Grade's Rio Mar Resort. So what do you do in a tourist place without casinos, dance clubs or fancy restaurants? You experience the local life first hand!

Luquillo beach offers various services such as camping sites, kayak and Jet Ski rentals. Shop at the souvenir shops, eat at two small fast food establishments and refresh yourself at the ice cream parlor. The kids can take a break from the water and play in the playground swings, while adults hide under the shade of cement pavilions. What else can I say? There's never a dull moment.

At a walking distance from the beach you can grab a crunchy bite to eat at Los Kioskos (key-os-kos), a strip of 60 establishments that offer similar menus featuring typical Puerto Rican appetizers. Wash them down with icy coconut water straight from the coconut! Your best bet? Tacos de langosta, lobster tacos, a fritter made out of flour dough filled with savory lobster meat. Yum!

To the east side of Luquillo Beach, surfers enjoy the wild waves of La Pared, a piece of shore surrounded by private vacation condos where the teenagers love to hang out.

"El Flamboyan" is a popular establishment that serves alcohol and local musicians play live music on specific nights. An important FYI: The legal age for alcohol consumption in Puerto Rico is 18. There's a strong police presence in this area ensuring the safety of tourist and locals.

In Luquillo you will experience the laid back lifestyle that characterizes the locals. You will never regret spending one of your days lounging under the eastern Puerto Rican sun. Plus, you will have the tan lines to tell your story. Have fun!

This guide to San Juan's Luquillo Beach was brought to you by T. Matos.

There is a St. Simons Island Beach Waiting For You to Explore!

Jennifer — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 01:54:00 GMT

St. Simon's Island is part of a string of small barrier islands known as Georgia's Golden Isles. Their beautiful beaches are considered the most pristine in the Southeast, with broad stretches of sand, gentle surf, and wind-sculpted oaks. Most all the beaches are kid friendly, with shallow water stretching for yards.

The entire shoreline around the Golden Isles is good for surf fishing, but snorkeling is limited due to low visibility. Since numerous rivers and creeks empty into the area, you won't find crystal clear water, but the beaches themselves are spectacular!

Many of the beaches on St. Simon's are private, adjacent to resorts and hotels, but there's a great public beach at Neptune Park. This large beach has a fishing pier, a playground, nearby shops and restaurants, a picnic area, and plenty of free parking. The historic lighthouse towers over the strand and is open for tours.

For a larger selection of beaches, take the short, scenic drive over the amazing marsh to Jekyll Island, within sight of St. Simon's. The main beach here, located at the center east side of the island, has restrooms, showers, a snack bar, expansive free parking, and bike paths. Boogie boarding and skimboarding are popular pastimes at this crowded beach.

For a rugged beach with huge pieces of limbs worn by the wind and water, check out Driftwood Beach at the north end of the island. The surf here is usually a little stronger than it is at other Jekyll Beaches, so it's usally the best place in the area for surfing. It's also a wonderful locale for photos.

The beach at Jekyll Comfort Inn is the best place to find sand dollars. Hundreds of these treasures wash up here, ranging from tiny quarter-size discs to some as large as your palm. Just walk along the edge of the surf and look for these gifts from the sea, or search higher on the beach for a mound in the sand and dig about three inches with your toe to reveal the sand dollar. Remember: the brown ones are alive, but the white ones are dead.

Another great beach is at Clam Creek Park on Jekyll, with a pier, restrooms, and picnic tables set along the creek under moss-draped oaks. The beach is just across the creek's foot bridge, and it's a great place to enjoy nature, away from the resorts and hotels. Some areas of this beach have steep drop-offs, so it might not be the best place for small children. Horses are available here for beach rides.

If you want total seclusion, head to Jekyll's South Beach. You'll find restrooms here, but seldom any people, other than maybe a couple of fishermen. This is the perfect beach for sunning in privacy since it's away from homes and hotels, and some of the best fishing on the island is here. Beach seining for shrimp and mullet and dolphin watching are also popular at South Beach.

For an unforgettable experience, take the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore, where you'll see deer, wild turkeys, wild horses, and towering natural dunes. This is where John Kennedy got married! The ferry runs three times daily, so you can spend the entire day or a half day on the undisturbed beaches. Take along a picnic and snacks because you won't find fast food or restaurants on this beach!

Wherever you choose to stay--quaint cottage or modern condo--you will find that there is miles of shoreline waiting for your to explore. Start planning your St. Simons Island beach getaway now!

This guide to the beaches of St Simons Island was brought to you by Holle Abee.

Spend the Winter Holidays in Destin--You'll be Glad You Did!

Jennifer — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:25:00 GMT

When Captain Leonard Destin settled in the area between 1845 and 1850, he couldn't have imagined how "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village," would one day become one of Florida's most popular tourist destinations. But you can experience Destin, Florida for yourself this holiday season, and witness celebrations that Captain Destin could have only dreamed about.

Since the 1980s, Destin has experienced rapid growth and, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, over 80 percent of visitors to Florida's Emerald Coast make a stop in Destin. And it's not hard to understand why. Destin boasts white sand beaches, emerald green waters, a variety of accommodations, and great restaurants (many have been ranked in Floridas Top 10 for consecutive years). Destin's location makes it a popular choice, as well. Located on Florida's Northwest peninsula, it is convenient for travelers coming from both the north and west of Florida. It's a family-friendly town and it's holiday celebrations will become part of your family's treasured vacation memories.

SILVER SANDS EVENING OF GIVING

If you are in Destin in late November, this event is a great way to get a start on your holiday shopping and to help out local charities. Taking place on November 23, this event is located in the courtyard in front of Saks Fifth Avenue off of 5th Street. All the proceeds from your $5 admission goes to charity and you receive discounts to local shops, enjoy live entertainment, and the lighting of the center's Christmas tree.

TURN ON THE TOWN

Be sure to join Santa as he welcomes the arrival of the holiday season. Santa will arrive in downtown Seaside, a nearby community, on November 29. Bring your family along to watch the parade and the lighting of the town's Christmas tree. A great way to kick off your family's vacation and the holidays.

CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE

This is a can't miss event. An annual tradition, this beautiful parade is filled with magnificent charter boats bedecked in thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Marching bands fill the streets and add to the holiday spirit with their festive tunes. The parade usually takes place in the first or second weeks of December. For more information contact the Florida History and Fishing Museum at (850) 857-6611.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Take the kids to Gulf Breeze Zoo and enjoy visits with Santa, the animals, and sparkling lights. This is a winter wonderland Florida style, complete with fantasy snow.

This guide to Destin's holiday activities was brought to you by Madison West.

Have Yourself a Very Maui Christmas

Jennifer — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:14:00 GMT

"Lono-i-ka-makahiki" Grateful for the land; happy to be here. If you're going to Maui for the holidays, why not start with Thanksgiving and stay through New Year's? That way, you'll have time to explore the island at leisure. The American holiday of Thanksgiving coincides with the sharing and gratitude of the Hawaiian season of Makahiki. As heartfelt as the prayers of the Pilgrims, native islanders give thanks to the land and ocean that nourish them. Visitors can find their own spiritual, physical, and mental renewal in this sun-kissed island of happiness.

For your Thanksgiving feast on Maui, delight in a turkey basted with tropical pineapple mustard glaze and filled with macadamia nut stuffing. Count on sweet potatoes and pineapple upside biscuits and coconut cream pie or strawberries for dessert. After dinner, hit the beach for a leisurely swim or siesta under the palms.

Thanksgiving is just the beginning of the tradition-laden holidays in Maui. Join the holiday shoppers at native markets buying handmade shell jewelry, tropical perfumes, clothing, and anything else on your loved ones' wish lists. You'll still have to time to pursue your number one occupation relaxing. A swim before breakfast, a horse back ride in the pineapple plantations, perhaps a whale watching trip to see the Humpbacks - these are daily activities in Maui. Mealtimes offer you delightful choices everything from candlelit beach dining on succulent freshly-caught seafood to luaus complete with hula lessons. Or, you can buy fresh produce and fish from the locals and prepare it yourself.

Even though Christmas may be 80 degrees, don't think you have to miss the snow. Visit the annual Banyan Tree and Snow Festival in Lahaina for the annual lighting of the Banyan tree. "Keiki" (children) can frolic in the homemade snow and laugh with the snowman. If it just doesn't seem like Christmas without a hike or bike ride in cold weather, drive to the top of Mt. Haleakala at 10.023 feet where winter temps are often below freezing. For an adventure as fun as Disneyland on Christmas Day, participate in the downhill bike ride.

While children wait for Santa's arrival in an outrigger canoe, adults can decide whether the Christmas meal will be a catamaran dinner cruise or a buffet at one of the many elegant restaurants. On Christmas Eve, you may want to attend the non-denominational candlelight worship service at the Kaanapali Beach hotel. Later, you can gather around a native Norfolk Pine or an imported fir tree to open the presents Santa brought after he was done surfing.

The day after Christmas will find you stocking up on fireworks for the huge New Year's Eve celebration beloved in the islands. The 4th of July pales in comparison to the enthusiasm with which Hawaii brings in the New Year. You're not alone if you find yourself making a New Year's resolution to come back to Maui next year for the holidays.

This guide to the celebrating your holidays in Maui was brought to you by Cynthia Wall.

Seize your Dream Vacation in Port Antonio, Jamaica

Jennifer — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:10:00 GMT

Some people might tell you not to visit Port Antonio, Jamaica. They might say that, because of the way storms usually hit the island, Port Antonio is in the worst possible spot it's in the north east, after all, and rain tends to drift in from the east. They might say you're better off sticking to the sunny beaches of Negril or Montego Bay, far to the west, neglecting the rainy eastern shore.

Those people are nitwits. And, quite frankly, listening to them can cause you to miss out on one of the nicest parts of Jamaica (granted, every part of it is nice). Sure, it might get more rain than the rest of the resorts, but Port Antonio still has its share of sunny days and warm weather; and with that warm weather comes lots to do.

Where you might stay in Port Antonio is a matter of preference. If you're a real bigwig with a love of elegance you can try a swanky villa; if you like the finer life but feel less bold, get a room at a hotel; or, if you want something a bit more adventurous and down-to-earth, you can rent a room at a guest house. All will cater to your needs in a friendly manner. Once your accommodations are settled you can get started. And there's plenty to do in Port Antonio beyond the confines of your room!

How about swimming? Are you a fan of the seas? Port Antonio is home to several beautiful beaches (makes sense, since the place is, y'know, a PORT). You can hop in the sea and paddle away the days in the waves. And for those looking to peek beneath the surf there's both snorkeling and diving available, along with deep-sea fishing for the anglers out there. (Just be careful not to snag a diver by accident. Some of the tourists you'd catch are too big for a scale.)

Check out the countryside, too. Bird watching is particularly popular: there are over 300 different species circulating around the island daily, many of them unique to Jamaica. Not exciting enough? Then get more active and hike. Either with a guide or solo you'll quickly find yourself surrounded by a world beyond what you're used to. And if you're lucky you'll come across a gondola ride that will take you up to the beautiful Somerset Falls, a great spot for photographers.

Sick of exercising? Then relax at one of Port Antonio's restaurants. All feature fine dining, some of it even at reasonable prices (you might want to try the local cuisine if you want to go cheaper). Or, if you desire a snack on the go, give a bakery a try--you're sure to come across baked goods unfamiliar to your palate yet wholly delicious at the same time. Coronation Bakery is a local favorite.

Rain? Pfft. If you fear a bit of precipitation then you shouldn't have considered Jamaica in the first place. For those of you willing to risk dampness, however, there are priceless treasures waiting to be seized in Port Antonio, so long as you're brave enough to reach out and grab 'em. (Start with buying a plane ticket!)

This guide to Port Antonio, Jamaica was brought to you by Matt Bird.

Find Romance in Galveston

Jennifer — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Romantic, seaside getaways have always fueled the poetic and keep postcard companies in business. Speaking personally, however, there's something all too typical about the everyday Caribbean vision. It feels like a neighborhood full of extravagant houses that all look exactly alike, without character, and I find it hard to find romance. I need a real beach that balances the romantic aspects of vibrant culture and tradition with natural beauty and a rockin' good time. I need Galveston Island. With half the money you spend in Bermuda or Barbados living out another cookie cutter beach dream, you and that special someone could fall head over heels for the romance that is Galveston.

Romance abounds everywhere you turn on the island as long as you take time to stop and smell the sweet, salty air. The cobbled streets of The Strand can take you to an era long since forgotten with Dickens on the Strand each Christmas. The festival is a tribute to the sights, tastes and sounds of a Charles Dickens holiday (but with the 65 degree Galveston climate!), and has been held in December for 34 years and counting. Or, sneak back to the romantically wild revelry of college life in early spring during Mardi Gras Galveston- wild times long since forgotten for other reasons. Never mind the time of year though, a stroll on the Strand at dawn or dusk is a perfect way to spend time with the one you love. Restaurants, bars and hotels here range from rustic and rowdy to quaint and quietly elegant- something for every mood and pocketbook.

Another way to experience the romance of Galveston Island is to become immersed in its history and cultural lifeblood. A perusal of the island's Lone Star Flight Museum, the Hurricane Museum, beautiful Moody Gardens or the deeply historic Victorian neighborhoods will put you in tune with its people. A trip to the docks to watch the leathery old salts carry forth the time-tested traditions of the ocean as they unload their catch or cargo is another perfect way to understand a real romance- the romance between man and sea. If you take time to digest some interesting language and swagger, the stories you will hear are of true love and life. The famous Galveston Seawall was built after a hurricane battered the city in 1902 and stretches for 10 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, making it another ever-present reminder of Galveston's deep history. Originally intended to prevent flooding, the Seawall is now home to hotels, restaurants and nightlife that keep romance seekers flooding back time and time again. A scenic yet exciting stroll down the wall is a perfect way to begin or end a romantic evening.

If the bustle and breath of Galveston as a city doesn't fill your romantic sails, a scenic drive down Seawall Boulevard is a great way to absorb true natural beauty. You can find remote spots far from any crowd, rich and raw with wildlife and unique geography. This is how the Karankawa Indians experienced the island. This is how Cabeza de Vaca and the swashbuckling Jean Lafitte experienced the island. Wind whipped, sun bathed and soaked in solitude, a blanket, campfire and bottle of wine on one of these beaches is like no other romantic experience. Galveston offers 32 miles of beautiful beaches and nearly 10 parks for your picking. Many of these beaches are habitats protected and kept beautiful by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, so make sure to leave only sandy footprints and take only beautiful memories and photographs.

After a walk in the brisk sea breeze, a sand dune hike, some rabble rousing on The Strand and a fresh seafood or Mexican dinner at one of the hundreds of different restaurants Galveston has to offer, you and your loved one can enjoy the romance of the best in theater and refined entertainment. The Grand Opera House is a nicety not usually found in a common Texas beach town, and has become a staple for Galvestonians and visitors alike. In 1993, The Grand Opera House became "The Official Opera House of Texas", and its not hard to see why the title is well deserved. The epitome of resiliency, since opening in 1894, the building has survived two devastating hurricanes, a painstaking restoration and thousands of shows from ballet to Broadway, making the stately theater a staple of Galveston romance.

Maybe you've never been. Maybe you've just passed through on your way to another postcard. The next time you're down though, take some time to feel the sand and breeze on your skin; taste the salt on the tip of your tongue; stay and behold a few stunning sunsets. Feel the romance that is Galveston Island.

This guide to Galveston's romantic possibilities was brought to you by Travis Jones

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Jamaica: Four Seasons of Vacation Inspiration

Jennifer — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:48:00 GMT

Any time is the right time to vacation in Jamaica. This beautiful island in the sunny Caribbean has year-round tropical weather that is sunny and pleasant 365 days a year. There really is no bad time to visit this tropical paradise. The only problem you might have with the weather is that you may actually be complaining that it is too sunny outside after a long night of partying!

YEARLY WEATHER

All year long in this Caribbean paradise the weather is beautiful. The average yearly temperature is 80 degrees, and the only thing you will have to worry about is what bathing suit to wear or not wear that day. What you need to know is to wear more clothing to go mountain climbing, or hiking because the temperature is about ten degrees cooler in the Blue Mountains. The closer you get to the summit the colder it gets. Bring a jacket, and a hat with you just in case, and dress in layers.

WINTER IN JAMAICA

Winter in Jamaica sees an average temperature of about 75 degrees. This area does not see any snow because it so close to the equator. At night it does get cooler so bring a jacket. In February you can come to Jamaica to celebrate the King of Reggae's birthday, Bob Marley, Mon. During the winter in Jamaica many tourists flock to the area so you should book your vacation rental home as soon as possible to get a private one near a secluded beach.

SUMMER IN JAMAICA

The summers in Jamaica are stellar! This can be the best time to go to Jamaica due to this island being less touristy during the summer. The temperature is between 80 and 90 degrees at this time, but there are less people on the beaches. While you may see more humidity in the summer, travel prices are cheaper. You can get up to a 40 percent discount in travel prices during the summer. In June you may see more rain than other months but usually it doesn't last long and it cools down the air.

RAIN

If you are concerned about rain dampening your vacation plans, the weather in Jamaica is almost always terrific. The area sees an average rainfall of 78 inches of rain each year. The Blue Mountains get most of the rain, with almost 300 inches every year. While some other areas of Jamaica will only see about 36 inches of rain. Most of the time the rain doesn't last all day. It will rain for a short while, clear up and the sun comes back out so you can enjoy a day at the beach snorkeling and parasailing. The rainiest months are in May and October, and then some rain will fall in June and September.

HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season goes from June 1 until November 30, but Jamaica does not have a problem with hurricanes--They ten to stay away from this beautiful island paradise.
Jamaicans have a saying about hurricanes here and here's how it goes: "June too soon. Julystand by. August: look out, you must, September-remember. October-all over."
Don't' worry about it Mon, be happy!

The weather in Jamaica is a tropical delight any time of the year. Pack several bathing suits, and several pairs of shorts and you should be fine. But remember to bring a jacket just in case. Hurricanes aren't a big deal here, either. Stop worrying and enjoy yourself, Mon!

This guide to all-season Jamaica was brought to you by Kate Johns.

Galveston Island: Texas' Secret Family Vacation Getaway

Jennifer — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:07:00 GMT

Looking for a memorable vacation for the family? The place to visit is Galveston, Texas. Situated forty miles south of Houston, Galveston is the perfect getaway for anyone and everyone. Whether you are taking a day trip or looking for a longer visit, this 32-mile-stretch of island is the ideal spot for rest and relaxation.

One of the main attractions of this lesser known vacation destination is Moody Gardens. Of particular interest is their newest attraction, the Aquarium Pyramid. The Aquarium Pyramid is home to an endless number of species from oceanic regions around the worlds. From the North and South Pacific to the South Atlantic and Caribbean, you are treated to a wide variety. The area where most of our time was spent took place in the Caribbean region where we had the chance to observe the grace of sharks and the vibrant colors of the tropical fish. As you navigate your way through the impressive 100,000 square feet, you can not help but be in awe of the serenity of ocean life, making this a personal favorite.

Not interested in learning more about the animals who swim below the surface? You will find something else at Moody Gardens to peak your interest. It could be the tropical environment offered by the Rainforest Pyramid or the taking in a show at the IMAX 3D theater that brings the viewer into the action. You will also enjoy Palm Beach, which entices vacationers with soft white sand and crystal clear fresh water lagoons. While you relax among the exotic landscape and soothing waters, the young ones can entertain themselves with the Yellow Submarine or the Octopus Slide.

If you are searching for the romantic getaway with your loved one, consider taking a trip aboard the Colonel, a triple deck sternwheeler. With plush decor and a top notch staff, each guest is treated like royalty during the trip and will certainly be one of the more memorable cruises in your life time. This is the perfect way to wind down the day as you take in the sights Galveston has to offer.

Looking for more excitement and adventure on your vacation? A must stop for any one who enjoys water and fun is the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. Texas' first heated indoor park, enthusiasts can enjoy this place year around no matter what the weather is. Whether you want to take a turn on the uphill water coasters or enjoy a relaxing soak in one the many hot tubs, you will be able to find plenty of things to write home about. With the recent trends in abnormal weather, this perfect family destination is an ideal place to spend your time.

Let's face it; there are times when we want nothing to do with amusement parks or crowded exhibits. If you share this feeling, then The Strand is the ideal spot to visit during your vacation jaunt. At your leisure, you can stroll through the variety of shops scattered throughout the historic district. If you find yourself victim of hunger pains during your walk, there are numerous eateries that cater to just about any type of food that you may be in the mood for.

Without a doubt Galveston, Texas should be in the top five of possible vacation destinations and is a must see at some point during your life. (But let's keep it our little secret!)

This guide to a Galveston getaway was brought to you by J.M. Van Horn