10 Great American Beaches

The perfect beach -- whether it's a small crescent of sand known only to locals, or a long stretch of boardwalk with lights, carnival rides, and a crowd -- is the one you like best. The following are 10 great beaches found in this country.

By Tanveer Badal

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California, Here We Come!

Venice Beach, California

So-Cal Mardi Gras: In 1904, tobacco mogul Abbot Kinney began his dream to transform a piece of Los Angeles shoreline into a resort town modeled after its Italian counterpart. The canals surrounding the area may be dry and lacking gondolas, but that doesn't stop locals and tourists alike from pouring in and creating a West Coast Mardi Gras-like scene.

In fact, Venice Beach -- where stars like Julia Roberts and Nicolas Cage have houses -- is the perfect spot for people-watching. Otherwise, your day will be kept plenty busy with street performances, vendors of all types, restaurants and food stands, and even a roller-skating opportunity at a nearby rink.

Santa Cruz, California

Boardwalk of Dreams: Santa Cruz's boardwalk is visited by millions. But when you're roller-coastered out and sick from the cotton candy, there's one of American's most beautiful universities to tour, hundreds of miles of trails to hike, and sparkling Pacific waters to indulge all your water sport fantasies.

Photos: Robert Holmes/California Tourism (top); Santa Cruz Seaside Company Archives (bottom)

Continued on page 2: Heavenly Hawaii

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