With winter right around the corner and people starting to think about holiday vacations, I thought I'd share the five most beautiful places I've visited. They are....
Lake Tahoe, California
If you've ever been to Tahoe, you'll understand it's tranquil beauty. If you haven't, I think it's one of those places that is so beautiful, it's hard to describe in words. The water is crystal clear. The beaches are wonderful. The skiing is some of the best from what I hear. The wildlife is abundant and the views are incredible. The pic above was taken at sunset. If you go...
- Place to Stay - Tahoe Beach Retreat & Lodge
- Place to Eat - Red Hut Waffle Shop
- Place to See - Emerald Bay
I've been to many beaches in my life and really didn't think a beach would be able to "wow" me until I visited Lanikai. Located in Hawaii on the island of O'ahu (aka Honolulu), this beach is breathtaking. Often ranked one of the best in the world, the water is that aqua blue color that you don't think could be real until you see it in person. The beach is pristine. The sand is fluffy and the weather is perfect. A must-see if you make to Hawaii. If you go...
- Trail to Hike - Pillbox
- Place to Eat - Buzz's Original Steakhouse
Big Sur, California
Looking for a place to bask in the beauty of nature? Big Sur the place for you. Located about 3.5 hours south of San Francisco, Big Sur is everything I love about California. Seaside cliffs. Winding roads. Epic views of the coastline. You could spend hours stopping at various places in and around Big Sur or spend the day at one place. Either way, you can't go wrong here. If you go...
- Places to See - McWay Falls (pictured above), Pfeiffer Beach, Sand Dollar Beach
- Place to Eat - Nepenthe (views are incredible)
- Things to Know - You will NOT get cell phone service. There are NOT a lot of places to eat. Mile markings can be a little difficult to see, especially for Sand Dollar Beach
- Place to Stay - Post Ranch Inn (if you have thousands of dollars)
Carmel-by-the Sea, California
I have to thank a previous client for telling me about this place or I would have never gone. Thank god she did. Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of those places I don't know how you cannot love. Parents would love it. Kids would love it. Couples would love it and single travelers would love it. It's a small beach city with adorable cottages, shops and restaurants. I will definitely visit here again. If you go...
- Place to See - The beach, especially at sunset (pictured above)
- Place to Eat - You MUST go to Cassanova
Miami, Florida
Having lived in Miami for 3.5 years, I can honestly say that Miami is a beautiful place to visit. To live there is another story but to visit, you really can't go wrong. First, you have the beaches. Sure you can go to South Beach but there are so many others to see, you can't go wrong. Second, the diversity. Miami is the most diverse city I've been to and lived in. Talk about all walks of life in one place! Whites, Blacks, Mexicans, Cubans, Colombians, Venezuelans - you name it, Miami has it. Next, the nightlife. Miami is known for its nightlife. You want clubs, Miami has clubs. You want dive bars, Miami has dive bars. You want everything in between, Miami has it. Did I mention restaurants? Miami has some of the best restaurants in the country. Any type of cuisine, Miami has it. Lastly, Miami has the most beautiful people I've ever seen. Yes...ever. If you are looking for eye candy, you'll find it in Miami. So, if you go...
- Place to Eat - Sazon Cuban Cuisine in North Miami Beach
- Bar to Visit - Foxhole (if you can find it)
- Places to Stay - Fontainebleau on the beach or EAST Miami if you want some city feel
- Things to Know - Miami is expensive, especially on South Beach. Dress to impress if you plan to have a night out. Keep your eye out, you never know what celebrity you could see!
Just for fun, if I had #6 and #7 I would have picked Ka'anapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii and Sutro Baths in San Francisco. You can't go wrong with either of those spots.
I'm sure this list will change as I continue to visit new places both in the U.S. as well as when I venture out of country but for now, those are the top 5 most beautiful places I've been to.
