Nature Escapes
Hanakapiai Beach
Kauai, Hawaii
Two miles into the 11-mile-long Kalalau Trail on Kauai's Napali coast, Hanakapiai is a welcome pitstop. Tucked between two narrow cliffs, the beach is framed by a deposit of boulders. T+L Tip The beach is a bit of a tease: swimming is strongly discouraged, because of the violent surf. Check-In Plan ahead to book the one-room Jungle Cabana (Alaeke Rd.; 888/886-4969; junglecabana.com; from $125), if only for the outdoor, torch-lit bathtub shielded by a bamboo fence.
Pfeiffer State Beach
Big Sur, California
Windblown Pfeiffer beats out considerable coastal competition in California, thanks to stunning granite outcrops offshore—one with a tunnel worn through it. Viewfinder Walk on the sand 10 minutes north to Deer Canyon (there's no sign, but it's the only canyon you'll see). A rugged trail angles up and left before ending on the bluffs. Check-In Post Ranch Inn (Hwy. 1; 831/667-2200; postranchinn.com; doubles from $550) has recently added 10 redwood rooms, but the "tree houses," on nine-foot stilts, are still the best place to channel your inner child.
Meyers Creek Beach
Gold Beach, Oregon
In summer, the dunes blaze with purple and yellow flowers, and a rainbow of windsurfers—drawn by the waves, strong winds, and shallow sloping beach—fills the horizon. T+L Tip Don't leave anything behind in the car. The most scenic entry is from the top of Cape Sebastian, 700 feet above the ocean. It's a steep two miles down. Check-In The eight newly renovated rooms at nearby Tu Tu' Tun Lodge incorporate wooden wainscoting, hand-knotted Tibetan rugs, and Italian linens (96550 N. Bank Rogue; 800/864-6357; tututun.com; doubles from $195).
Cumberland Island
Georgia
The undeveloped barrier island—a former Carnegie family retreat—has majestic wild horses, 18 miles of sugary beaches, and an abundance of hiking trails through sand dunes, palmetto forests, and bird-filled salt marshes. T+L Tip No more than 300 visitors are allowed on the island at a time, so make your ferry reservation (912/882-4335) several months ahead. Check-In At spectacular Greyfield Inn (866/401-8581; greyfieldinn.com; doubles from $350), the island's only hotel, resident naturalist Fred Whitehead leads Jeep tours exploring the local ecology.
