People-Watching
Butterfly Beach
Santa Barbara, California
This golden half-mile sliver, in the tony Montecito neighborhood, has head-on views of Santa Cruz Island and almost-as-reliable sightings of local celebs like Kevin Costner. T+L Tip The patio scene at Cava (1212 Coast Village Rd.; 805/969-8500; lunch for two $50) almost upstages the rock-shrimp tacos. Check-In Ask for the complimentary Beach Butler services (chair setup, two-way cordless phones) at the Four Seasons Biltmore (1260 Channel Dr.; 805/969-2261; fourseasons.com; doubles from $605).
North Avenue Beach
Chicago
A short drive from downtown, you'll see everyone from lobster-red Ditka fans to bronzed, buff young professionals swimming, sunning, and spiking volleyballs. T+L Tip Rent bikes and all types of sports equipment at the North Avenue Beach House (1603 N. Lake Shore Dr.; 312/742-7529). Check-In At day's end, beachgoers clean up for the J Bar at the James Chicago (55 E. Ontario St.; 877/526-3755; jameshotels.com; doubles from $250).
Fort Lauderdale City Beach
Florida
A complete cross-section of the city can be found along the three-mile stretch between Las Olas and Sunrise Boulevards: at the corner of Route A1A, coeds congregate over drinks; across from Sebastian Road, the gay area runs for a block or so; and on the northernmost end, families and retirees gather. T+L Tip Head north of Sunrise for the most elbow room. Check-In The latest luxury hotel to arrive is the 187-room St. Regis (1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.; 954/465-2300; starwoodhotels.com; doubles from $281).
