Top Summer Beach Vacation Destinations of 2013

It's summertime and the best part about summer is the beach. No matter if you are a fan of surfing, boogie boarding tanning, reading booking or just swimming around, nothing beats the warm sand and salty sea combination. Here are some of the best beach vacation destinations for 2013.

Cancun

Cancun stretches down the Caribbean tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Its ring of white sand beaches, known from its “7” shape, is the signature attraction. But many spots have beaches. However, Cancun pairs paradise beaches with cultural history such as Mayan temples and jungles nearby. In Cancun, adventurers, archeologists, golfers and spa goers all have their choice of the best. The city of Cancun offers yet another type of atmosphere as a real Mexican hub complete with nightlife and many dining options.

Cancun’s high vacation season is during the winter and early spring because of the dropped temperatures, but a visit during the summer will exploit the dropped prices and avoid the tourist rush in this popular Mexico destination.

Airport: Cancun International Airport

Average High Temperatures: 90°F for July and August and 89°F for September

Where to stay: Cancun vacation rentals from just $15/night

Cabo

The essence of Baja California, Cabo inhabits a unique spot in the beach niche as a desert-beach setting. With picturesque views such as El Arco at Land’s End, Cabo is known for its neat beaches. The golf, surfing, and fishing opportunities on The Corridor make it a hot site for golfers and ocean enthusiasts alike. While known for its spring break party scene, a trip to Cabo is actually less expensive in the summer during the low tourist season; but don't worry, nightlife still lives on in the summer months in San Lucas.

Airport: Los Cabos International Airport

Average High Temperatures: July 91°F, August 91°F, September 90°F

Where to stay: Cabo vacation rentals run from $40/night

San Diego

The beach goldmine of Southern California, San Diego welcomes visitors with a laid back attitude that makes it easy to unwind and kickback. After all, this is summer vacation we’re talking about. Apart from being a top surfing destination, San Diego is packed with activities such as trips to Balboa Park, Seaworld, and San Diego Zoo for those who need a break from beach bumming. Downtown, tourists can soak in the city vibe, complete with shopping and dining. So close to Mexico, San Diego has warm waters and lots of sun so for the avid beachgoer it is a must-visit.

Airport: San Diego International Airport

Average High Temperatures: July 76°F August 80°F, Spetember 80°F

Where to stay: San Diego vacation rentals from $58/night

Bali

Known as “The Island of the Gods” this Indonesian hub is an exotic location to go on both a beach excursion and a cultural immersion. June through September, Bali has a relatively low humidity compared to its rainy season and so summer is the ideal time to visit. In Bali, especially in South Bali, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur are the top beaches that host activities such as surfing and diving. Uluwatu Temple on the ocean is a perfect example of Bali’s magic. Stunning mountains and hills frame the Bali spiritual experience rich with Hindu religious offerings, dance, and music. In Bali, going to the beach is less about forgetting the world, and more about discovering it.

Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (half an hour from Denpasar)

Average High Temperatures: July 80°F, August 80°F, September 80°F

Where to stay: Bali vacation rentals from just $20/night

Tenerife

The most visited destination of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a Spanish island off the coast of Africa. It’s home to the largest mountain in Spain, Teide, which offers great hiking opportunities before heading to the ocean. A range of natural and man made beaches make great beach lounging opportunities, from the yellow sand of Playa de Las Teresitas in the south to the volcanic black sand of El Bollullo in the north. After hiking, scuba diving, and other water adventures, tourists head to Playa de las Americas, the center of nightlife. It’s like Spain in the tropics.

Airports: Tenerife South Airport and Tenerife North Airport

Average High Temperatures: July 70°F, August 73°F, September 72°F

Where to stay: Tenerife vacation rentals from 13€/night

Maui

This turquoise water, white beach, dolphin loving paradise is the second largest island of Hawaii. There is no place that quite beats its swimming, golf, hiking, canoeing, and snorkeling options for either families or couples. Resorts and beaches ring around the island and provide a vacation oasis with unreal views. Its magnificent natural landscape is preserved in gorgeous parks like the Wainapanapa State Park and Haleakala National Park. In Maui, there are countless adventures to be had.

Airport: Kahului Airport

Average High Temperatures: July 88°F, August 88°F, and September 89°F

Where to stay: Maui vacation rentals start at $11/night

Find even more of your favorite beach vacation spots at Tripping!

Photo Credits: Photo 1 Nick K. via Flickr; Photo 2 sanctumsolitude via Flickr; Photo 3 David Grant via Flickr; Photo 4 hypereal via Flickr; Photo 5 Krismartin via Wikicommons;Photo 6 Gerard Queen via Flickr; Photo 7 Pedro Szekely via Wikicommons
Post by Christina Sours