Beach camping in Georgia/ Florida/ South Carolina?

Lauren

Hi! My friend and I want to do some beach camping... on the beach. Lots of sights have camping near the beach, but do you know of any places where you can pitch a tent on the beach? I would really appreciate it!

Answer
Camping on beaches can damage natural resources and wildlife nesting areas.

Leave no trace.


1. Key State Park | Long Key

Long Key's campsites are literally right on top of the Atlantic Ocean. This is the only state park where you can leave your campsite, walk 100 feet and catch a permit or bonefish. The park has several nature trails, including one for kayakers that runs through a shallow-water lagoon, and 60 waterfront campsites, each with a picnic table and grill.

Call (305) 664-4815 or go to floridastateparks.org/longkey.

2. Cayo Costa State Park | Boca Grande

Surrounded by water on all sides and only accessible by private boat or public passenger ferry, Cayo Costa boasts splendid isolation. With 9 miles of deserted beach to roam and explore, you won't have to worry about crowds. The warm gulf water is great for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and kayaking. Each tent site can accommodate up to eight people. Showers, toilets and potable water are centrally located. Visitors must bring food and drink, but the extra work is well worth it. This is wild Florida at its best.

Call (941) 964-0375 or go to floridastateparks.org/cayocosta.

3. Fort Clinch State Park | Fernandina Beach

Among Florida's oldest state parks, Fort Clinch has one of the best-preserved 19th century forts in the United States. It never saw any action, but it was occupied by troops during the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Located just north of Fernandina Beach off A1A, this state park has great surf fishing, swimming and a 6-mile trail for hikers and bicyclists. Fort Clinch has two campgrounds, one overlooking the beach and the other in a hardwood hammock overlooking the Amelia River.

Call (904) 277-7274 or go to floridastate parks.org/fortclinch.

4. Grayton Beach State Park | Santa Rosa Beach

Another one of the nation's top beaches, this state park is famous for its sunsets. After you get tired of playing in the emerald-colored water, take off on one of the park's nature trails, which weave through a windswept coastal forest that looks like a set from Lord of the Rings.

Hikers and cyclists have more than 4 miles of trails to explore, and canoeists and kayakers can check out Western Lake, a classic salt marsh. The campground has been called one the finest in Florida, and subsequently, people book 11 months in advance.

Call (850) 231-4210 or go to floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach.

5. Anastasia State Park | St. Augustine

Four miles of unspoiled beach is this state park's top draw. Anastasia hasn't changed much since Spanish explorers made landfall here nearly 500 years ago. Besides great surfing, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, the park has an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to create the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest Spanish fortress in America. Explore the dunes and stunted oak hammocks via the nature trail or paddle Salt Run, a tidal salt marsh, in a canoe or kayak. The well-shaded campground is one of the best in the state system.

Call (904) 461-2033 or go to floridastateparks.org/anastasia.

6. Sebastian Inlet State Park | Melbourne Beach

One of the premier surfing and fishing spots on Florida's East Coast, Sebastian Inlet State Park has 3 miles of beachfront real estate. As expected, the park is popular with anglers and wave riders, but the adjacent Indian River Lagoon is also a great place to canoe or kayak. They call this the Treasure Coast because after big storms, beachcombers still find coins washed ashore from the doomed Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1715. The park's tent campground is within easy walking distance of the beach.

Campsites are $23. Call (321) 984-4852 or go to floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet.

7. Bahia Honda State Park | Big Pine Key

Henry Flagler's railroad from Miami to Key West put this tropical paradise on the map. Twelve miles south of Marathon, this state park has turquoise water, balmy breezes and an endless supply of sunshine that would make Bahia Honda a great location for a five-star resort. Luckily for us, the land has been preserved for the public's use, giving regular folks an easy access point to the Florida Keys' world-famous coral reefs. The park has two boat ramps and three campgrounds, which are a testament to the park's standing as a vacation destination.

Call (305) 872-2353 or go to floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda.

8. T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park | St. Joe

Consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the United States, this Panhandle park has some of the finest white sand in Florida. With access to the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay, canoeists and kayakers can spend a day paddling and never run out of new territory. This coastal barrier peninsula is also an international destination for bird watchers. To date, more than 240 species have been sighted. The park has 119 sites in two campgrounds: The Gulf Breeze area is open and can accommodate large vehicles; the Shady Pines area is more shaded and secluded.

Call (850) 227-1327 or go to floridastateparks.org/stjoseph.

9. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area | Flagler Beach

Named after Florida folk singer Gamble Rogers, this recreation area has access to both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular spot for boaters, canoeists and kayakers. Sit and watch the shorebirds as they feed on the beach or take a hike along a winding nature trail through a coastal forest of scrub oak and saw palmetto. The 34-site full-service campground overlooks the Atlantic.

Call (386) 517-2086 or go to floridastateparks.org/gamblerogers.

10. Fort De Soto County Park | Tierra Verde

The only county-owned property to make the list, this Pinellas County park has a 238-site, full-service campground that seems to have been created with families in mind. The amenities include picnic tables, grills, fresh water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas and a camp store. The park has more than 7 miles of waterfront recreation, including two fishing piers, nature trails, paved bike trail and a canoe trail.

Call (727) 582-2267 or go to pinellascounty.org/park.

Can you rent the picnic tables at the beach?

Laila

Answer
Which beach? There are thousands in the world, and there are probably some where you can. But at most, no, you wont be able to rent them, just turn up and use them.

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Any Table Number Alternatives?

Ashley

I am having a destination wedding in mid-october but having a nice reception in our city the first week of november with about 250 people. Rather than just table numbers, I wanted to do something creative. My reception here is fall themed ( Manzanita tree centerpieces and autumn colors and leaves on the table) so I dont want to do any beach names or anything because it really doesnt go with the reception theme. Any ideas?

Answer
First, the only trouble with not having table numbers (especially with a party which has 250 people - that's at least 25 tables, right?) is that the numbers show people they're on the right track...I'm sitting at table 13 and there's 10 and 11 so I know I'm close. Rather than saying I'm sitting at "flower" and there's "tree" and "rock" and "sky" so where do I go from there?

That being said, things you can do...continue your fall theme: Types of trees with the cards being the leaves; types of apples or pumpkins or squash; shades of fall colors... or you could do something that is relevant to you and your husband: Cities you have visited or want to visit; names of people you met at your wedding; celebrities whose birthdays fell on your wedding day (if there aren't enough, you can use the day of your party or use both months)

Manhattan Beach Restaurant?

kingsley

I am taking my 87 yr old mom and her sister who is 90 out for lunch/ dinner and would like to go to someplace in Manhattan Beach, California where we can see the ocean from our table. I thought of the Kettle, but it isn't right next to the water. Any ideas? (we have been to Redondo Beach) Thanks alot.

Answer
Beaches is a restaurant in Manhattan Beach that overlooks the water. It's at the very end of Manhattan Beach Blvd. Ask for a table near the window. Have fun!

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How can i make my bedroom a beach theme and a japanese?

best beach table image

Michelle

I am redoing my bedroom. The beach and japanese things are my 2 favorite things in the world. How can i blend the 2 themes to where the room will look great? Im suck. Thanks for any suggestions Also, i'm redoing the flooring in the room. Any suggestions?

Answer
I'd go with something Polynesian which incorporates a tropical theme and has an Asian flair. Be careful about overdoing things so it doesn't end up looking kitschy. You know, tiki lights, totems, grass skirting, coconuts, etc. Unless that's your style.

When I think of Polynesian, I think about bamboo flooring, or parquetry--a mid-grade color, not too light, not too dark. You could do an accent wall in fabric or textured paneling (like novawall paneling-which helps lessen noise and looks sophisticated--I'm thinking a dark, wet sand color), or install a "living wall" panel of plants (for a nice verdant green), with a clerestory strip of low level lighting--or small pot lights to create mood. Without knowing the dimensions of your room, or your tastes, I'm doing a lot of guessing, so bear with me.

I'd put in some nice amber lighting to bounce the color around--wall sconces, task lighting, up-lights in the corners and a central light fixture hanging from the ceiling (could incorporate a ceiling fan here...). Mix neutral colors with stark white elements, vases for example and shiny elements of silver or brass. You might decide to have a few art pieces. I can picture a large fish bowl (modern style), filled with cowry shells as part of a water feature. Beach colors might include tequila orange, red pomegranate, deep turquoise or aqua, sunset yellows, midnight blues, that sort of thing. A trick I used in my office was to take different color bamboo poles (six ft. tall) from light tan, to mahogany red, to dark brown and finally black and put them into an old brass coal scuttle that's about two feet tall. I also varied their sizes, from large poles to reeds and made a sort of "fan tree" out of them.

You could also try a Bombay approach. Here the wood tones would be deeper. The accent wall might incorporate wide panel shutters back-lit by mood lighting, or a wide panel shutter room divider. Same kind of lighting elements. Thomasville has a Hemingway Collection which has a lot of these elements. In my mind I see old steamer trunks with brass fixtures and knobs, worn leather desk blotters, campaign table, faux ivory elements (like elephants, etc.), large fans, a panama style hat hanging from a clothes tree. Colors might include royal blues, teal greens, mustard yellows, ebony etc. Fabrics might include muslin, cotton, white satin.

Floor would be darker wood. Bedding could be stark white linens, maybe incorporate mosquito netting in one corner that drapes to the floor, back-lit for effect, and tied with a decorative tie back and tassel. Side table has a glass carafe on a silver tray. I always think mixing muted tones with shiny elements looks more sophisticated and interesting to the eye.

Again, include a water element or feature.

Another great source for ideas is Restoration Hardware.

How would you throw the best beach party?

ajumbo05

I am planning on throwing a beach party in Wildwood Nj for spring break. What would you do to make it the best party. If you did have a beach party what did you do, and how did it go? We also want to get on a few rides at the Pier, so im trying to squeeze that in there as well. Any idea will work as long as its reasonable.

Answer
I did a beach party after I graduated. Here are some of the things I did:

1.) I didn't have a lot of cash, so for drinks, I made up tons of pitchers of island/beach-themed drinks and just served them that way. Things like margaritas, pina coladas, bay breezes, daiquiris, etc. We also had some soda, water, lemonade, iced tea, and some beer.

2.) For food, we had lots of fresh fruit (pineapple, melon, strawberries), and then we did some homemade potato chips with old bay seasoning, some dips, potato salad, fresh veggie tray, and then burgers and hot dogs. A friend brought some crab dip later, so you can always go with the seafood theme if you want.

3.) For decorations, I got a lot of bulk seashells and starfish and things from QualityShells.com and spread them around the tables with citronella candles (it was outside). We also put out a few tiki torches and that was really it. The table cloths and plates and stuff we got real cheap from a party supply store.

I hope this helps!

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what is the best beach to grill at in malibu?

best beach table image

omnomnom

I want to have a beach bbq with my bf for his birthday and he's always wanted to go to Malibu because it is very beautiful there. I want to bring our mini portable grill. I have looked up some beaches but I'm not sure which ones allow us to grill on the beach. Any suggestions or tips?

Answer
Zuma Beach
Point Dume State Beach

Don't forget a plastic table cloth, and something to hold the table cloth down.

What is a good inexpensive restaurant to go to after beach wedding in Maui?

Me

It has always been my dream to get married in Maui. I would like to get married on the beach, but where can I celebrate with a small group of people afterwards? I'm looking for a nice inexpensive place with good food. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
It would probably depend for starters on what region in Maui you're talking about. Once you know where you want to get married, that will radically cut down your practical options. And if it's high priority to keep it inexpensive, I'd probably figure out a way to host something yourself -- maybe a park someplace with a grill and some picnic tables. If it's a pretty small group, however, it might be worth it to cough it up for a decent restaurant anyway... assumably you'll be flying in as will your guests, staying in a hotel, etc., so a little bit more for a dinner after a Maui wedding isn't going to add that much in the big scheme of things, and you only do it once.

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