^{Brant Point Light, Nantucket}

Who doesn't like a beach getaway? Just think: the soft sand beneath your feet, the crashing waves in front of you and nothing to worry about at all. Sounds like the type of summer trip you need, right? Just say yes! The only issue is that with so many great beaches scattered about the United States, pinpointing a destination that suits your wants may be a little difficult.

If you're considering the American Northeast, then know you have a plenty of options. Any one of the following five great beaches will provide you with all the essentials to have a memorable vacation. (For more beach vacation guides, click here)

Nantucket, Massachusetts

A former whaling community, Nantucket boasts unmatched scenery. The weathered, grey-shingled houses, surrounded by roses, seemingly float with the ocean breezes, providing the most gorgeous of scenes. The beach, which is open for everyone, is known for its calm, soothing waters and white sand. Best yet, you have ample lodging options in the area, from small inns to luxury guesthouses. Attractions abound as well, with sites like the Maria Mitchell Aquarium and Brant Point Light, which was built back in 1746, being the most popular. The Whaling Museum, a site that showcases informative exhibits on the history of the important local industry, appeals to all ages and is worth a visit too.

Southampton, New York

From the untouched beaches to the quaint village center, Southampton is the perfect blend of history, culture, entertainment and relaxation. You can spend the morning shopping for a new piece of artwork for your living room, then chill on a secluded beach in the afternoon. Specifically, Main Street is the place where the shopping and nightlife are rocking; the Southampton Publick House — a pub housed in a 19th-century clapboard building -- is the place for sampling great local craft beer. And if you want to see some of the Northeast's most graceful mansions, take a drive through the estate section of town. To make your stay even more spectacular, you can lodge at a private seaside estate and live the life of luxury in Southampton.

Cape May, New Jersey

This wouldn't be a true list of the best beaches of the American Northeast without including at least one location along the Jersey Shore. Cape May, which is actually the Shore's most southern point, is an absolute gem. The gingerbread Victorian homes are postcard-worthy, especially the Emlen Physick Estate — a property that you can tour to learn about life here in the 1800s. And all those charming bed-and-breakfast inns in town offer you quite the authentic experience. The wine here is exceptional, and if you're a shopaholic, look no further than the buzzing Washington Street Mall. This place is so nice that dolphins have even come to see what's happening; they can be spotted leaping out of the water if you bring a pair of binoculars.

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

What do fireworks, beach music and submarines have in common? They're all at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. This 15-mile stretch of sand features a fireworks show every week, along with daily activities along its shore. In addition, the boardwalk holds 80-plus concerts per year. For nighttime fun, the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom is a great place to go, as the comedy shows here are downright hilarious and the music concerts are awesome. Add in activities like fishing and whale watching, and you have a truly dynamite spot to enjoy time away from work, school and other everyday affairs.

Charleston, Rhode Island

Perhaps the best part about a vacation to Charleston is that it is not jam-packed with tourists — and it's just one hour from Providence. Indeed, this relatively unknown slice of shoreline is a place where you can take in the sunrise alone, bike along tranquil streets and run up dunes. Across all of America, there is arguably no better location for wind-sailing. The choppy waters also make riding waves much more invigorating. Boating is another pastime of this town as well. If you get hungry, the lobster shacks in the area are particularly noteworthy, and it's worth it to sample all sorts of local seafood. Another word of advice: Try the local fried dough and candy. Shakespeare enthusiasts should also be happy to visit here; The Colonial Theatre Shakespeare Festival is right by the beach and puts on amazing performances during much of the year.

There you have it. Any one of these five beach destinations will provide you with what you need to have the time of your life. All are accessible via car, flight or bus, and since these spots are well-established tourist destinations, you'll have all the conveniences you need to make the trip go smoothly. To ensure you stay safe and have peace of mind during your trip, get trip insurance from Allianz Global Assistance. This way, you're covered if anything goes wrong. Now, that's a license to go out and have some fun without worrying about anything.

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