Elena P

Playa Dorada is located on the north side of the Dominican Republic, near the town of Puerto Plata. There are miles and miles of sandy beach for you to explore.  It is also a very popular spot for wind/kite surfers due to the trade winds.  The water is generally very warm and it is the perfect place to have a nice relaxing beach day!

Stinson beach is a popular destination for Bay Area residents and tourists alike.  Located just 20 miles north of San Francisco, it is a 30-40 min drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge (it's a one-lane windy road once you're on HWY 1).  It is also a popular stop when hiking the nearby Mount Tamalpais.  The sand is very fine, making it a great place for kids to play in and build sand castles. T...

This wave is what put France on the surfing world map! It's one of the best beach breaks in the world, famous for its shorebreak barrels. On the largest swells, some have compared the power of this wave to the world famous pipeline. It's a great place to surf if you know what you are doing. The wave has power and offers plenty of barrels. This is a beach break, so there are plenty of peaks to c...

This is a beach break in Anglet, France. This spot is often more sheltered than Les Cavaliers, which means the waves are not as powerful at Le Barre compared to Les Cavaliers. The spot works best during the fall and winter months when the swell picks up. There are rips on both ends of the beach by the jetty to help paddle out to the line up. The waves are rippable with the occasional tube. It a...

This is a punchy beach break in the town of Anglet, France. This beach break is "all time" but can get very heavy when the waves pick up. It's a beach break which means it offers both lefts and rights. This wave is pretty hollow so you can get barreled. It's really for more experienced surfers only when the waves start to pick up. There is a rip by the jetty, if needed, to paddle out. Always ch...

Playa El Medano is the main beach that you can spend the day at in Cabo San Lucas.  This is a great beach to just spend the day at relax.  There are plenty of activities to do on the beach as well, from jet skiing to horseback riding.  It's a very popular spring break destination, so there will be lots of people trying to sell stuff.  You can also see the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas from the ...

This is a moderately rated 4.2 mile trail that winds through the redwoods west of Saratoga.  It features a dirt trail with tall trees and a creek.  The hike is very tranquil and there is lot s of greenery.  There are big rocks in the creek that can you can sit on.  People often meditate here as it is very peaceful and relaxing with the sound of the creek and birds. It is not as crowded during w...

Willow Creek is a couple of miles south of Sand Dollar Beach. Sand Dollar is generally a mushier wave that is more welcoming. Willow Creek on the other hand, has more power and offers punchier waves for the more experienced. However, it is more fickle than Sand Dollar Beach. There are loads of kelp in the line up, so try not to get too tangled!

Mount Robert's Tramway offers amazing views from the air, as well as saves you a trek up the mountain side. There are numerous trails to choose from once you get to the top, or just enjoy the ride. You can also visit the nature center to learn more about the wildlife and culture of Alaska.

This is a fun hike in central Oahu that leads to multiple water falls! Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. There is also a cliff diving spot at one of the falls. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. There are many more to check out!

Agate beach is a beach break in Newport Oregon. Bring your booties and gloves because the water temperature up there is very cold. The wave is a fun rippable wave with both lefts and rights. There is a rip that you can use to get out into the lineup right next to the headland.  Note: During winter, waves can get up to 20 feet so, always check the forecast before paddling out.

This nestled cove beach is in the heart of Biarritiz. It's a great place to just relax and enjoy the sun. This is a very popular beach with many locals, so get there early because the beach is relatively small and the good spots fill up rather quickly. It is also a nude beach, which is similar to most beaches in the region. If you're walking from Grande Plage along the coast and made it to Cote...

There is a beautiful walk out to the rock formation and the Virgin Mary statue. When you walk out to the rock formation, you get a great view of the downtown area of Biarritz and the more rural southern end of the town. If you go in the winter time, you can see large waves crash against the rock.  WARNING: Time the walk out accordingly or you will get splashed when the waves are big.

This is a reef break in San Juan Puerto Rico. This is probably the most consistent wave on the entire island of Puerto Rico!  It's a very popular summer time spot for surf, as waves become unmanageable when the large NW swells come through. This wave offers both lefts and rights.  I would recommend this spot for the more experienced surfer, since the wave isn’t the most forgiving and there is a...

Sapphire beach is a white sandy beach on the north east side of St. Thomas.  Sea grape trees surround the beach and provide lots of shade.  There are many ducks that frequent this beach. This is a great beach for snorkeling as there are shallow reefs on the right side of the beach.  You can also windsurf, jet ski, and parasail in the marina nearby.

The French side of the island (north) is Saint Martin and the Dutch side (south) is St Maarten.  This beach is located in the north and is one of the most popular beaches on the island.  There are lots of water activities to try like sailing and jet skiing.  There is a fee for renting beach chairs and umbrellas.   Orient Bay was one of the places devastated by Hurricane Irma, and is slowing rec...

Four Mile is a reef/point break that is a couple of miles north of town. This spot usually picks up more swell than in town so it is a popular spot for many locals to surf. When the swell picks up, it offers long rights towards the beach. The current can be strong when there is a lot of swell in the water so approach with caution. Summer offers more manageable surf size, while winter offers som...

There are many things to do at Icy Straight Point!  You can explore the rocky beach by kayak, photograph the pier, or skip rocks on the glassy surface. The water here is extremely calm and is great for paddling.  There are also hiking trails nearby that allow you to explore the mountains. Some trails may require a shuttle that takes you closer to them.

The beautifully picturesque town of San Sebastian is located in the Basque country of Spain and is the first major city when you cross over the French boarder.   The waves in San Sebastian are all beach break with many different peaks to choose from. The spot is very crowded, with more beginner waves closer to the seawall.  It's a popular summertime spot, but waves really pick up during the fal...

The nature center offers multiple trails, wildlife, and activities for kids and families. There is an eagle that they have rescued, which is blind, and they are keeping it and helping take care of it. There are many trails around the nature center to explore. They also offer movies and activities for kids to learn about Alaskan nature. The Mt. Roberts Trail is a great hike if you're looking fo...

Mount Robert's Trail in Juneau, Alaska, is a difficult hike through wildflowers and forests. This is an amazing hike, as you can see a lot of what makes Alaska beautiful. There is lichen on the trees, which means the air is very clean there. The hike starts near the nature center, so it is a great option for kids and families who are nearby. Kids and families do not have to do the whole hike, b...

Located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay is a fun place to spend the afternoon. However, there is no sand at Carnelian Bay as the ground is all large rocks. It's a great place to go swimming or SUPing in the summer, and it has a pier that you can jump off.  It is usually less crowded than main beaches of Lake Tahoe, which is a great plus!

Secret Island is on the East side of Oahu.  It's located near the town of Kailua.  It's a great place to have a beach day and avoid the crowds of Waikiki.  The water is super calm and the background makes you feel like you are in a Jurassic park movie, which filmed just up the road.  You can get tours and passes at Kualoa Ranch. There is a fee associated with visiting. 

Lafitenia is a right hand point break that is located in the Basque country of Southern France.  This wave breaks most frequently during the winter time.  Waves can get decently big so always make sure to check the forecast!   Parking can be found in the lot on top of the hill.