Beyond the Beach: 5 Coastal Adventure Vacation Destinations

If you’re looking for a beach vacation that offers adventures beyond sunbathing and swimming, consider visiting Maui, Outer Banks, Pensacola, Cannon Beach, or Siesta Key. These are five coastal destinations that would make for a great adventure vacation. 

Maui, Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii inspired by The White Lotus

Maui is known for its gorgeous beaches, as well as, water sports including surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kiteboarding. The island also offers land-based activities such as hiking and biking, providing stunning views of waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.

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Hiking

Waterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventures

Snorkeling

Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure Aboard the Malolo

Kayak Tours

Clear Kayak and Snorkel Tour from Olowalu Beach (Southwest Maui)

Activities

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Outer Banks, North Carolina

Outer Banks NC - Adventure Vacation - Beach Destination

This 200-mile stretch of barrier islands is a popular spot for surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking and windsurfing. The islands are also home to numerous shipwrecks making it a great place for scuba diving. But if water sports aren’t your thing, you can also go hang gliding or take a wild horse tour.

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Wild Horse Tour

2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck

Hang Gliding

Beginner Hang Gliding Lesson

Diving

Explore Shipwrecks

Activities

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Pensacola, Florida

Beyond The Beach 5 Adventurous Beach Destinations

Pensacola, located in the Florida Panhandle, is home to white sand beaches and emerald-green waters making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and parasailing. It is also a hub for outdoor activities like kiteboarding, ziplining, and scuba diving.

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Dolphin Cruise

Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise

Activities

Sunset Cruise

Kayaking

Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session in Pensacola Beach

Outdoor Activities

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Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach Oregon - Adventure Vacation - Beach Destination

If you’re looking for a rugged, wild coastline, Cannon Beach is the place to be. This coastal city is known for its stunning natural scenery, wide sandy beach, and the iconic Haystack Rock thanks to the 1985 adventure comedy “The Goonies.” Here, you can explore the tide pools at Haystack Rock, hike through Ecola State Park ,take a surf lesson, or watch whales migrate along the coast. 

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Hiking Tours

Full-Day Northern Oregon Coast Tour

Wildlife

Best Whale Watching Spots

Nature

Explore the Tide Pools at Haystack Rock

Set-Jetting

Visit The Goonies Filming Locations

Siesta Key, Florida

Siesta Beach Florida - Adventurous Beach Destination

Siesta Key in Florida is a top destination for adventure-seekers due to its crystal clear waters, white sand, marine life, and water sports activities such as kayaking, jet skiing and parasailing. Visitors can also explore nearby natural beauty and wildlife, including Myakka River State Park and Sarasota Bay Estuary. 

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Dolphin Cruise

Private Siesta Funship Adventure/Dolphin Cruise Sandbar Stops

Kayaking

Kayak Tour through Mangrove Tunnels

Pedal Kayaking

Guided Pedal Kayaking Tour

Snorkel

Snorkel Point of Rocks

These are just a few of the best beach destinations around the US that offer adventure and excitement. Whether you’re an experienced thrill-seeker or just looking to try something new, these destinations are sure to offer an unforgettable vacation.


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