No one gets hyped up more about these gold and white crystals than adventurers. And with good reason: America's beaches serve up some of the nation's best hiking and biking, and some of the world's best swimming and kayaking. They attract amazing wildlife. They gather themselves into huge dune playgrounds. They make the perfect seat in nature's amphitheater.

Think a beach getaway is all about big towels and lotion? Read on.

1. Best Sand Playground: Sleeping Bear, Michigan 2. Best Sunrise: Acadia, Maine 3. Best Water Playground: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina 4. Best Camping: Everglades, Florida 5. Best Swimming: Perdido Key, Florida	6. Best Solitude: Matagorda Island, Texas 7. Best Biking: Santa Monica, California 8. Best Wildlife: Point Lobos State Reserve, California 9. Best Hiking: Olympic Coastal Strip, Washington 10. Best Sunset: Polihale, Hawaii

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Beyond the Beaches: America's Best Trips Best Biking Trips - From sea to shining sea, and everything in between. Best Hiking Trips - Stroll a beachfront or climb to a mountain peak. Best Paddling Trips - From rivers to oceans, dip your paddle into a wave.

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