Get Outta Dodge Issue #40

By Erica Phillips
Published: June 1st, 2009 | 12:00pm

You’ve been deprived of some serious sunshine lately, and those springtime clouds have threatened to put a damper on your joie de vivre this season. It’s time to gather your daypacks and head out for some free sun-and-sand therapy at one of the hundreds of national parks or classic beachfront towns around the country. Our picks?

Cape Hatteras in North Carolina’s Outer Banks: The cape is lined with endless miles of Atlantic beaches, relatively inexpensive beach house rentals, cute seaside cafés, and opportunities to explore old lighthouses and abandoned hotel properties buried among the dunes.

East River State Park in Williamsburg, New York: Though certainly the most urban of these selections, this seven- acre park area offers an open space to sunbathe or enjoy a picnic as you gaze over the East River at the Manhattan skyline and Williamsburg Bridge.

Cannon Beach in Oregon: Go fly a kite in view of one of the most scenic destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Located 90 minutes from Portland, Cannon Beach feels almost like another planet, as waves crash against giant rock formations.

Lake Michigan, Chicago: Call us biased, but we think Lake Michigan is as good as any ocean. Whether you want to eat funnel cake at Navy Pier, relax on the white sands of Loyola Park Beach, or pedal along the lakefront bike path to ogle the world-class architecture, Chicago’s waterfront has you covered.