Selecting these beaches was no snap. Given all the beaches in the United States and nearby, I wanted to include many more but could only select 10. Therefore, each had to possess a unique quality for every kind of romantic. I can now relate to the work of a curator, having to select the right placement for every painting in an exhibition, thinking not just of the work on its own but how it fits with the others. So, I had to select my 10 romantic beaches. In order to avoid a collection of only wondrously sunny shores, I went for a representation of different kinds of beaches. From the rugged to the sublime, each of these offer something irresistibly romantic and are well worth a visit. I hope you agree.
1. Captiva Beach - Captiva Island, Fla. It's no secret that Captiva hosts some of the most spectacular sunsets around, but "Captiva Beach," on the West side of the Island, is stellar. You're likely to share the view with returning pelicans as well as herons, sandpipers, egrets, gulls and terns. Bask in the sun or select a shady spot beneath the greenery consisting mostly of Australian pines, sea grapes, and palm trees. If it's time alone you seek, try this stretch of flat, white sandy beach in the early hours. They say morning also is a good time to collect keep-sake shells. Beachcombers arrive early, at low tide or just after rainfall when the shores can be piled three feet high with an array of seashells in colors to match the most captivating of sunsets.
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