Who knew an old, weathered Coast Guard Station would birth the number 7 beach on Dr. Beach’s list of the top 10 beaches in America for 2010. Yet it did and with good reason. Easy to get to, which means it can get crowded, Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod is one of those places where two forces of nature meet. You have what looks to be an old glacial cliff and the remaining sand as it fingers its way around to form a beach area.

During the winter, this beautiful mile-long stretch of sand sleeps as it gains energy for the upcoming summer “season.” Residents know that come Easter, the Dewey Beach community goes through an extreme change. The DBC is a popular locale for locals, and by locals we mean retirees and cute co-eds. Resort eateries and restaurants offer a wide array of specialties from the catch of the day to French cuisine. Area shopping ranges from factory outlets to unique and artistic specialty shops.

Still home to the beautiful beaches that first brought its fame as well as a brand new boardwalk, Asbury Park is the perfect place for a visit anytime of year. Last year, the boardwalk had a nearly 70 percent vacancy rate. Now it’s maxed out, Gilmour said. Although located on the boardwalk, you will not find typical “beach art” at this venue. Exhibit A strives to provide innovative and outstanding contemporary art by some of the areas best emerging and established artists. The Beach Bar in the historic Convention Hall anchors one end of the boardwalk and offers sweeping ocean views in a trendy, yet sophisticated space that encourages lounging over a light meal or a sweet cocktail.