Offbeat at the Beach
July 16th, 2009 by Lauren Locke-Paddon
“Going to the beach” translates differently the world over. These offbeat beach destinations offer a departure from the quintessential day at the beach and will really give you something to write home about.
a scene from Chowpatty by Zara Katz
Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai, India
Stroll legendary Chowpatty Beach and enjoy the sensory overload of the metropolis’ favorite place to promenade. Although it’s not generally advisable to swim, there are other highlights including having your weight broadcast to the rest of the beach-goers on a television screen, captured by Zara Katz and shown here on the right.
Choroní, Aragua, Venezuela
It’s hard to argue with the Caribbean. If you can’t escape your desire for turquoise warm sea, fine-sand beaches and fresh coconuts but want the depth that comes with a splash of culture – this laid-back destination is for you. The small town connected to major cities and highways by a death-defying narrow road that curves through the amazing Henri Pittier cloud forest is just a short walk from the palm-lined beach. Vendors make a regular circuit of the beach and by the time your done with your ice-cold Polar they’re back to take your bottle and replenish the supply.
Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California
Bring your binoculars to this part of the California coast where an unusual underwater formation creates waves that regularly tower 30’ to 50’ above the water. Be sure to check the Maverick’s Surf website before you head out to this surf break where some of the premier and world-record breaking big-wave surfing goes on. Mark your calendars: the world’s bravest (and craziest) premier big-wave surfers go on alert starting November 1st.
Kanyakumari at dawn / author's collection
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India
At the southernmost point of the Indian subcontinent people come from all over to bathe in the meeting of three seas and throw parties for the sun’s arrival and departure. Bathing in the sea is a holy experience, and one that, if you’re a woman, you do fully covered. At dawn and dusk the atmosphere becomes carnival-like with cameras flashing, cotton candy and spiced boiled peanuts.
Zipolite and Mazunte, Oaxaca, Mexico
These two beaches just south of the tourist hub of Puerto Escondido are now permanently marked on the backpacker circuit of Southern Mexico. The relatively undeveloped and gorgeous beaches feature the hammock and bungalow on the beach lifestyle, yoga retreats and fire-dancing.
Paris-Plage, Paris, France
An ephemeral summer beach exists in Paris for one month during the hottest part of the summer. The Pompadue Expressway is closed to automobile traffic, sand is trucked in and floating swimming pools are constructed (as swimming in the Seine does not seem to be an enticing option). Beach chairs, misting fountains, music and dance performances entice millions of visitors to come and enjoy the land-locked city’s “beach” each year.
Nauthólsvík, Reykjavík, Iceland
The beach is not the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of Iceland, but in Reykjavík there’s something special about the Atlantic – it’s heated! Hot water produced by by geothermal activity is pumped into the bay and cove creating temperatures range from 18˚ to 30˚ degrees Celsius.
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