Every traveler has a different fantasy about their ultimate beach vacation. No matter what yours is, you’re sure to find inspiration on our list of the best beaches to explore this year.

One of the great rewards of travel is seeing the world’s most historic sites, whether they’re sprawling palaces or impressive monuments. But often overlooked are the everyday places where some of history’s most prominent players once dined and interacted.

Sure, Washington D.C. is within driving distance of some of the Atlantic Ocean’s best beaches, but tropical getaways are more than a short car ride away. Luckily, you can get to some of the world’s best beaches without putting up with any long layovers.

Friendly neighbors, family-run businesses, and quaint restaurants serving comforting diner fare—these are the images conjured up by the phrase “Main Street USA.” Even in this fast-paced modern era, many small towns have held onto their historic roots and preserved their central thoroughfares.

In 2014, revamped treatment menus and new spas with stunningly renovated facilities await you. Restore your balance at these 10 notable retreats around the United States and Canada.

Tourists seem to love winter in New York—but locals often hatch escape plans to warmer climes. Thankfully, there are non-stop flights to beach destinations in Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

Unlike their predecessors, the newest producers aren’t aiming for mass production. Instead, they’re focusing on small-batch products created with premium ingredients that are often organic and locally sourced.

Airport architects have transformed once-bland spaces into light-filled, inspiring areas filled with everything from indoor tropical gardens to massive art installations. The buildings themselves can be works of art, too.