It’s been over a year now since COVID-19 first hit and threw our world into a tailspin and the travel itch is growing stronger. After being confined to our hometowns for the better part of a year, we’re exited to get out and explore, with our TANDM boards in tow. Although a number of countries are still closed for international travel, domestic travel is becoming easier as restrictions ease up. Here, we’ve rounded up ten incredible U.S. destinations to visit this year—just be sure and pack your TANDM board.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Known for its beaches and surf breaks, Cocoa Beach is located an hour east of Orlando and is well worth a visit. The city is one of the more affordable vacation spots in the Sunshine State and has no short supply of fun-filled activities. Deep sea fishing, kayaking, air boat tours, shopping, surfing/body boarding, and museums/historic sites are just a few of the exciting activities on offer. Additionally, Cocoa Beach is one of the best bodyboarding beaches in all of Florida, so be sure and pack your TANDM bodyboard to make the most of your stay on the Space Coast.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Boasting one hundred miles of wide-open shoreline, the Outer Banks is a charming mix of seaside villages and historic towns. The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands that separate the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. The islands are known for their beaches, state parks, and diving. With so many miles of coastline, the Outer Banks are home to plenty of good surf breaks, perfect for riding a TANDM bodyboard or surfboard. When you’re not in the water, be sure and stop by one of the many awesome restaurants or breweries the islands have on offer.
San Clemente, California
Home to world-class surf breaks and the birthplace of TANDM Surf, San Clemente is a surfer and bodyboarder’s paradise. San Onofre State Beach is popular among lonboarders, Trestles is ideal for short boarding, and T Street is a best of both worlds break, suited for both surfers and bodyboarders. When you’re not in the water, other popular attractions include downtown shopping, hiking, visiting the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, dining at the pier, or a walk along the San Clemente coastal trail.
“San Clemente is beautiful—it has perfect waves for bodyboarding, especially TANDM bodyboarding. I always have so much fun riding waves in San Clemente with my friends!” –Clare Devlin
The Jersey Shore, New Jersey
Famous for sand, surf, and sunshine, the Jersey Shore is a popular summertime destination, but it offers plenty of activities year round. The Jersey Shore is dotted with multiple surf breaks, with something for every experience level, many of which are perfect for TANDM bodyboarding. Another popular spot is the Asbury Park Boardwalk, which offers plenty of restaurants, boutique shopping, and live music. Other popular attractions include the Borgata Casino, Silverball Pinball Museum, Cape May County Park & Zoo, Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Barnegate Lighthouse State Park, Casino Pier, and the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum.
"All the cousins fight over who gets to ride the TANDM. The older cousins like to use it on the waves but the younger ones like to sit on it and skim across where the waves meet the sand. We find it’s fun whether there are large waves or not. It’s not too heavy, so the kids can manage it—but it’s heavy enough that they feel supported." -Kendall Halpern Martino
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Offering seven miles of picturesque sandy beaches, Old Orchard Beach has been a popular tourist destination for years. Featuring one of the last remaining oceanfront amusement parks, Old Orchard Pier has an old-fashioned carousel, carnival rides, and fair food. Old Orchard Beach is consistently voted one of the best beaches in Maine and between the hustle of the pier and the calmness of the northern stretch of Scarborough Beach, it’s no secret why. Surf is fairly consistent throughout the year by the pier, making it an ideal travel destination for surfers and bodyboarders alike.
Lake Tahoe, California
Nestled between the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The town is a hotspot for travelers and is in no short supply of outdoor activities: hiking, skiing, biking, camping, swimming, and boating. The town is a winter wonderland during the cooler months, making it perfect for cruising the slopes on a TANDM board. The calm alpine lake is perfect for relaxing atop a TANDM board or towing behind a boat for some shred action when the weather heats up.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia may not seem like an obvious travel destination for TANDM Surf fans but come wintertime, there are sledding hills aplenty. Due to its lack of fins and forgiving inflatable design, the TANDM bodyboard is tailor made for winter wonderlands. A popular winter sledding destination is the steps of the Philly Art Museum (but slide at your own risk because the legality of the spot as a sledding spot is up for debate). Once you’ve had your fix of sledding, other popular activities in Philly include visiting the Liberty Bell, snapping a photo with the Rocky Statue, touring Independence Hall, dining at Reading Terminal Market, visiting the museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and of course, having a Philly cheesesteak.
‘The art museum steps are the most fun place to sled—I can’t wait to try it in this winter! It isn’t really kid friendly, but my husband and I will be doing it for sure. And once it snows enough on the beach, the TANDM will be awesome to sled down the dunes. The weight and sturdiness of the TANDM bodyboard are awesome safety features.” -Kendall Halpern Martino
Honolulu, Hawaii
The most densely populated of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is a traveler’s paradise in more ways than one. Warm water, picturesque beaches, and scenic hikes, the island has something for everyone. For those who enjoy surfing or bodyboarding mellow waves, Waikiki in Honolulu has a collection of smaller waves and calmer waters. And for the hard chargers and adventure seekers, the north shore has some serious surf on offer during the winter months. While on the island, be sure and hit Hanauma Bay for a snorkel, go on a sunset cruise, shop at the Ala Moana center, and dine at one of the many mouthwatering restaurants on the island.
“Waikiki is the ideal spot for TANDM: the water is warm, it’s close to shore and the rolling, forgiving waves are easy to ride together.” –Reid Inouye
Stratford, Connecticut
Located on the Long Island Sound and offering eighteen miles of coastline, Stratford is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The city is home to two public beaches, five marinas, multiple fishing piers, two public boat launches, and a number of parks and recreational areas. Bringing a TANDM board is a must for the warm summer months but during the winter, the hillsides convert to sledding slopes, so the fun can last all year long. While you’re in town, be sure and visit Two Roads Brewing Company, Lordship Seawall, Roosevelt Forest, the National Helicopter Museum, Perry House, and Long Beach.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
Often referred to as “Arizona’s Playground,” Lake Havasu boasts more than three hundred days of sunshine a year, so you can play outside all year round. An adventurer’s oasis, Lake Havasu has ample opportunities for hiking, boating, biking, fishing, golfing, shopping, dining, and so much more. With sixty miles of navigable waterways, the lake is well suited for cruising behind a boat on a TANDM board. Or, if you prefer to keep it more mellow, simply lounge on your board and soak up the glorious sunshine.
