Top Ten Beaches in the United States

Clubhouse Beach (ECC)

There's hardly a better feeling: You zip open your tent and push your toes into the sand, with the ocean staring you in the face. Birds and insects are the only creatures making noise. Welcome to the Everglades—backcountry.

It's not the ideal place for a summer getaway—temps and humidity can soar that time of year—but if you want to beat the crowds, this is the place. You have to head a few miles off the beaten track to find Clubhouse Beach—and don't expect toilets, other facilities, or other people. Only 24 campers are allowed at one time out onto the coastal shell beach (most of south Florida's natural beaches are built up from the shells of multitudes of marine organisms), so along with some great camping, expect to find solitude. And wildlife? You bet—bring the binoculars. After all, this is the Everglades, where crocodile, manatee, and panther all co-exist in a birder's paradise.

Essentials:

For more info, call 305-242-7700 or send an email to EVER_Information@nps.gov. Backcountry permits start at $10 for one to six people.

Tip:

Keep an eye out for nesting turtles in late spring and summer. They love the beach, too. And always remember to bring the bug repellent because you'll find pesky pests any time of year.