Rolling waves glisten and sparkle under the effervescent rays of morning sunshine. A soothing breeze off the water sweeps the hair from your eyes as you gaze across the sand and surf. There’s no stress here!

It’s the perfect setting for the getaway trip you’ve been longing for. Suddenly, a car door opens. You realize you’ve been daydreaming again while waiting in the pick-up line outside of your child’s school!

But what if you could actually escape to beachy bliss?

Travel along with me as we take a tour of potential vacation spots near military installations:

1. Southern California Dreams

When I have visions of spending a relaxing day at the beach, I picture myself in Southern California. Soaking up the sun. Lounging in a comfy chair. Looking out at the azure blue water.

Recently, friends stationed at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, traveled to the Del Mar Beach Resort at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for a wedding.

Going into enthusiastic detail, they described how they fell in love with this Southern California haven! The sunbaked Del Mar Beach Resort is clean, affordable, and surrounded by spectacular sand and surf. The accommodations vary in size, yet most have a full kitchen for ease of dining in and a marina or ocean view.

When lingering outside, guests can grill on the patio, relax in Adirondack chairs. and toast marshmallows around a fire pit.

With military families in mind, there are playground areas, a lagoon for the kiddos, and lifeguards on duty. Keep in mind, SoCal visitors need to plan ahead as the resort villas are booked around 12 weeks in advance.

If you find yourself “California dreaming,” this fantastic oceanfront property is worth the wait!

2. Explore Corpus Christi, Texas

Binge watching shows on TV, I tend to fast forward through the auto ads where vehicles make swirly patterns on a beach. However, while visiting a cousin stationed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, we had the chance to recreate one of those auto ads!

By shifting into 4-wheel drive, we took their truck to the edge of the surf. Finding a stretch of hard packed sand, Padre Island proved to be an ideal setting for tailgating by the sea.

With the Corpus Christi Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, the waves of cerulean blue water create Instagram-worthy views. After a leisurely day spent exploring Padre Island National Seashore, we rallied around a campfire, watching the pastel colors of a Lone Star sunset fade away.

Driving back over the JFK Memorial Causeway, it didn’t take long to arrive at our Navy Lodge destination. The clean and comfortable room included coastal white furnishings and a well-appointed kitchenette.

Waking up with reveille, we enjoyed a continental breakfast al fresco while gazing across the lush lawn edging the seawall of the Corpus Christi Bay. Located about two hours from San Antonio and around three hours from Houston, this South Texas retreat offers a sensational seashore experience.

3. Charleston’s Southern Charm

Just a couple of hours from Fort Jackson, South Carolina, a traveler can find themselves South of Broad in the charming streets of Charleston. Warm Southern sunshine lures a visitor to explore the enchanting history and wander near the water of this coastal Carolina city.

Amid a tour of an upscale area of downtown Charleston, a person may pose as glitterati with a stay at the Market Pavilion Hotel. Splurging on concierge level accommodations, a jet-set guest will be served gourmet hors d’oeuvres, afternoon tea, and a plated breakfast in the morning.

After indulging in the rooftop pool, an elite out-of-towner can quench their thirst with a signature cocktail and savor a stunning view of the downtown skyline.

When a nouveau riche tourist chooses to retire for the evening, a plush robe and soft slippers are presented and turn down service of the luxurious linens is granted.

Whether your stay is posh like the one above or more budget oriented, sightseeing in the nearby Waterfront Park offers award-winning views of the Aegean blue seascape. Under the shade of a Sabal palmetto, an explorer may note the remarkable Ravenel Bridge overlooking the Cooper River, Charleston Harbor, and Atlantic Ocean.

The mouth of Charleston Harbor leads to the dune-swept shore of Sullivan’s Island. From the extravagance of luxury lodging to the casual atmosphere of a local beach, a trip to Charleston will be a visit fondly remembered.

With this, we’ve traveled here and there to surfside spots near military communities. If the siren’s call of the salty sea air leads you to a sun-drenched beach, float your cares away on the waves that roll by!

By Mary Ann Eckberg for MilitarybyOwner