The original 18-hole courses were only open to the military, but since the base closed in the late ’90s, they have been completely revamped and upgraded and are open to the public. It is perched just above the coast with sweeping views of Monterey Bay on what was once a U.S. Golfers will want to check out the Bayonet & Black Horse in nearby Seaside.

But many visitors just come to walk the oft-deserted sand and listen to the waves. The beach sits beneath a rugged line of dunes that are popular launching points for hang-gliders. Head to Marina State Beach for stellar scenery and– if you know what you’re doing–good surfing and hang-gliding (these are not beginner waves, be careful when swimming as well). Less than a 30 minute drive northeast of Monterey on California’s scenic Central Coast, Marina is a hidden gem known for its prehistoric sand dunes and outdoor adventures. A great time to visit is the fall for the spectacular foliage season. You’ll also find plenty of arts and culture, especially in the college town of Ithaca. The lakes themselves offer aquatic adventures from SUP boarding to swimming. There is also plenty to do outdoors including hiking trails in Letchworth State Park, which is known as “The Grand Canyon of the East,” and the serene Watkins Glen State Park. Check out the burgeoning Canandaigua Lake wine trail, and pay a visit to the New York Kitchen, which showcases wine, craft beer, and food from around the state. The region is known for producing excellent Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, and you can easily spend a whole weekend exploring its numerous vineyards along the half dozen or so different wine trails. This bucolic area is home to 11 lakes as well as charming small towns dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries and a surprising number of vineyards. Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes Region is just a 4.5 hour drive from New York City but feels a world away.

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