Swami's Beach

Photo by: Cristina Anne Costello @lightupphotos

Swamis Beach in Encinitas, San Diego County, California is named after Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship. Swami’s is also home to avid surfers. This area possesses a magnetic attraction as it hosts spiritual retreats and yoga classes year round. Swami’s Beach is just 22 miles north of downtown San Diego and Lindbergh Field Airport. San Diego has much to be explored so be sure to plan enough time to hit all the the great spots.

Bowling Ball Beach

Photo by: Zeny Rosalina @iamzeny

Schooner Gulch State Beach near Mendocino, California is also known as Bowling Ball Beach. It took millions of years for these sedimentary spheres to take shape. A process called “concretion,” is responsible for the mineral cements binding grains of sand and stone into large boulder formations. As beautiful as this beach appears, it can be tricky and in some areas impossible to navigate. If you decide to visit Bowling Ball Beach this summer, watch those ankles.

Glass Beach

Photo by: Joshua Sortino @sortino

What started as a dumping ground has become home to tumbled treasures. Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California is home to colorful, former glass bottles mixed in with pebbles and stones. If a visit to this spectacular beach is on the bucket list, please refrain from collecting the sea glass gems as it is discouraged. Over the years, travelers have depleted the once abundantly covered beach for souvenirs. Other glass beaches to visit are Benicia, California and Eleele, Hawaii.

Cenote

Photo by: Jared Rice @jareddrice

A cenote is “a deep sinkhole in limestone with a pool at the bottom that is found especially in Yucatán.”

A cenote is the result of collapsed limestone which exposes water beneath.

There are four classifications of cenotes; ancient, cavern, semi-open and open. The more open the cenote indicates how long ago it was formed.

Take caution when visiting a cenote as some are prone to caving into the water below and could possibly be fatal for explorers.

• Side note: The ancient Maya used cenotes as a water source and sacrificial offerings.