Where to Take Her: Beaches

Because every man needs a plan, and some of us need that plan with pretty pictures, we present Where to Take Her: a series that answers a gentleman’s most pressing lifestyle questions and recurs whenever we get around to it.

This go-round: beaches. Don’t fret, some of them are even warm. Put on your trunks.

Your key:

Bass Lake – Madera County, CA – Campable. Boatable. Jet-skiable. Bass Lake draws a crowd with its 80+ temps and proximity to Yosemite. There’s also a spectacular fireworks display for the Fourth of July, assuming you’re human and enjoy fireworks.

Bonny Dune Beach – Santa Cruz, CA – There’s a little hiking involved from the car, but this secreted favorite of South Bay nudists packs a lot of beauty with a minimum of hawkish winds. The water’s less than safe, though, so look, don’t touch.

Edisto Beach – Edisto Island, SC – The island beaches of the Southeast are everything ours aren’t: warm and relaxing. Edisto is the jewel. Corona-ad looks and none of the crowds, just a short jaunt from Charleston. Campers welcome.

Lake Del Valle – Livermore, CA – So, Livermore. It doesn’t come up much, but they’ve got a hell of a lake — five miles long, and lined with hiking trails if you’re so inclined. Rent boats. Lay out a spread. Kick back with some cold ones. Above all, though, swim.

Lechuza Beach – Malibu, CA – Malibu’s got plenty of sweet beaches. It’s also got plenty of homeowners who’d prefer you stay out of their beach community. This one’s state property (no matter what the signage would have you believe), and it’s stunning, Mr. Trespasser.

Long Beach – Tofino, BC – It’s only warm by BC standards, but it’s still warmer than any of ours. Besides, you already know there’s more to a beach than awkwardly swimming in choppy break. The views are bananas and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a gray whale or two.

Rainbow Pool – Groveland, CA – Out around Yosemite-way, off the South Fork Tuolumne River in the Stanislaus National Forest, you’ll find this secluded swimming hole, complete with jumping rocks and water temps that won’t induce hypothermia.