Think Pacific beaches with rugged cliffs. Now switch gears and imagine an active, nightlife hotspot like Miami. There are numerous ways to work the beach into your honeymoon, including just laying on the sand, taking in a tropical atmosphere (and beverage). If a beach honeymoon is on your mind, consider California’s Mendocino coast, Florida’s Miami Beach, the Mexican Riviera and the Caribbean’s St. Lucia. Each has different amenities and attractions, so consider what kind of honeymoon you want—private and romantic, high energy, cruising the open seas or soaking in a tropical paradise.

MEXICAN RIVIERA

The Mexican Riviera, a term that collectively refers to several cities and resorts along the western coast of Mexico, includes Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Acapulco and Zihuatanejo. These stops are often popular for cruise ships, and a cruise to the Mexican Riviera is an easy way to experience the area’s small villages, local markets, bustling cities and colorful cultures.

The Mexican Riviera is full of rich heritage and awe-inspiring sights. Watch the La Quebrada cliff divers of Acapulco take daredevil leaps. Amble down the cobbled streets of Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón. The deep-water lagoons, coconut groves and laid-back attitude of Zihuatanejo provide a taste of Old Mexico. Make time to stroll Mazatlán’s long sandy beaches. See if you can spot humpback and gray whales from the ship off the Cabo San Lucas shore.

By day, swim, fi sh, shop or soak up the local culture. By night, savor the authentic fl avors of the region, like handmade tortillas and fresh guacamole, then pick up some new steps by dancing the night away to a salsa beat.

Sail roundtrip on a Mexican Riviera cruise from San Francisco or Los Angeles, or fl y down, then cruise up the coast from Acapulco to San Francisco.

MENDOCINO/FORT BRAGG

Located four hours northwest of Sacramento, Mendocino draws people looking for a more outdoor-focused and rustic escape. Delight in spectacular vistas and cliffside views of the dramatic coastline. A bit inland, redwoods tower over blooming rhododendrons and rushing blue rivers. The rolling vineyard hills host a plethora of small, family-owned wineries—many of which use biodynamic and organic techniques for their wines. The Mendocino coast is home to many charming bed-and-breakfast inns, and New England-style architecture can be seen on every corner of Mendocino village.

Stay at the Stanford Inn by the Sea, an elegant resort on Mendocino Bay with wood-burning fi replaces, ocean and village views and amenities that include a glass-enclosed aquatic center, exercise room, massage spa and yoga.

To truly get away from it all, stay at Whale Watch Inn in Gualala, about an hour south of Mendocino. Each room boasts ocean views and most have whirlpool bathtubs. Listen to the sound of the surf and smell the fragrances of cypress and pine surrounding this collection of contemporary buildings, 90 feet above the ocean.

For honeymooners who can’t leave their pets behind, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek welcomes your dogs and cats with a pet welcome basket. There’s access to a private, off-leash dog beach nearby. Lounge by the fi re in a cliffside cottage, pour a glass of wine, walk on the beach or just sit and watch the sunset.

If you’re feeling adventurous, rent bikes and head to the coastal cliffs, or hike one of the several spectacular parks along the Mendocino coastline, including Glass Beach in the town of Fort Bragg (about 15 minutes north of Mendocino). While you’re in Fort Bragg, ride the Skunk Train, a scenic train ride through the California Redwoods between Fort Bragg and Willits.

If you want to get even more in touch with nature, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg always have something in bloom.

MIAMI BEACH

The Miami Beach lifestyle is as different from Mendocino as the coastlines. Not just a spring break destination, Miami Beach is the perfect getaway for a luxurious beach stay that includes nightlife and activity. Try deep-sea fi shing and enjoy moonlit strolls on the sand while staying at one of the area’s beautifully decorated full-service resorts.

Miami Beach’s all-suite boutique Sagamore Hotel offers a “Tub for Two” package that includes champagne in your room upon arrival, a two-night stay in an ocean-view suite, a couple’s massage, in-room dining, personalized bathrobes and an intimacy kit. The clean, white ambiance and a collection of contemporary artwork make the Sagamore a unique place to stay.

The Angler’s Boutique Resort rents fully furnished studio and duplex suites with private terraces or rooftop spas. Located in the historic art deco district, The Angler’s Boutique Resort is just two blocks from the beach. Dine at the authentic Parisian brasserie, Maison D’Azur, which is attached to the resort and serves classic French fare and Mediterranean tapas. The garden setting surrounds an indoor-outdoor bar and sidewalk cafe. Lounge at the outdoor pool skirted by a private beach concession and cabanas. To help you relax, try one of the poolside or in-room spa treatments. Insider’s tip: Famed nightlife impresario Michael Capponi hosts events each evening, and hotel guests receive VIP access.

Not for the faint of heart, the Miami SkyLift, located in downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park, is a ride that lifts passengers 500 feet in the air in a helium balloon suspended above the park. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and includes a narrated tour of Miami.

While you’re near Bayfront Park, check out Miami Duck Tours. A distinctive, offbeat way to experience Miami, a Duck Tour is a combination walking tour/boat ride in an amphibious vehicle that navigates the roads of South Beach just as easily as the water of Biscayne Bay. Each tour is led by a knowledgeable (if somewhat quirky) guide and lasts about 90 minutes.

ST. LUCIA

St. Lucia is the sort of island that travelers visiting the Caribbean dream about—a small, lush tropical treasure that still is relatively unknown. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, north of Barbados. The island is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Caribbean Sea on the west. St. Lucia’s dramatic coastal peaks, sulfur springs, tropical rain forests, waterfalls and secluded beaches attract visitors from all around the world.

There’s more to St. Lucia than scenery. The island’s residents are proud of their rich heritage, which is refl ected in a diversity of art and music as well as the Creole cuisine. There is plenty to do on St. Lucia—scuba dive or snorkel along the island’s steep coastlines and coral reefs, hike or bird-watch in the rainforest preserves of St. Lucia’s mountainous interior and speed to St. Lucia’s Soufriere volcano (the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater). You also can golf, play tennis or go sailing, and visit the numerous open-air markets.

Marigot Bay is a must-see, with a hypnotic landscape of palm trees backed by brilliant cerulean water. Surrounded by lively bars and restaurants, Marigot is a tranquil haven ideal for those who want to chill out and have some fun at the same time. Stay at Inn on the Bay, a romantic fi ve-room hotel overlooking the water.

Or try Anse Chastanet, a secluded, picturesque hideaway located on St. Lucia’s southwestern coastline in the heart of the marine reserves. Ranking in the top 10 “Most Romantic Resorts” in the world by A&E television, Anse Chastanet is nestled amid 600 tropical acres. The resort features 49 individually designed rooms, two restaurants and bars, a professional scuba center for diving and snorkel excursions, and a mountain bike facility with 10 miles of private trails.

A word of caution: Many Caribbean islands charge an “exit fee” or “departure tax” at the airport. (St. Lucia charges $54 Eastern Caribbean dollars—about $20—for instance.) Keep some extra cash tucked away for when you are ready to leave.