To the east, the new and up-and-coming neighbourhoods of Mission Bay and South Beach are vibrant and walkable.

BBC: Living in: Great waterfront cities

Christmas Tree Cove is one of these hidden spots, a beautiful rocky beach just south of Lunada Bay that requires a steep hike down to the water.

BBC: The hidden treasures of seaside San Pedro

In Miami's latest reincarnation, artists have migrated from an increasingly out-priced South Beach to cheaper spaces across Biscayne Bay, reinvigorating mainland neighborhoods walloped by the condo bust and financial downturn.

WSJ: An Insider's Guide to Miami

For example, The Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay -- sister to the mod, design-driven Delano South Beach in Miami -- will renovate, re-design and re-brand the 1, 100-room tower that is currently THEhotel in late 2013.

BBC: Business trip: Las Vegas

Half an hour south of San Francisco is Miramar Beach, one of the many beaches on Half Moon Bay.

BBC: The Real San Francisco