There are few things in life held in higher esteem than a great beach.

We have made the greatest of these locations into relaxation destinations and will, when possible, pack up a bathing suit, a toothbrush and a pair of flip-flops and fly around the globe to plop ourselves into deep, velvety sand and allow the surf to wash away our cares.

We hold their names in the highest reverence: Waikiki. South Beach. Copacabana. Malibu.

And we keep songs about them forever locked into the Victrola of our memory. Doubt that? Try to keep from humming the melody that goes with the phrase “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”

One of the greatest resources we have at our disposal in our corner of the world is a wealth of quality fresh-water beaches. We can throw a beach chair, a bottle of sunscreen and a cooler or refreshment into the car and head off to a beach anytime the weather allows.

City Park and Beach in downtown Coeur d’Alene is a primary destination on a hot summer day, as much for its proximity as for its stretch of sand and gentle, lapping waves. Full story. Steve Christilaw/SR

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