Mermaid's Chair

Upon arriving at the Preserve at Botany Bay, it is advised to come equipped with essential items such as water, hat, and sunglasses for the hike. The descent towards the beach is an effortless one, as the path is paved and well-maintained. However, the return hike uphill may prove to be slightly challenging. Nevertheless, the picturesque views that await at the end of the trail make the effort all the more worthwhile.

This beach offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. While I wouldn't recommend going solely for a swim, as the water tends to be warmer on the left side, the location itself is worth the trip. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of fluids, especially if you plan on walking on a sunny day. As the area is a preserve, you'll have the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife, as there aren't many people traveling out there. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so exercise caution while swimming. I've included some photos of the road leading down, a house you'll see along the way, and the beach itself when you first arrive at the bottom of the road. To access the beach, you'll need to hike down some stairs, so be sure to use caution.

Walking through a spotless community to reach a stunning, velvety, smooth, ivory sand beach is a breeze. I recommend bringing along a meal and relishing the day at this secluded paradise. While we did run into a few amiable families and daring duos, the beach is mostly exclusive. The return trek is slightly more challenging as it is predominantly uphill, but the route is mainly paved.

The lengthy trek on the scorching pavement to reach this beach was a complete disappointment. The lack of any shade on the beach coupled with the subpar snorkeling experience made it a regrettable visit. However, we were fortunate enough to receive a ride back up from a kind local who spared us from further agony and blisters. There are numerous other stunning beaches to explore, so it's advisable to steer clear of this one. If you're curious about the appearance of this beach, a quick Google search will suffice.

What a delightfully exclusive experience! This beach is only accessible through a gated community for the elite, but don't worry, just use your GPS to locate The Preserve at Botany Bay and park on the side of the road like a commoner. After checking in with the security guard and providing your personal information, you can finally walk on the paved roads and sidewalks for a 3-mile round trip. Make sure to wear your sunscreen because there's no shade to be found on these hills. But fear not, the lack of protection from the sun is a small price to pay for the privilege of having your own private beach for an hour. It's absolutely worth it, if you're into that kind of thing.