The most popular beach on the South Shore is Poipu Beach, which is fronted by Poipu Beach Park, and a few resorts. Poipu Beach was named America's Best Beach by The Travel Channel, ranking top among the 10 "best" beaches selected nationwide. This beach is a series of golden sand crescents, strung together where beach-goers will find snorkeling, swimming, a natural ocean wading pool, boogie-boarding and surfing.
For a brush with tropical foliage and fauna, stop in at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, where the carefully tended McBryde and Allerton Gardens house thousands of tropical plant-species.
If you're still hankering deep-down for a ride as the sun rises on horseback down one of Kauai's fine beaches, book an early morning gallop at the local stable. Soak out the saddle-soreness with an afternoon trip to the Anara Spa if a swim in the sea still leaves you hurting.