AC

The fantasy is universal: Endless sun and sand, swimmming and surfing, boating and beachcombing. To kick off the unofficial start of summer, USA TODAY asked local experts to select one great beach in each state and the District of Columbia. Here are their picks: Alabama Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico inland to Lake Shelby and Middle Lake, the Gulf State Park near Gulf Shores is a lovely (and low cost) beach getaway. You can build a sandcastle on snow-white beaches, fish or just take it easy on the porch of a lakeside cabin. The restaurants, shops, and family-friendly attractions of Gulf Shores are nearby. 800-252-7275; alapark.com/gulfstate — Recommended by Stephanie Granada, travel editor, Southern Living magazine Alaska With more than 40,000 miles of shoreline and thousands of lakes, Alaska has many scenic beaches. Homer Spit, a narrow gravel bar more than 4 miles long jutting out into Kachemak Bay, stands out. People walk on it, camp on it, fly...