We have always liked the Outer Banks. Nags Head being our favorite. The last time we were there, there were tons of young people riding the waves by the pier. I would suggest staying on the Boardwalk if you choose Virginia Beach. Hilton Head is upscale with a lot of congestion, large hotels and golf. Not familiar with OC and AC, it's been too many years.

I wouldn't recommend AC. The beach is beautiful, but that's about it. It's not really a "family vacation" type place. The big attraction there is the gambling and casinos along the boardwalk but the surrounding area is not very nice.

Friends of mine took a family vacation to the Outer Banks last year with kids ages 12 and 15 and really enjoyed it.

As much as we enjoy Hilton Head, your kids will likely get a lot more wave action in the Outer Banks.

Go to a NC or SC beach. Wrightsville, Pawley's Island/Litchfield, Garden City have some lovely places without the gridlock of MB.

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach (North Carolina) are both fantastic. They're on the same small island just south of Wilmington. They're quiet, family-friendly and close enough to a coastal city with other interesting things to do.

Long Beach Island in New Jersey has everything you are looking for... exit 63 off the Garden State Parkway.

Wow, 10 or 20 years ago you would never use "Carolina Beach" and "quiet, family-friendly" in the same sentence. Good to hear things have gotten nicer down there.

I happen to like MB and most places around there for things to do, and a lot of activity. OB was way to quiet for me and not to my taste at all.I recently spent a week there and would not return. I would try Ocean City Maryland. You don't say where you are traveling from? I also like Capy May NJ it is a cool old victorian town I would also stay away from AC although they did just complete a brand new hotel which was voted as having one of the top 10 pools in the U.S. Other than that I would skip AC.

If you are boardwalky go with Ocean City or VA Beach. If you are beachier go with the Outer Banks or one of the other NC or SC beaches mentioned here. I agree that HH might not be the ideal place for your older kids.

Diann24, there is a clue in OP's name as to where they are probably traveling from.

Obxgirl--do you think? Really? Too funny. I totally missed that one. LOL.

"Ohioteacher" I would think that the New Jersey shore beaches would be less travel for you. There are many NJ beaches that would fit your needs. Pt.Pleasant, Ocean city NJ Avalon Seaside heights, the Seaside Park is better all have great boardwalks for strolling and mini golfs on every corner.

Ocean City, MD!!! We spend the summer there every year! The beaches are very clean, lifeguards on every block, lots of activities, restaurants, etc. and all around great environment!! I could go on and on! There is a reason why we see SO many PA, OH and NJ license plates there in the summer!!

our sons prefer to ride the waves on boogie boards, I like both. At night, we like to find cool places to eat, play mini golf, shop, see a movie, etc.

Wave action: the Outer Banks
Mini golf: Myrtle beach

CROWDED BEACH: Ocean City and the jersey Shore

Litchfield by the Sea for a totally uncrowded beach--even on July 4th.
PLENTY to do within minutes, and the best seafood restaurants on the Southeast coast until you get to Charleston, and will also rival that.
Waves "can" be good. Or if no waves, rent a paddle board.

Well, you didn't mention NY, but Montauk is another option -- on the far eastern tip of Long Island. Beautiful beach, lots of restaurants, whale watching, fishing, lighthouse, ferries to Block Island and New London, Ct.

Within an hour's drive are the famous towns of the Hamptons.

From where in Ohio? We live in Columbus and it's a 12-14 hour drive to Hilton Head, depending on stops. We LOVE it there, have been about 12 times through the years with our kids starting when they were infants. Great place to rent a condo for a week; an hour to Savannah, 90 min to Charleston. Lots to see and do in HHI too. We like action, with options, don't like to just sit. HHI provides plenty of opportunity for everyone in family to do their own thing. We breakfast at the condo, take a picnic lunch to the beach and go out for dinner. Lots of nice grocery stores and restaurants in HHI. Tons of people from Ohio; that might be good or bad. If you're interested, let me know, can suggest some rental companies and areas of island.

Hilton Head is a sterile housing development that your unit "May" be near the ocean. There are so many places on the Southeast coast that are SO much nicer and not a cookie cutter community.
I KNOW people love HH--we even have "distant" family that does. But don't be misled.
From Ohio, the SE coast from MB south is MUCH closer--no matter where you choose.