southbeach

We are a family from NE looking for a new destination for our July vacation (parents, 2 kids under 13). We've been to most beaches on the East Coast (above NC) along with S. Florida. I'm thinking of North Myrtle Beach, Fort Walton or Amelia Island. We've enjoyed the DE/MD/VA beaches the last few yrs. Assateague is my favorite. We like to sightsee, stay active & go beaching. Hoping to find a family friendly atmosphere along with good local cuisine. I welcome any other destination ideas as well.

Gretchen

NOT NMB. Go a bit south to Pawley's Island/Litchfield for beautiful relatively uncrowded beaches, countless (really)great seafood restaurants, some sightseeing (Brookgreen Gardens/Georgetown), good shopping AND traffic is not gridlocked.

Gretchen

There is also Huntington Beach State Park across from Brookgreen that has excellent shelling, which is something that the SC beaches don't have too much of. That park also boasts alligators (for the kids).
Surfside Beach is just north of there for all the PuttPutt courses you could want for them also.
This is a beautiful stretch of the SC coast. Look at Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort website for accomodations of all kinds. Tennis/golf/pools.

HotWheels

I would second the suggestions for Pawley's/Litchfield area, as well as Huntington Beach State Park. We've just returned from another visit to the area, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
The beach is undeveloped & natural, but with ranger programs if you want to participate. Nearby Murrells Inlet has some of the very best restaurants on the coast, as well as a small harbor where you could charter excursion boats for fishing, paragliding,shelling,sightseeing,etc. It all has a laid-back feel..Myrtle Beach is very close (approx. 30-45 min) so you could visit Broadway at the Beach complex for Nascar Speed Park, MagicQuest, Aquarium, hands-on museum,shopping, etc. for a busier fun time w/kids. Also lots of miniature golf around, dinner shows, etc. Drive in the other direction and Charleston would be a day-trip with lots to do. In fact, there are nice beaches near there also, where you could split the time at the beach or sightseeing Charleston. (Carriage rides, Ft. Sumter, aquarium, watersports, etc.) although I still prefer the laid-back feel of the first-mentioned area for beaching.

nlg

We love Hilton Head. There are miles of bike paths and bikes are cheap to rent by the week. The beach is very hard packed-very nice for walking and riding bikes on the beach.
There are also a lot of great seafood restaurants.

southbeach

Thank you for your help. I am looking into Pawley's Island and Hilton Head.

Sara

I can't compare with SC or Amelia Island, but I've been to Fort Walton many times, and spent part of every summer in that area when I was growing up. While I'm sorry that it's so much more developed than it used to be, it's still a really beautiful area. The sugar white sands and incredible shades of turquoise and aqua in the clear water make the gulf beaches spectacular. However, there's also the Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay there for variety, and they provide calmer waters for boating, water skiing, and other water sports. There's also quite a lot of wildlife. The fact that a lot of the land along the gulf and in the area is owned by the U.S. Air Force has saved a lot of habitat from development, and acted as a kind of de facto wildlife refuge.

Gretchen

Hilton Head is undoubtedly a beautiful place--it was totally "planned"-- but compared to almost anywhere else on the coast it is a 'sterile" area--just no "soul". Just my opinion. All the same, spread out, long way to get "in", limited access to some areas unless you are staying there.

LindainOhio

I have been to Myrtle, Hilton Head, Amelia Island and the Panhandle beaches--near Destin and the Beaches of 30A. The Beaches of 30A are some of the nicest beaches we have seen on the continental US. We have stayed in Seaside but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at any of the small towns along 30A. Great beach, bike trails, great restaurants. Destin is a little busy for us but families with children like the activity there.

southbeach

Lindainohio, thank you for the suggestion about the Beaches of 30A. Never would have considered this area and now I'm intrigued.

SAnParis2

I would highly recommend Amelia Island over any of the others mentioned. It has something for everyone - an Old Town w/a plethora of fine dining unheard of for a place that size. A Beach side, a historical Fort w/a great pier. The original settlement if you are into history & a 'Resort end' if you are a Ritz Carlton type. Also in close proximity of JAX if you are flying (only about 45 minutes).It also affords you access to Cumberland Island & Sunset cruises if you are so inclined. http://www.ameliaisland.com/ http://amelia-island-online.com/ http://www.cumberlandisland.com/

bigbomoho

yeah, the Panhandle beaches are totally different then East Coast---weve been going to St George Island for 25 years,and its hardly changed--no condos allowed so beach is very pristine--its a 90 minute drive from tallahassee on 98. May be a bit of a drive,but if your flying,its not too bad.The rental houses in the Plantation are incredible and can handle up to 20 people--some have pools and elevators on the beach.Voted in top 10 beaches in America this year

southbeach

Thank you all for your great suggestions. Well, we have decided to do an East Coast road trip this summer. We'll be staying in Hilton Head for a week along with a few extra days to explore the Myrtle Beach area, Charleston and Savannah. We are driving from NE so we can go at our own pace. I am hoping to travel to the FL Panhandle in the Fall to do some exploring. Looking forward to our trips.

nlg

I think you will love Hilton Head. You can rent bikes from the Bike Doctor or lots of other places. You can call ahead and they will deliver them to your condo.

Resturants we like are the Sea Shack, The Boathouse, Old Oyster Factory and Eat.

ahw1001

There are also many outlet stores/malls in the Myrtle Beach/Charleston/Hilton Head areas. Myrtle Beach has a lot of activities for children but is way to touristy for my taste. Charleston is delghtful. The trolley tour in Savannah was good. If touring Charleston or Savannah in July, remember it will be VERY hot & humid, try to do sightseeing in the morning.

Hilton Head is deservedly world famous. Have a good time!!