Beach with Children

Old May 17th, 2007, 08:24 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Beach with Children

I want to plan a beach trip with friends who have children around 5 years old. I've never travelled with children, so what would you recommend? I would like to find a place with a nice beach, comfortable rooms, etc. We could rent a condo or stay in a hotel. It would be nice if the place had children's programs. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Travelling is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 08:42 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 985
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Atlantic, Paciffic, or Gulf Coast? Give us a clue as to what you would be most interested in.
aileen679 is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 08:44 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well, there are lots of places within the continental US and Hawaii that will suit your needs. If you add in the Bahamas or the Caribbean you will have litterally thousands of places to choose.

You question is much too vague - sort of like saying I feel hungry what should I cook for dinner?

How about cutting us a break and give us some more information like where you are travelling from, what your budget is for accomodations and travel? Are you looking for a beach on the ocean or perhaps a beach on a lake? When will you be travelling - certainly you wouldn't want to go to a Beach in Maine during the winter? Do you want to fly or perhaps just drive? How many people will be in your group? What do you want to do during your trip besides it on the beach?

The more information about you and your group you can provide the easier it will be to steer you in the right direction.
A_Traveller is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 08:50 AM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oops! Sorry to be so vague. My friends live in the South, so the Florida beaches or the Carolinas would fit best. As for price, something moderate, not too expensive. Hopefully travel in second-half of August. I was thinking of Sandestin. How is that? Too crowded? Too pricey? Pensacola? Sarasota? Amelia? What other information should I provide? Thanks!
Travelling is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 08:52 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Why don't you enter those words in the search box and get ideas of what others have liked about those places (and posted here for use whenever you want/need it). Each of the ones you mention have their pros and cons - and we have no idea what you are looking for.
starrsville is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 08:56 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 13,817
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
With small kids, condos are always nicer. We stayed in Hilton Head and traveled with my parents and my husband and two kids and my brother and his 3 kids. We had three condos in one building. We ate out every night, but then could eat in during the day. You could also hang out in their condo after the child goes to bed and then go home to a peaceful condo without kids.
If you are looking to share a condo, that is good too.
Hilton Head has very calm water. The condos we stayed in were called Windsor Court and we booked through islandgetaway.com They were easy to deal with.
If going to a hotel, go to a resort and definitely get your own room. There is a Hilton and I think a Westin on Hilton Head.
In Florida, there are many resorts. Just pick a town.
girlonthego is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 09:07 AM
  #7  
granniem
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
The 3 hotels associated with Universal/Island of Adventure have pool with a sand entrance.

You could have it all.
 
Old May 17th, 2007, 09:10 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Again, you are being vague. We'd like to help but terms like "moderate", "not to pricey" and "Affordable" have different meaning for different people. Try to be specific, "i.e. - I want to pay $300/night or $5,000/week.

As pointed out condos are great for large groups or families. Also, if you are looking to save consider accomodations that are a block or two away from the beach rather than beachfront. You'd be surprised at how much less you can spend if you don't mind walking a little bit.

Look at places like Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, Fripp Island, Amelia Island (all on the South Carolina coast). Also, places like Sanibel, Captiva, Marco Island or any of a dozen other towns on Florida's Gulf Coast will have what you are seeking.

Second half of August may not be too crowded as schools in many states begin classes around that time so I doubt you'd run into "wall to wall" people.
A_Traveller is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 09:18 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,473
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I begin vacation at Topsail Beach, North Carolina on Saturday with my family of six children and one wife. My rent is about $1250 for an oceanfront cottage. This is rather typical for this resort.
GeorgeW is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 09:46 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wherever you go, be sure to get a place where you don't have to cross any busy roads to get to the beach. It's best if you don't have to cross any roads. When you're with little kids,the convenience of being right on the beach outweighs the savings of the being a block or two away. Having a beach house or condo with a kitchen and separate bedrooms will make your vacation a lot more comfortable.
Devonmcj is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 11:20 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
St. Pete Beach maybe, we enjoyed our trip there, nice beaches. Stayed at Tradewinds Island Grand.
fun2travel is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 11:30 AM
  #12  
GoTravel
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
If you can wait until after August 15th, rates will drop.

Wild Dunes is a good choice.
 
Old May 17th, 2007, 12:08 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We really liked Pensacola Beach. We took the kids there last summer and stayed right on the beach.Search this forum under my name and my trip report about it should pop up.
kansasmom is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 04:36 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I love Myrtle Beach. The beach is wide, clean, warm. You can get a nice 2 or 3 bedroom condo directly on the ocean with a pool(s) for under $200 a night. There is also lots of things to amuse children and adults like Alligator Adventure, Broadway at the Beach, mini-golf,shows, plenty of piers, etc. Have fun.
shaz60 is offline  
Old May 17th, 2007, 04:59 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rent a big house right on the beach in the Outer Banks. You can't beat it.
wliwl is offline  
Old May 18th, 2007, 03:58 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Florida gulf beaches are great, but the only drawback is that they tend to get a lot of rain in the summer, which is the main reason why summer is the low season there. The weather is really no warmer than the Carolinas, or even Maryland where I'm from. You can check average monthly rainfall amounts for cities in the US on weather.com, which can be helpful in planning. I've been to beaches all throughout the south atlantic and Florida, and to me it's hard to beat the any of the North or South Carolina beaches. Hilton Head is great, especially for families. But if you don't mind taking the chance on the weather, Marco, Sanibel/Captiva, and Siesta Key (near Sarasota) are really nice. Longboat Key, also near Sarasota, is great too.
smetz is offline  
Old May 18th, 2007, 08:59 AM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the helpful replies. I'm sorry if I'm still too vague, but I am still putting my thoughts together. Thanks for the tips about rain. I'll just have to speak to my friends and narrow down our thoughts.
Travelling is offline  
Old May 18th, 2007, 09:47 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Smetz, you need to be more specific about the high season for Florida gulf beaches. The high season for the beaches in northwest Florida begins at Memorial Day and ends after Labor Day. As far as rain, we are now parched and would welcome some rain, as it has been overly dry this year.
gracie is offline  
Old May 18th, 2007, 01:35 PM
  #19  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have a 3 year old and a 13-year-old and we have gone to Rosemary Beach and/or Seaside for the last seven years for at least one week each year. Seaside has more programs for children but it is also more crowded. Rosemary Beach is less crowded and only about 15 minutes from Seaside so you can still go over there for the day/evening. Both places have a "movie night" where they show a movie on the public greenspace and serve popcorn, snowcones, etc. Both do have Kids Clubs. Beautiful beaches. You can rent bicycles and ride everywhere. Lots of pools if the kids don't like the sand/salt water. Very relaxing!! You can google rosemary beach, florida or seaside, florida and go to "Cottage Rentals" or you can find rentals at www.vrbo.com
utfsu is offline  
Old May 18th, 2007, 04:16 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hello! MSN.com had an article today on the best family beaches in America. Cannon Beach, Oregon was number one If you get a minute, there might be some good suggestions for you and your group. Have a great time!
courtneycwo is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -