Best beaches in July??- HELP!
 

Hello everyone,

This is my first post. If it has been addressed before, I apologize.
I've been researching for weeks now on which beaches are the best to visit in July.
I do not care if there is alot to do nearby, mostly interested in just RELAXING with my family... beaches, sunbathing, swimming, hanging out. We are in Michigan and will be driving.

We had originally planned on New Smyrna Beach, FL but after all my research, I've concluded that the majority of people think the Atlantic side is "dirty" and "not safe".

So, we started looking into the Gulf side... specifically, Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key.
I'm now finding out that going to Florida in July is not a good idea, as the weather is unbearable and we will not be able to enjoy ourselves. I don't mind the heat so much as I grew up in the south, its just that we will have a 6 yr old and a 14 yr old with us. And I don't want to make them miserable.

I'm so confused! Where do we go now? I was hoping to have a place booked by now as it is 90 days til July.

Any suggestions? Any nice, clean beaches anywhere out there where the heat and humidity won't kill us? We don't mind a long drive, as we have a couple of weeks off of work and just want to enjoy our time being lazy.

Thank you in advance for all your help! :)

Well, one of the things you are going to have to contend with is the heat and humidity in July in almost every US Costal area from North Carolina south, unless, of course, you go to the northeast but then the water is likely to be cool (if not cold). I wouldn't reject the Gulf Coast of Florida there are plenty of places that fill your needs. Check out some of the following:

Destin
Fort Walton Beach
Santa Rosa Island
Miramar Beach

Furtjher down the Florida Coast you might look at:
Sanibel Island
Captiva Island

In South Carolina:
Fripp Island
Kiawah Island
Isle of Palms (look at Wild Dunes)
Edisto Island
Daufuskie Island
Hilton Head Island

In Georgia:
Sea Island
Jekyll Island
St. Simon's Island
Tybee Island

A 6 and 14 year old will not be miserable; in fact, you'll have a hard time keeping them off the beach and out of the water. Just remember to bring lots of sunscreen. I would recommend heading to family-friendly Pensacola Beach. I know it is very popular with people from Michigan. Rent a condo directly on the Gulf. Investing in one of those open tents is a great idea too, just so you have some shade. Yes July is miserable, but it's a whole lot better on the beach.

Thank you both so much for the advise! I am going to research the beaches you mentioned above, RoamsAround. I've heard of the Ft. Walton/Destin area being particularly beautiful.

And I agree AustinTraveler... it would be a whole lot better at the beach!! Perspective! :)

Do either of you know if the panhandle area is any cooler than the central Gulf area? For some reason, I want to think that its hotter as you move further south.

Thank you!

Also Outer Banks of NC, Virginia Beach, Long Beach Island and elsewhere in NJ , RI and southeastern MA have wonderful beaches, and then there is Cape Cod. All good, none tropical

Can you give me advice on some of the hottest beaches in June/July, I am looking for sunshine all day and a fun an exciting bars and restaurants in the evening, a place that 16-18 year old would love. We will be flying from England so possibly a 2 night stay in NYC then 2 weeks on the beach, would consider driving from NYC but equally happy to jump on a plane
Thank you

You do realize that your teens will not be allowed to drink or hang out in bars and clubs, don't you?

Near NYC , the "hot" beach town for clubs and restaurants right now is Asbury Park, NJ. (reached by NJ Transit Train from NY Penn Station).

Have you previously visited NYC? If not, then 2 nights is really not enough time.

LClark, this post is 4 years old, please start a new thread.