Best East Coast Beach Vacation For Family of 4
Jun 18th, 2012, 09:30 AM
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Best East Coast Beach Vacation For Family of 4
We are planning a weeks vacation at a beach during the first week of August with our two sons before they head back to college. They are 19 and 20. Two years ago we went to Myrtle Beach for the first time and had a lot of fun. We thought we might like to go someplace new this year. Basically we like to hang out at the beach and pool during the day. My wife prefers the pool, 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. We are thinking about Hilton Head, Outer Banks, Virginia Beach, Ocean City Maryland, and Atlantic City. Any suggestions?
Jun 18th, 2012, 09:56 AM
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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.
Jun 18th, 2012, 10:49 AM
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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.
Friends of mine took a family vacation to the Outer Banks last year with kids ages 12 and 15 and really enjoyed it.
Jun 22nd, 2012, 10:32 AM
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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.
Jun 25th, 2012, 12:58 PM
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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.
Jun 25th, 2012, 02:39 PM
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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.
Diann24, there is a clue in OP's name as to where they are probably traveling from.
Jun 26th, 2012, 05:45 AM
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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.
"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.
Jun 26th, 2012, 06:39 AM
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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!!
Jun 26th, 2012, 07:19 AM
#13
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
Wave action: the Outer Banks
Mini golf: Myrtle beach
CROWDED BEACH: Ocean City and the jersey Shore
Jun 26th, 2012, 08:00 AM
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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.
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.
Jun 26th, 2012, 01:24 PM
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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.
Within an hour's drive are the famous towns of the Hamptons.
Jun 26th, 2012, 02:43 PM
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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.
Jun 26th, 2012, 04:46 PM
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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.
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.
Jul 21st, 2014, 08:05 AM
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From Ohio...I live in Cleveland, Atlantic City is an easier one day drive and if you connect with the right people in AC, you'll have no problem finding family places to go. I was trying to wade through everything there and found help on the phone from a website that seemed incomplete, but is run by someone with 30 years of experience in AC. They were fantastic, even though I don't golf. it was golfAC. com. Their site frustrated me so I just called.
