hatmandude

My wife and I (and our 3 yr old) are looking to have a classic one week beach getaway next May with at least one other family with 2 toddlers and wanted some suggestions on where to go based on the following criteria:

1) A safe beach (as far as swimming for the kids) that's not overly touristy, but with relatively close access to restaurants and food stores. Shopping not important.

FYI: Last year we went to Topsail island off Wilmington, NC and loved it, so something like that area.

2) we would like to drive the least amount possible coming from a major airport (tallahassee?)

3)recommendations for specific beach house rentals (or rental agencies) needed as well.

Thanks in advance for any help you may have.

cheryllj

St. George Island isn't far from Tallahassee and it's a great family beach that's not overly touristy.

GoTravel

Jekyll Island also.

nolefan1

Cape San Blas and Mexico Beach near Port St. Joe Florida on the gulf have become a favorite of ours. The beaches are not crowded or touristy but has plenty of restaurants and grocery stores. It is close to Tallahassee too. I would recommend renting a larger home if you and your friends are up for that. Just google Cape San Blas Florida for more info.

GeorgeW

Topsail Island

egret

We stay in an extremely non-touristy part of Myrtle Beach.
It has just a very few hotels, is very quiet, and is away from the touristy area.
You can be back to shops and restaurants very quickly, if you choose.
Here's the condo that we stay at:
www.forestdunes.com

longhorn55

I would highly recommend Jekyll Island, Georgia. The water there would be great for toddlers because there's no big waves (in fact, there's hardly any wave action at all). While the high tides can cover the beaches on some parts of the island, you can always find a wide beach someplace. (We like the area near the Jekyll Island Club clubhouse.) There are several low-key restaurants on the island and a couple of grocery stores as well. For accomodations, look at the condos at Villas by the Sea. They have 1-,2- and 3-bedroom condos, a playground and a great pool with a large section for toddlers.
We started going there with our kids when they were toddlers and they still enjoy going to JI even though the oldest is 20 now.
This has got to be the most family-friendly beach area I've ever been.

BWBlakely

We've been going to New Smyrna Beach, just south of Dayonta Beach (which has a great airport) and have been staying at the Sunrise Condominiums (since 1990) and love it, and my daughters were 7/10 when we started...and they love it too. You can check them out at www.sunrisecondominiums.com . It's south of where the cut-off is for people driving on the beach, so it's real safe for kids of all ages, and right on the beach!

Lots of great local places to eat & a grocery store 1/2 block away. The Space Center, Daytona Beach or even St. Augustine are all pretty close for day trips if desired.