Does this beach town exist?
 

I'm looking for a quiet relaxing beach vacation here in the US.
Here are the stats.

Time of travel - middle of Sept. Traveling with 11 month old. Departing from Chicago. Flight distance 4 hours or so...

Looking for,

Quaint town but I do not require club night life. Prefer pretty beach water and swimable temps. Enjoy picturesque coast lines and laid back atmospheres. I won't have ooddles of money, price range would be 3000 grand.

Texas/Oklahoma relatives might join us so a beach house rental is an option. I have never rented one before so have no idea the neat towns (outer banks??)

My beach travels have been few. I've been to Fort Meyers FL, Padre Island..and that's about it except when I lived in Hawaii and outside the Us-Aruba. So I'm a newbie when it comes to other areas.

Would appreciate any suggestions.Mainly I just need to hear, smell and see the ocean before I die of sea deprivation.

Delmarva coast. Look at flying into BWI. My first choice would be Lewes DE. Both bayside (quiet,) and Cape Henlopen (Atlantic.)

Not sure about house rentals there--an assiduous web search will turn up information, I'm sure. Day-trips down through to Chincoteague would be rewarding, as well.

September and October is prime-time in that area. Yes, we go every year....

Charleston, SC. Go to Isle of Palms for a great rental, or venture to Litchfield Beach, just north of Georgetown.

Newport RI. Fly into Providence and rent car to drive right down to the coast (approx. 30 min). Beautiful and much quieter then in the summertime when it is tourist season. Still warm during Sept and ocean is very warm. Wonderful places to see and lots of gorgeus drives along the coast!! You can have a wonderful time for a lot less then 3000.

Not to sound the alarm, but the middle of September is the peak of hurricane season. Any beach area that I've enjoyed in the U.S. (Charleston area, Outer Banks, Alabama Gulf Coast) is ground zero for hurricanes this time of year. If you go this time of year, you need to be prepared for the possibility of having to evacuate. While there is no guarantee that you'll have to do this, it is always a threat and you'd need to be vigilant.

That said, September is an absolutely glorious time of year to hit the east coast beaches (from Delmarva south). The waning light of summer is like honey, the water its warmest, the crowds gone.

The beach resorts outside of Charleston (Seabrook and Kiawah are the ones I know) offer long, wide expanses of sand flat enough to bike on, and water that stays shallow for a long distance. While it's not the clear blue-green of the Gulf coast, the water is pretty enough, and the surrounding scenery (live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, palmettos and palms, ante-bellum architecture) more than makes up for it. And Charleston is not too far away -- I expect you'd be flying there and renting a car anyway.

While I like the Outer Banks too, the beaches there seem to be more prone to rip tides and heavy surf. And the most easily accessible towns (Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head) are basically long collections of strip malls, putt-putt, and chain restaurants (with exceptions, of course) as opposed to a bona fide history-packed city like Charleston. Bear in mind, too, that the nearest major airport is in Norfolk, and that is a 1.5+ hour drive to the Outer Banks. (If you're willing to drive a much further distance, Ocracoke offers a great deal of charm, but I'm not sure how well they've recovered from Hurricane Isabel.)

Think about Laguna Beach California or La Jolla for picturesque places, or one of the resorts around Mission Bay in San Diego. September is usually reliably warm (sometimes hot) and no chance of hurricanes. Plenty of non-beach distractions, too, and after Labor Day prices will be heading down.

The Isle of Palms area near Charleston would also get my vote.

You might want to think about Jekyll Island off the Georgia coast. It's pretty, temperate, laid back. You could fly to Savannah and drive the rest of the way south, or land in Jacksonville and then drive north.

I'm no expert, but I second Kiawah Island, and I presume that the other beaches in the immediate vicinity are just as lovely and calm and peaceful--this is certainly not Spring Break land. The beaches of Delaware would be my runner-up, for the reasons Bookhall notes; the waters there do seem rough-ish to me, but there may be calemer areas. Good luck!

Seaside, Florida is a quaint beach town in north Florida near the Panhandle. It is near Destin- white sandy beaches along the emerald coast. Do a search for Seaside and it will provide some websites with beachfront rental homes.
This area was featured in Southern Living a few years back.

My friends there would kill me if they knew I was making this recommendation (because they want to keep the tourists out): Melbourne Beach, FL.

While the New England Coast is attractive after Labor Day, the temps could be iffy for swimming, beaching, etc. Plus, it's sort of the 2nd season there in Sep., so while prices will drop from summer, they're still high.

Can't argue much about the recommendation for the Del. coast. A lot of it is quaint and pretty, and you have a better chance of decent temps than in New England. However, again, I don't think you're going to get that much of a bargain there in Sep.

Now, back to Mlbrne Bch. It's going to be cheap in Sep. -- you'll probably be able to get a nice place across the street from the beach for $1000/week, often including access to private beach.

Very quiet there -- there's a ban on high rises -- and lots of decent restaurants, especially in Old Melbourne, which is a mid-scale shopping area. Get bored with it all the peace and quiet? Orlando is 90 minutes away and West Palm is 2 hours. As for hurricanes: Yes, they're a threat, but I wouldn't let that stop me.

Just one person's opinion. (With apologies to my friends in Mlb. Bch.)

Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard satisfies every requirement you set forth. And September is the best month of the year to visit--few crowds, best weather, better value on lodging.

I would go much further south than some are suggesting. Average high for Newport, RI in Sept is 72. It's really tough to relax on a beach in a swim suit in 70-degree weather if there's the smallest breeze.

You can even get unlucky as far south as Georgia weather-wise in Sept. I've been unlucky a couple times in mid-september at Tybee Island, GA and Hilton Head, SC. Breezy, cool and rainy.

You'll likely get the warm temps you're looking for anywhere south of NC in Sept, but you'd want to dip into Florida to be sure.

I'll second Laguna Beach.
Honorable Mention:
Cocoa Beach, FL -- Holiday Inn has "kids rooms".
St. Petersburg, FL

I haven't been to either place within the last few years, but investigate Ocean Isle, N.C. (and other islands/beaches close by) and Pawley's Island, S.C. Both are (or were) laid-back; neither is what I consider picturesque, although South Carolina's low country more or less begins close to Pawley's Island.

I can guarantee warm water at that time of year, but DO keep tabs on the weather, and have an alternate choice in mind if a blow is on the way.

Here's a thought; if you really have $3000 grand, why not just buy your own Caribbean island?

There are many house rentals in Seaside. That's what I recommend you do. Seaside has a community pool that you can use if you want (sometimes children that age are happier in pools than at the beach).

I'd also suggest Sunset Beach at the south end of Treasure Island. And Anna Maria Island west of Ft. Myers. You can't lose with any of these.

You've gotten good advice and I'll chime in on Melbourne, Fl, Pawleys Island, SC, and the Charleston, SC beaches.

If there is cool weather on the coast of SC in September, it is a fluke and not the norm.

As far as hurricanes are concerned, season is June 1 through December 1 and hurricanes do occur before and after that time. My point is hurricane season shouldn't alter your decision.

I agree with GoTravel. We live in Florida and do not alter our life around hurricane season.

redshoe, you said you've done Padre Island... did you do South Padre? If not, it would fit your stats, there are beach houses to rent, and the relatives wouldn't have far to go.

I live in Florida and have to confide that I love hurricane season. I'm glued to the TV tracking the storms. It gets really exciting here, and I don't want to bring out the nay-sayers but I'd probably be one of those idiots who'd choose to ride out the big one from my rooftop strapped to my chimney (although I don't have one). After living in Florida for soooo many years and having only been taunted by stories of winds and gales (and disaster such as chronicled in Zora Neale Hurston's terrific 1937 book Their Eyes Were Watching God), I'm ready.

I'm sure this won't sit well with the more practical folks on fodors. And redshoe, please don't interpret my missive as advice for you.

Wild Dunes near Charleston--fly into Charleston.
Litchfield by the Sea at Pawley's Island--fly into Myrtle Beach. Beach is beautiful and uncrowded. Pools are on the property. They have tremendous specials after Labor Day. Search for Litchfield Beach and golf Resort.
At Litchfield you have the best seafood restaurants on the coast just north in the town of Murrell's Inlet.

There is no more beautiful place on earth than Anna Maria Island beaches on the gulf coast of fl. Quaint, quiet and easy to navigate, No 4 lane highways. I thought the pictures had to be touched up but the sand and water really are white, (and not hot, feels like powdered sugar) and aqua.Unbelievable!!

On the "left coast", you might want to consider Oxnard. You can get a house right on the beach (look at Hollywood beach -- very wide for child safety and freedom)and take day trips to Malibu, Santa Barbara, Ventura. Have a look at www.beachrentals.com for some ideas about availability of rental homes. I use this agency each summer and can vouch for them.

Maine is usually beautiful in September though the last week of Sept starts to cool down. Fly into Portland and take the 25 min drive down to Ocean Park. Talk about quaint! In Sept you'll have the place to yourself...though shopping etc is only 10 mins away.

www.seacliffhouse.com
www.billowhouse.com

Maine is a nice suggestion, but they were looking for a place where they can "swim".

Hi! This is my first time posting (I stopped by to check out suggestions for our upcoming trip out west) but I couldn't resist jumping in to suggest Cape San Blas in the Florida panhandle. It is right next to St. Joe, which is National Seashore. It is beautiful white sugar sand. The beach houses are great. If you check out this website, it will give you a great overview of what's available, prices, amenities, etc.: http://www.capesanblasvacationrentals.com/rentals.cfm

I'm not a real estate agent or a travel agent. I was just impressed with the variety, prices and quality.

I have lived in Florida for over 25 years, and I agree that you cannot plan your vacation around the hurricane season. Just go and enjoy the beauty of one of the prettiest beaches you will ever see.

Im a chef in a small beach town called Tybee Island. Its located about 15 miles east of Savannah GA. The entire island is 3 miles long. Everyone is friendly and the heavy tourist rush fades in late August.You can get ANYWHERE on Tybee by bike.The beach is our biggest attraction.Wide white sand beach that wraps 3/4 of Tybee is a great place to get away and its kid friendly.Restuarants range from fine dining to very casual dining. Most are Tourist Traps, not bad, but not great., As a local of 18 years I recommend AJ's Dockside,North Beach Grill (casual)and George's(fine).The night life is ok no clubs, but lots of island bars that are very cozy for all.There are only 3 traffic lights and alot of hotels and condos and beach houses for daily weekly or monthly rental...I can gurantee its a place like no other.Beautiful historic downtown Savannah is a 20 minute drive away. Lots of sights all over as we are a very history rich town.Tybee and Savannah will offer you and yours a wonderful memorable experiance.

I have small children as well and we love going to Hilton Head. Wonderful family atmosphere, nice not crowded beaches, good restaurants. We rent a house in Palmetto Dunes within walking distance of the beach. The company we rent through is Island Getaway (www.islandgetaway.com) and have always been very pleased.

Well, I was going to suggest quirky Tybee Island, but then I scrolled down and saw that the chef beat me to it! I loved it - not as developed as some beach areas, and certainly not as well known, but kind of nice in a slightly different way. A "real" beach area! AND - wonderful Savan. is close!

Of course, Lewes and Henlopen are also nice...or even Rehobeth or Bethany.

If you can put up with a 2 hour drive from the airport, I would recommend the southern part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina: Avon, Hatteras Village, or even Ocracoke (which is only accessible via ferry.) You should be able to find a very affordable condo in the area since you don't have a large number to accomodate. The beaches are beautiful in September.
Heavy on "quaint" and "relaxing" - not a lot of activities other than beach-stuff.

Hatteras Village! Not much to do except read, go to the beach, eat, go to the beach, eat, go to the beach..and what a beach it is...the water remains warm into October and the beaches can be almost deserted...all the others from Lewes/Rehoboth south could qualify and the water will be as nice or nicer near Charleston. Tybee? You can't go wrong there, either, especially with the proximity of Savannah. Been to them all...what a "problem" to have to pick amongst them. Good luck.

We live near Little Corona Beach in Corona del Mar, CA, and September is my favorite time to go to the beach. The weather is usually warm and the swarms of visitors are back in school. We don't worry about hurricanes; Newport Beach or Laguna Beach would be a great choice in my opinion.

Lots of people have had great posts here, but I am very surprised by the recommedations for florida the lower east coast in september?? great places but Hurricane season big time. Sure it is likely that nothing will happen but why take a risk at all. head to southern california.Newport beach, Huntington beach, la jolla, etc the weather is the best in september

It is also hurricane season (typhoons) on the West Coast.

I have lived in California for 12 years and don't recall a typhoon. It's anecdotal only but September tends to be nice. Not to say it doesn't happen; but I think it would be more in Mexico wouldn't it? Not trying to debate, but I don't think anyone needs to worry about a hurricane in Laguna Beach this fall.

Hi, My vote for the US would also be Isle of Palm. I live in Minnesota and usually have to connect in Chicago. I always bring my young grandchildren with because my mother lives in easley SC. We go in Sept during what they call sport season. We rent at the Sea Cabins. They are on line I think under Island realty. They are 99$ per night. The are oceanfront with a pool, kiddie pool and a long pier. The condos are one bdrm with a pull out couch and 2 small bunks good for maybe older children. This is our 2nd time renting here and our 4th time on the island. If you go try the restaurant called The Sea Biscuit. They only serve breakfast and lunch but they are kid friendly(they even give the kids sippy cups) and the food is far better then in Charleston.

Seal Beach, south of Long Beach in California is a quaint little town. Just south is a wildlife preserve and miles of state beach. In town is a nice town beach and cute restaurants and shops. Just north is Long Beach with lots of attractions like the Acquarium and Queen Mary.

Vera

I would agree that the S. CA beaches from LaJolla N to just S of Oceanside are great at that time - best weather and the Summer tourist crowds are back home in Phoenix, DFW and Houston.
M

You probably already have your plans in order, but I do recommend the outer banks-Duck, in particular. It's so cute and quaint. You can bike ride to great shops and dining. A wonderful family retreat. Try sunrealty.com. We stayed in Duck at a great beach house we found through that site-Banana Breeze. Happy Travels!

Bald Head Island off the coast of Southport, NC is a great place. You take a ferry and then are given a golf cart to ride in all week. Beautiful and great cottages to rent. Very peaceful.