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.