Family of four from Iowa wanting to squeeze in one more out of town trip this summer. Any ideas for a relaxing sit by the pool or on the beach destination? We have two teenage boys. Prefer to rent a home or townhome. And affordable since his is our second trip this summer.

Thank you!

Gulf Shores, AL?

Florida Panhandle?

Rehoboth Beach, DE?

Santa Monica, CA?

Define "affordable" in terms of actual dollars - we have no idea what you can afford.

Also, how many days is your "extended weekend" and will you be driving or flying to your destination?

Will you consider going to one of the Great Lakes beach communities? They are going to be the closest beaches. East, west and south coasts of USA are all a long drive from Iowa so you'd have to fly.

Some suggestions not mentioned by Ackislander:

Charleston, SC (or any of the Low Country beach communities)
Outer Banks, NC
South Padre Island, TX
Sea Island, Georgia

I just did a quick 4-night stay at St Pete Beach (from central Illinois). Had a great time. Great seafood, dolphin cruise (saw many), driving the Sunshine Skyway bridge, shopping, beach and pool. It was perfect.

Thank you for your ideas.

Extended Weekend...4 days

Where is St. Pete Beach??

St Petersburg, fl

Where are you (I assume flying) from?

Actually, St. Pete Beach is a small beachfront community that neighbors St. Petersburg. (Fun fact: St. Pete Beach officially shortened its name, but the City of St. Petersburg, which is generally referred to as St. Pete, did not.)

Anyway. You'd fly into Tampa and drive to the beach. Google a map of the peninsula. Anywhere from Treasure Island to Pass-a-Grille and towns in between would be great for a family long weekend.

The reason I asked the as-yet unanswered question is because the OP stressed "affordable." I was thinking perhaps they might consider using a budget airline which might fly directly from their origin TO a beach city.