My family is planning a week-long vacation for next summer, to celebrate my parents 40th anniversary. We are 7 "adults" (ages 19-64), and 4 kids (2-9). We are thinking about getting a 5 room vacation home somewhere along the southern east coast (NC/SC/GA). We are flying in from NJ and Puerto Rico. We'd like something nice, but can't break the bank (3,000K?).

Our family is pretty active, so in addition to beach we'd like to have access to tennis, golf, shopping, restaurants, watersports, fishing, biking and maybe some nightlife for the young adults. Access to a pool or small waterpark would also be good, for the smaller swimmers. If there is a nice town nearby for walking/dining, that would be great. Is this a tall order in our price range?

NC Outer Banks?

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina may be great for all that you want to do.

What about Cape May, NJ? It has a great set of Beaches,shopping but not your basic Mall. Instead,there are some small to medium shops like the Boardwalks used to be. Wildwood is just over the back bridge - 12 - 15 minutes away for a Boardwalk full of rides, waterpark, etc. There are several golf courses and tennis courts locally. Atlantic City wth its Glitz and Casinos for young /old adults is ~ about 50 minutes North - a straight shot up the Garden State Pkwy. There are motels in CM with pools as well as Ocean front motels as well as homes to rent. Cape May is the "oldest resort" in the country - I am sure you can find info by going on line.
Thre are also multiple deep sea fishing operations as well as whale and dolphin watching operations for all ages.
Good Luck! Tiasaunt

Based on your budget, I would also suggest Myrtle Beach.

I am not sure if the cost will work out for you, but you should consider renting a house on one of the beaches near Charleston (Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes). Great beaches, and the significant bonus of being able to go into the best city in the south, Charleston for dinner, day-trips, nightlife, touring the historic district, etc.

Let me echo the Myrtle Beach recommendations. It is very "touristy" but that means it has something for everyone.

Checkout www.vbro.com to help cut the cost of your house. I've used VRBO for years without a problem.

Mike Honeycutt