We are in early fifties, looking for a relaxing week, at quiet resort in a walkable town, some culture/shopping during the day, for about $300-$400/nt. Near the water (either coast) would be a plus. We hope to fly in and cab it to the resort. Suggestions?

If I may ask, why a resort rather than a hotel or rental cottage?

And what time of year?

early June, hotel or rental cottages are fine too! Just want to get away to a serene place...

Nantucket and Cape Cod meet that description in June before the third week, when schools get out. it is too cold to swim but perfect for beach walks, birding, cycling, nice dinners (check out restaurant week in Nantucket). Lodging and rentals are expensive in Nantucket, but you absolutely don't need a car.

Wentworth by the Sea, just outside Portsmouth, NH, offers an attractive base for touring the
North Shore of Massachusetts and the coast of NH and southern Maine. It has all modern conveniences in the package of a traditional grand summer hotel.

Southern Maine is very busy with traffic but we loved the Dunes of Ogunquit. There are a variety of units from motel to full cabins. Although on Rt 1, they are set back far enough you don't hear the traffic noise. Very nice lawns, paths and private sitting areas (your own Adirondack chairs). But it's not a resort - no restaurant on the grounds but you can walk to at least one restaurant. Check out trolley system. We always drove but I think you can get around via the trolley. Closest airport would be Portland ME but it would be a looong cab ride.

All great ideas! Ackislander do you have a favorite place on Nantucket to stay?

Anyone in California have a favorite spot to relax?

I can't afford it but the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara looks great. http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/
To get there you might need to take a Pacific Surfliner train to downtown Santa Barbara from Los Amgeles assuming you are flying to LAX and not the Santa Barbara airport.

Santa Barbara is on the top on my list. The Four Seasons is a bit steep for me. Anyone have any experience with The Inn of the Spanish Garden or Canary, a Kimpton hotel?

Santa Barbara would be very nice. I've not stayed at either of those locations but I haven't met a Kimpton hotel I didn't like.