I am needing to get away to be by the ocean. It's the best place to unwind. I would like to go to either the Virginia coast or the Carolina's. We will be driving from ST. Louis and I know the drive through either state will be beautiful. I need suggestions where the best place to go for just a few days of R&R and accommodations of where to stay not to far from the water. We are on a limited buget like everyone else. We are in our mid 50's so we don't need a nightlife or alot of activites or people if possible.

The Brunswick Islands in NC are a safe bet, although most places will require a week long stay after Mem. Day - www.ncbrunswick.com.

Most places will require a seven day stay unless you stay in a hotel. I agree with both above. Pawley's is wonderful and Topsail of Holden Beach NC would do you just right.

When are you traveling?

Suewoo is correct that most vacation rental condos and cottages require a 7 day stay during the high summer season. If you are traveling after Labor Day, minimum stay will be more flexible and rental rates will be lower.

Edito Island, SC, is another good choice for a quiet beach vacation. Since Edisto is further from Charleston and Savannah than some other beaches, the rates may be lower.

Look at the rental by owner listings on sites like VRBO.com and HomeAway.com to get an idea of what is available. Many properties have "availability calendars". You may find an owner with open dates who is willing to rent for under one week.

Liz - no adverts please.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the outer banks. We love South Nags head - less crowded than some other areas of the outer banks - not that any of it is crowded if you were to compare it to somewhere like Myrtle Beach of the Jersey Shore. S. Nags head also seems a little more reasonably priced than the more northern areas such as Duck

I would say Sunset Beach, NC. That beach is a "throw-back" to the 1960s and 70s. You will not find high rises,and wall to wall commercialism like their neighbors to the South. It is a beautiful family beach with cottages and waterway channels. However, you are only a few minutes from the Grand Strand and about an hour from Wilmington NC.