Looking for a nice resort (no cooking allowed that week) that has plenty to do with kids, nicely appointed, oceanfront, and maybe something new to try like sailing lessons. Since we're looking at August, Florida may be too hot but would consider it if we found the right place. A little local interest would be icing on the cake. We'll be traveling with 10, 7, 4 year old.

Sanderling on the Outer Banks?

I haven't been to the Outer Banks since I was a kid. We would go to Duck and Carolla (sp?) Light. I'll check out Sanderling. Thanks!

Check places in Bar Harbor, I'm sure some of them have 'resort' packages. There is also tons to do there for your age group. Or try the Samoset Resort in Rockport. They have pools, etc. and are also close to other attractions - lighthouses, sailing cruises, whale watches, light hiking in Camden Hills State Park.

To avoid humidity in summer, two great places in California are Newport Beach (easy sailing lessons in Balboa Bay and short drive to Disneyland). or San Diego which has Sea World, the zoo, Wild Animal Park, sailing and surfing.

Thanks for the thoughts. Any ideas on where to stay in San Diego. We'd like to have a couple days to "chillax" (as my nephew says) by the pool and ocean and a couple days to go to the zoo and Sea World.

RE: San Diego------ If you want to stay right at the beach with a great pool, the Pacific Terrace Inn is great. It's at a beach called Pacific Beach. Another great beach that has a charming seaside town in San Diego is La Jolla. It has several hotels that you can find by Googling "La Jolla Hotels".

We LOVE San Diego! If you're looking for something a bit upscale and steps from the beach then try the Hotel Del Coronado http://www.hoteldel.com/. It's close to Sea World, the zoo, wild animal park and Lego land as well as downtown San Diego. Interesting "Ghost tours" and information to learn here too.
If you'd like to stay in a quaint kind of "hippie" location across from Ocean Beach try Ocean Beach Hotel http://www.obhotel.com/. Lots of antique shops on this street too.
Also try Belmont Park across from Sea World. http://www.belmontpark.com/ It has a great wooden roller coaster and lots of other rides. Right on the beach so you can take in the sun and good restaurants too!
We also like visiting old town when we're there. Check out this site http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/ for more information. Lots of shops, restaurants, tours, etc.
Have fun!

Try Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama. This is a very family-friendly area with lots of great family attractions (you can find a lot at www.thebeachiscalling.org). There are many options for lodging, but you might look into The Wharf. Good luck!