A few of my friends and I (all in our mid-20s)are planning a 5 day getaway. We'll be leaving from New York in late August. We'd like to go to a beach destination. Preferably a place with a lot of single women & good nightlife . Our budgets cannot handle more than $600-800 apiece so many of the exclusive destinations are out of question. People have suggested Myrtle Beach, but after reading about it, I'm left with the perception that it's tacky and touristy. I guess there are worse things out there, but I'd like to explore all my options before making concrete plans. The only U.S. beaches I've been to are located in the Northeast. I'd like to try something new.

Maybe Virginia Beach? I personally hated it, but it seemed like a meat market/clubby type of place, ie good nightlife. This was 5 years ago though. South Beach? Lots of people rave about South Beach, but it sounds like it could be pricey.

South Beach is great but the clubs are too pricey. $20+ cover charges and $9 for a rail gin and tonic.

Fort Lauderdale sounds more your speed. Lots of clubs, lots to look at and not as expensive.

Cassidy, Thanks for the info. I think I'd like to stay clear of meat mkts if possible. So I'll mark Va Beach off the list. S. Beach sounds like it may be a bit of a reach.

Dweebe, Thanks for the suggestion on Ft. Lauderdale. Are there any hot spots on the Gulf side of Fl that are worth looking into? I've heard that the beaches are beautiful on that side of the state.

These are my suggestions but I know nothing about them to offer advice. Sorry!!
Tampa on gulf coast. My brother and his friends have gone but they were a little younger (late teens/early 20's).
Also, have you tried Dewey Beach, Delaware and/or Ocean City in Maryland.
Both places are like the Hamptons without the money. Laid back beach-towns, with bars so there is a nightlife and the beach!!

Hi DL2, I did a trip with my buddies this past spring to Tampa (we're all in out mid 20s) and loved it. Ybor is fun, theres plenty of baseball games, you can do Sanibel Island for a relaxing beach, Clearwater can be fun, and finally by all means, DO NOT MISS Mons Venus located off Dale Mabry. Bring lots of 1s and 5s.

I would also agree with Ft. Lauderdale, only because I was there for work recently and was amazed at how beautiful the beaches are. Plus if you rent a car, it's close enough to the hot spots of Miami to have a little extra fun. I stayed at the Harbour Beach Marriott, which was extremely nice and much less expensive than I expected (after staying in Vegas).

If that doesn't work for you, there's always Destin, Florida. The Gulf Coast beaches are fantastic, and ten years ago (if not still) there were lots of single people around there.

I'm a 20 something gal from SC and I have to agree that Myrtle Beach is tacky (well, most of it is). I suggest Charleston instead. Great nightlife, with great beaches. Lots of young single people and minimal cheesiness. A few bars to consider: If you want laid back pub atmosphere go to Tommy Condon's irish pub. If you like dance clubs (I hate them, but if that's your thing...) City Bar is good, I hear. My personal favorites are the Terrace, on a rooftop at the corner of Calhoun and King streets and Tommy Condon's. A great wine and tapas bar is Meritage on East Bay street. Lots of women are always there, since that's what you're looking for. Have fun!

Olivia,

Thanks for the info on Charleston and confirming the cheese factor in Myrtle.

Yes, it's true. I'd prefer to vacation in an area where there are women as opposed to men looking to fight in bars. Just giving you a hard time!

Seriously, you should go to Charleston. I hate Fort Lauderdale. Talk about a CHEESE FACTOR....

Is Charleston a popular vacation spot in SC? Are the beaches clean? Will they dislike my NY accent?

Very popular vacation spot, and there are so many accents in Charleston, no one will notice yours. My mom's from Midtown, and she's been in Charleston for 30 years. No complaints yet!

Oh, and the beaches are immaculate. Isle of Palms is great, Folly Beach is a little more "rustic" - that's a nice way of saying "not as clean," but certainly not Jersey shore dirty.

DL2......My buds went to FtLauderdale.The 2 from NYC flew down with a/f $200.They got 2 tripe rooms at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper for $179.00 each.That was a 4th nite free promo.They had a great time.Enjoy! S

If you want cheap, fun, and chicks, go to Myrtle Beach. Yes, it can be tacky but that is a very small part of the Grand Strand (my family has property south of Myrtle Beach).

You can fly Spirit Air round trip for as low as $108 pp from LGA or Hooters just as cheap from LGA.

Some great clubs would be Revolutions, Club Boca, Crocodile Rocks, 2001, Club Cryptonite and a whole bunch more I can't think of.

You might want to check out http://www.smarterliving.com/ Their advertising Mexico RT for $218.00. Cancun would be fun.

Cancun is perfect. I actually just got back a few weeks ago. They have really built up the area from my last visit (15 years ago). You could probably get an amazing package deal at one of the all inclusives for well within your budget, especially if you can do 3 to a room. All inclusive for alcohol too! There was an all inclusive next door to the JW Marriott that was jumping. Beach Palace? Not all families, but a fairly decent mixture of people. Another popular place for singles is Long Beach Island in New Jersey. Some of the single women in my office go there and they love it.

Wilmington NC
Nice beaches... lots of night life.
I had a friend move there and she says she feels like she is always on vacation. I loved it wneh we went to see her.

If you decide on Ft Lauderdale, check out priceline.com for resorts on the beach. You'll probably be able to get one of the best hotels, Marriott Harbor Beach, for around $69/nt. That's a great deal! Don't stay at the Yankee Clipper, but check out their bar, it's supposed to be pretty good.

As far as your NY accents, you'll fit in perfectly in the Ft Laud/Miami area because there are so many northern transplants here.

Wherever you decide to go, have FUN!

Never been to Charleston, but I can weigh in on Myrtle Beach and Fort Lauderdale - BOTH TACKY!