Can anyone recommend a beach for a summer family vacation that is not over commercialized but has a nice small town feel? Someplace where you feel like you can let your kids ride their bikes a little bit without worrying? We live in Dallas and would drive for a day or even 2 for the right setting. Thanks

Jekyll Island in Georgia is not very commercialized and is actually managed by the state. There are various hotels and walking/bike trails. I remember seeing a nice-looking public playground and i think there might be a water park if the beach gets boring. We were there June 05 and it was not crowded at all. There is a small nature center that is worth a visit www.tidelands4h.org
The visitors bureau website is www.jekyllisland.com

We really like Oak Island, NC. Its quiet and relaxed, and the beach is never crowded. The accomodations are mostly house and condo rentals. Southport is a cute town nearby with antique shopping and casual seafood restaurants. There's not much excitement aside from mini-golf and a movie theatre, but we like that. Fun day trips include taking taking the ferry (a fun experience for kids) to go see the NC aquarium and driving to Wilmington to tour the USS North Carolina.

New Smyrna Beach

Anywhere near Destin, FL, and the Florida panhandle beaches, they are all pretty wonderful.

St Simon Island Ga.