Gretchen

The Hampton Inn is VERY nice, but if I were coming to the coast I would go to the Litchfield Inn, even though it isn't as new or "fresh" as the Hampton. You are ON the beachfront--walk outside for a nice beach walk.
In Murrell's Inlet we like Russell's, Creek Ratz (for lunch), Inlet Crab House--you can make reservations. It is a funny funky little house painted turquoise and pink. GOOD food. There are fine dining places also--Wahoo's, Divine, Lee's (in a way). I think the Divine group is over priced and don't use a lot of local seafood. We've stopped going to them.
In Pawley's Island is Frank's--real fine dining, maybe the best on the coast. Bistro 217 on the highway is excellent as is the Island Cafe and Deli.

Orlando_Vic

"Is Daytona Beach a good place to stay for beaches and swimming in North Florida? Is it currently a spring break destination?"

Is it a good place...?
It's not high on my list. The sand is hared-packed and cars are always driving by. This is not the best way to relax, IMO. There are people who like it, but I don't and have avoided going there for most of the 23 years I have lived in Central FL. Ditto with New Smyrna Beach. You can do better at Crescent Beach to the north of Palm Coast.
http://www.city-data.com/city/Cresce...h-Florida.html

Is it a spring break destination?
Yes!


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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

starrs

I agree with Vic. It's interesting to experience but it's not the location I'd choose, especially during spring break.

Littleman

I would start at the Outer Banks. The Sanderling Inn at Duck, NC is outstanding. You can drive to Pawley's Island in about 8 hours or so. Litchfield Plantation is very nice. I would spend at least 3 nights in Charleston. Charleston Place Hotel and The French Quarter Inn are both very nice. I would take the coastal route to Savannah, GA and have lunch at Beaufort, SC. Stay at least 2 nights in Savannah, GA at Planters Inn. I would stop at Jekyll Island and stay at Jeklyll Island Club 2 nights. I would stop at Amelia Island, FL for two nights. There's a great Ritz Carlton there.

The Sanderling Inn and Spa @ 1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC 800 - 701 - 4111.
http://www.thesanderling.com/
Litchfield Plantation @ 96 Gathering Ln., Pawleys Island, SC 843 - 237 - 5300.
http://www.litchfieldplantation.com/
Planter's Inn @ 29 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 912 - 232 - 5678.
http://www.plantersinnsavannah.com/
Jekyll Island Club Hotel @ 371 Riverview Drive, GA 912 - 635 - 2600.
http://www.jekyllclub.com/

If you stay 2 nights in the Outer Banks, 2 at Pawley's Island, 3 in Charleston, 2 in Savannah, 2 in Jekyll Island and 2 at Amelia Island you will have 7 days left for FL. Have a great trip.