My wife and I are planning a family vacation for us and our 2 small children (ages 4 & 1). We would like to visit a beach area and are going back an forth between North Carolina and Virginia but are not really familiar with either. In Virginia we would like to stay within a couple hour drive of Williamsbug. Could you recommend areas that would not be overly crowded in June that are somewhat reasonably priced.

Thanks!

It depends on how far you really want to be from Williamsburg. I assume that when you say "beach," you mean "ocean". If not, there are more options than those below!

Virginia Beach is obviously the closest beach to Williamsburg, but it tends to be very crowded in the summer. If you're willing to consider camping, you could try for a reservation at First Landing State Park, which is on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. The bay area is less crowded and perhaps more fun for young children (smaller waves). I believe there are some hotels or condos you could stay in on the bay as well, but I'm not sure of the specifics.

Parts of the Outer Banks, NC are within a few hours of Williamsburg, but traffic can get VERY heavy on these roads in the summer. If you're going to the Outer Banks, your best bet is probably to rent a house or condo. The Outer Banks used to be less crowded than Virginia Beach, but I'm not sure that's really the case any longer.

If you're looking for something really quiet, you could consider the Eastern Shore of Virginia/Maryland. It is far from touristy. You'd most likely need to find a bed and breakfast to stay in.

One other idea that's even farther from W'burg is to consider Assateaque or Chincoteaque. Your kids might really like seeing the wild ponies.

You might want to try the Sandbridge area of virginia beach - this is a coastal housing area - alot less crowded than "the strip" at virginia beach with beach houses for rent. Probably 1 1/2 hour drive to Williamsburg.

Also - Kitty Hawk/Outerbanks isnt much further - probably 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive to Williamsburg (on weekdays - on weekends it can be much longer).

In Williamsburg, you might want to check out the Great Wolf Lodge - with a huge indoor waterpark.

since i have kids that are the same age as yours, my vote would be renting a house in the outer banks. you can get a house with lots of room and it's own pool which is key if your kids are still takingn naps - ie you won't be trapped inside. there are things to do but it's not overly crowded - my fav area is corolla. if you go in early june, you can get a off season rate.

There used to be swimming at Yorktown (on the York River) and at Buckroe Beach (Hampton) ... as well as some beaches in the Oceanview area of Norfolk (along old Rt 60 .. which are still open; I'm not sure about the first two.

If you wish to be near Williamsburg but don't wish to pay the higher prices, look at hotels in Newport News or Hampton. Prices in Wbg may not be up as much as they once were for summer months as the area has seen many fewer visitors the past few years. In another thread, someone recommended the Quality Inn Lord Paget in Williamsburg as being good for a stay with small children.

Check this out:

www.dukeofyorkmotel.com

I think it would be perfect for your family

Located on the York River in Yorktown with a beautiful, protected beach, it's convenient to Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Jamestown.