elnap29

For us, it was an inexpensive cabin just a block from a beach at Lake Tahoe. (We live in California). The kids just loved playing in the water, while we watched and relaxed. Highlights always included eating outdoors and riding bicycles on the wonderful paved bike trails along the lake (with picnics and various beaches along the way) or biking along the Truckee River trail.

I'm sure you could find the same experience in your own state.

SYKU

Best family vacation was Bosco Bell Beach Resort, Jamaica. They have a great kids program, also plenty for thr parents. My daughter met a little friend and was never happier. So were my husband and I, we actually had the most splendid time. By the way ita all inclusive and the food and drink and entertainment was very good. They have Nannies in the evening if the kids are to tired to go out or you'd like to have an eevening on your own. It really wa great.

Supercilious

In my opinion, nothing beats the Atlantic Shore for a summer getaway unless it's a stay on a beautiful lake somewhere. That's why I suggested the Michigan destinations in an earlier post. I was there a few years ago and was blown away at how beautiful Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior were in mid-summer.

On the Atlantic, there are many beautiful summer destinations - Bar Harbor, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Block Island, and Eastern Long Island come to mind in the North East but there are others. In the South, there are beautiful places in Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. For me, Florida is more of a Fall, Winter, Spring trip destination.

I wouldn't go to San Diego in the summer. There's 3 million people in San Diego County. The highways are choked and the beaches are crowded. It's a great destination though at other times of the year but not necessarily for the beach. No place on the West Coast will have water as warm as on the Atlantic.

I also wouldn't go to the Bahamas or the Caribbean in the summer. It's hot, muggy, and often wet. Oh, and it's hurricane season. After November, they are great places to go but not in mid-summer.

Hawaii is always great but it's a long way to go for you.

susan1

Woow, thanks everyone! You have all given me some terrific ideas. Thanks for sharing your ideas. Now I need to do some more research on lodging. Thanks again!

suze

I grew up in southern California. We *always* went (tent) camping on our vacations. My first time I was less than 2 years old. Through all the state and national parks, both inland and on the beach. I loved it (up until I was a teenager, then I objected!).

As others have mentioned, I don't think it's necessary to leave your own state to please a 5 year old. A cabin on a lake somewhere should do the trick!

nytraveler

When I was a child my family always took a cottage in Sag Harbor (Long Island) for a couple of weeks. It me, the best kind of vacation for kids. Great beaches on the sound within a few minute walk, great ocean beaches within a 15 minute drive, crabbing in local canals/inlets, a couple of other things to do in between (Montauk lighthouse and park, a couple of museums, old houses to tour, Gosman's Dock to see the fishing fleet come in, even a couple of movies) and just lots of family time together.

I know a lot of people focus on doing "stuff" like Disney - but it can be VERY stressfull for little kids, and really uncomfortable in the summer - but when families have so little time together sometimes I think just relaxing together and doing basic stuff is better.

Amy

I've had lovely times on the Outer Banks (North Carolina) in the Corolla region with young nieces and nephews. Lovely beach, very relaxing area. The only thing is, most of the rental homes are HUGE! (I was usually there with oh, at least 10-12 kids and their parents.)