My boyfriend and I are looking for a place within the continental US to go on vacation. The requirements are beaches, warm (in mid-June), some activities (parks, historical sites, shopping, restaurants). He has vacationed on Captiva Island his entire life. While that is a beautiful place, we want a place new to both of us. Mostly though, we just want to enjoy each others company before I leave for a 13 month post in Korea. Any suggestions?

Lots and lots of choices...! Certainly there are beach destinations up and down either coast. I would recommend (as I have all over this board) a West Coast trip. Santa Barbara is beautiful, charming, romantic, relaxed. The San Diego area offers lovely areas like La Jolla and Coronado. Coastal Orange County is nice too-- surfing in Huntington Beach, ritzing it up in Newport (or Ritz-Carltoning it up in Dana Point), gallery-hopping in Laguna. Some areas are pricier than others, so figure out your budget, then start researching. Have fun!

If you're nearer the east coast, the Hamptons and/or Montauk on the eastern end of Long Island is beautiful that time of year. The beaches are some of the best in the world (although the water will still be chilly then), there are charming B&Bs or Inns or motels right on the beach. Lots of history, shopping & eating. Best of all, it's not as crowded then as after July 4th. Biggest negative is you need a car & the drive from JFK is 2-3 hrs. If you can fly into Islip airport (ISP is the code) it's only 1 hr away.

Thanks for the suggestions! Anyone else want to chime in?

How about Cape Cod and the Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket? Fly to Boston, rent a car and drive down. Ferries go from the Cape over to the Islands every day. You can take the car over with you, or better yet, leave it behind and rent bikes for transport around the Islands (both MV and Nantucket have public transportation as well). June is a great time of year to visit this area.

Another east coast destination could be Williamsburg, VA. Plenty of historical sites, shopping, restaurants. Plus if you like amusement parks there is Busch Gardens. Water Country USA is a separate water park, but I believe there are admission packages that get you into both.

No beaches here, but if you have a rental car, you could drive to VA Beach. A couple of days in Williamsburg and a couple in VA Beach would work I think.

How about the panhandle of Florida? Some of the best beaches anywhere.

I will second the recommendation of going to San Diego. Santa Barbara is also nice however, you will find a warmer climate in San Diego. In SD there's Balboa Park with its museums and the San Diego Zoo. Of course there are great beaches. The Gaslamp district, Old Town, and Downtown offer very good restaurants and shopping.

I would agree with Santa Barbara. Beaches are beautiful. Some things to see but really more about relaxing. There is some great hiking if you are into that.

I would have to throw a negative spin on San Diego that time of the year if beaches are a priority. This area is well known for "June Gloom." Overcast most of the day, not exactly beach weather. I would vote for the panhandle. Siesta Key area has wonderful beaches, would be warm. The Hamptons Marthas vineyard etc. would be lovely, but may be cold for swimming. You may try flausa.com for info on some other Florida areas besides Captiva.

Hilton Head, SC. Nice beach, close to historic areas or Jekyll Island, GA.