[shellydm]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone know of a good family beach destination on the east coast?

We live in Ohio and would like to drive to the coast, and are trying to find a new destination that is drivable in a day or 2. We have been to Myrtle Beach and love it, but would like to try somewhere new.

Maybe in Virginia or North Carolina, South Carolina, New England? We went to FL in Feb to Disney and the beach and it was great but a looooooong drive. Hoping for some neat beaches a little closer to Ohio, and less driving time.

I'd love a destination with the beach and some neat family things to do around the destination with my 4 year old.

I'm open to any ideas. We are thinking early September for lower rates and less crowds.

Thanks for reading!

edited to add: I remember reading on here awhile ago a website that lists rental properties by owner but I can't seem to find the old post. Does anyone remember the website? Thanks again

[loveajax]

Shelly, we have been going to Block Island (off the coast of Narragansett, RI) for the last 8 or so years. It is such a beautiful, quaint place (and no attitude!). The beaches are wonderful for kids. You have to take a ferry over there (either with a car or without) and the ferries leave from Narragansett, RI or Montauk, NY. Early September is quite beautiful there too!

Martha's Vineyard is beautiful too....but it gets really crowded.

I have used vrbo.com before for vacation rentals by owner. Enjoy!

[mom2behappy]

Is a beautiful place to go I go every year i rent a condo for a week and my kids love it if you want more info pm me as im not sure i can list the rental agency here. the beach is right there amusement/water parks, laser tag, bowling, and much more....

[megaphonemo]

We are from there, me from way down south in Cape May, and DH from farther north... But all points in between are great!! Our DD#1 is about to be 4 and loves boardwalk rides....!!

good luck!!

p.s. we just booked disney today for a sept trip - I am sooooo excited!!

[GDSinPA]

I am totally recommending the Outer Banks. It's very very different from Myrtle Beach in that it's much more laid back, but there's still plenty to do and it's quite affordable.

The beaches are gorgeous, the food it great, and the rentals are reasonable.

A backup would be Delaware - also more affordable than some other places and not as crowded. (can you tell my preferences in beach destinations!)

Here's the web site you were seeking...
VRBO® is Vacation Rentals By Owner

I can also recommend a fantastic rental agency on the OBX, but I'm not sure if that's allowed here, so PM me if you want.

Have fun!
-Greg

[Mommy K]

We love Cape May too-one skip away from the rides at Wildwood, and it is a Victorian town. Relaxing by day-exciting for kids at night.
If you stay more north at the Jersey shore-you can go to Six flags Great Adventure.
We went to Hilton Head, it was fun -but very humid. Every day you would see an ambulance picking the dedicated golfers off the courses from heat exaustion. Golf is a religion there.

[ana-mom]

We used to go to Sea Isle City, NJ then we moved onto Duck and Corolla in the Outer Banks. We now go to Topsail Island, NC. All very nice and family oriented.

[mountainmama]

I am a total Holden Beach fan. About 1 hour drive from Myrtle and its located in N.C. We have been to both myrtle and Holden Beach and I always choose Holden.

They do not have any hotels, just beach houses and condos. You can stay on Ocean front, 2nd row, or canal. I myself will only stay on Ocean front.

I would rather spend the $$ and go off season to have the convenience of just walking off the porch to the beach.

I have several names of companies that we have rented from before if you are interested PM me and I will give the names to you.

I was just looking at them yesterday. Sighhhh wish I was there.

[proudmommyof 2]

Ana-mom-maybe we'll see you at Topsail Island-we're going on June 20.

Love Topsail Island. It's all about the beach, though. There's not much else to do, but it's what we love about it.

[Jo Ellen]

I haven't been to Hilton Head in years but as a child loved spending summer vacations there. We enjoyed exploring the beach, swimming, golf, tennis, biking and great places to eat that are kid friendly. Enjoy what ever you choose.... kids grow up so fast.

[dance_muffin]

We'll be at North Top Sail Island early July. Absolutely love it; a very mellow and relaxing vacation.

[avoel]

We are going on Saturday...my third trip with the kids (who are now 6 and 4-have been going since the oldest was a baby)! The beaches are wonderful, there is nighttime entertainment for the kids...kids singers and such, fireworks etc, a children's museum, dolphin cruise, playgrounds, a nature museum and the yummiest restaurants. Lots and lots of ice cream parlours too

We love it!

[sbsmom]

My vote is for the Outer Banks in NC. For the last five years my family has rented a house there for a week. I have already started counting down the days until our trip this year, and it's not until the end of August!

[joepegcamp]

New England! The beaches are perfect in summer. If you want to avoid the crowds of Cape Cod, try Cape Ann (north of Boston) or southern Rhode Island. The prices for lodging are way down due to the economy. Plus, if you find a spot close to ferry service, you can take day trips into Boston, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket or Block Island.

Actually, try Block Island off of Rhode Island. Gorgeous!

[becky]

Another vote for Hilton Head...great big wide beaches (not the fluffy sand kind, but the huge ones that are great for running, walking, biking, etc.).

There is so much fun to do and the island is so beautiful...they are done such a fabulous job with the development there...tons to do, but it doesn't look commercial.