OT: Beach town vacation ideas

[imno1]

Sounds like beach ain't your wife's thing so Charleston is a great place to visit

Edit: Myrtle Beach isn’t that far a drive either

 

[Chin Diesel]

We did Charleston and Savannah in October 2018. Loved Charleston, hated Savannah. Just felt Charleston was a much more relaxed and laid back atmosphere. Savannah more commercialized.

If you do choose to visit Savannah, DO NOT go to Paula Deen's restaurant. It's a high end truck stop. There are many better dining options.

Interesting. We had the opposite experience with Charleston and Savannah. We liked the vibe of Savannah a bit better. This was October 2020.

Charleston was really nice. Clean. Big streets and sidewalks. More great food places to eat than you could do in a weekend. Spent a full day on a Saturday in October. Weather was perfect. Low 70's, sunny and breezy. The sun dress and yoga pant game was strong. We walked about 7 miles that day. The City Market lost some of its vibe because only vendors were allowed inside. Everyone else had to shop via the streets. It was more of the Louis Vitton, Starbuck's and some of the more established names that killed some of the vibe. People were just moving around the streets as much as they were experiencing the area. The mansion along the battery and park area were impressive. Not Newport, RI level, but you could see why they get the prices they do.

We went to Savannah the next day. Not as clean as Charleston but seemed to have more of a locals vibe to it. It was raining off an on but still plenty of people just meandering. Probably helps that Savannah let's you take a drink to go and walk the streets and shops. Concur on avoiding Paula Deen (or any other "name" restaurant). The confectioners on River St were really cool to watch as they made pralines and taffy in front of your face with the copper kettles and mechanical pullers.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I travel to the space coast in Florida for work and have come to enjoy what the area has to offer. It's a cheap flight to Orlando and a 50 minute ride to the coast. Cocoa Beach probably has what you need from a beach perspective - I normally stay at the Courtyard, and it's a stone's throw from the beach. For good seafood or gator & grits, I like Florida's Fresh Grill. For a beer/pub food, Long Doggers in Melbourne. For Italian, I haven't been to too many places but Brano's was a short walk from the hotel and a decent meal. There is also Viera Town Center, about 20-30 minutes away that one of those constructed communities with lots of restaurants and shopping in a walkable area.

What I personally like about the area are the things to do beyond the beach. Depending on the time of year, you can go see the manatees and sometimes view dolphins swimming inland in Titusville. There are multiple locations for wildlife viewing, including Merritt Island and several lagoons. And then there is the Kennedy Space Center. If you time it right(and get lucky), you can see a rocket launch.

I moved to this area and love it. More chill than other places but close to Orlando and other spots. Sand is not as white as Gulf but beaches are wider and more surf. We drive to Fort Lauderdale every other month which is an easy 2.5 hour ride.

In the past year, there were over 30 launches. I saw at least ten from Cocoa Pier, the beach or Merritt Island. The only crowded ones are the manned launches.

Space coast is definitely picking up again with NASA and the private companies using Kennedy Space Center. Melbourne is becoming a desirable place to live.

I've looked at that area as a possible place to move to or retire for all the reasons mentioned. Plenty to do locally and plenty more within 1-3 hours (easy day drive).

 

[Kathy]

We went to Ocean City for a week in late June a few years back and one night happened to be senior night. High school senior night. That place def skews younger.

Absolutely. I live just over the border near Bethany Beach. Ocean City definately skews younger now.

 

[huskypantz]

Space coast is definitely picking up again with NASA and the private companies using Kennedy Space Center. Melbourne is becoming a desirable place to live.

I've looked at that area as a possible place to move to or retire for all the reasons mentioned. Plenty to do locally and plenty more within 1-3 hours (easy day drive).

I’ve started looking at investment properties and I’d really like to swing a condo or townhouse in the area that I could put on air bnb and then use a few weeks per year. Down the road 15-20 years it could be our snowbird home.

 

[cohenzone]

There are a bunch of nice beaches between St Augustine and Daytona. St Augustine which I love and even Daytona have plenty to do to occupy time. And Cape Canaveral and the Space Center are about an hour from Daytona . Even Disneyworld and other Orlando venues aren’t much more than an hour from the Daytona area.

Hilton Head is really nice and a reasonable drive to terrific Savannah and other interesting Old South towns like Beaufort SC. Even Charleston isn’t that far

 

[ClifSpliffy]

well, since the cape, newport, the east end, and ac are not on the menu, i say miami beach (south beach). yup -miami beach in the summertime. no need to explain why, just ask some of the millions who do just that. cheap flight, cheap car rental, cheap accomodations, cheap food. sobe at day and night? priceless.

 

[XLCenterFan]

The best part about living in New England is that you don't have to leave in the summer. Why venture down South if you don't have to?

Welfleet (Upper Cape) is my absolute favorite - everywhere else is a distant second.

I also enjoy Chatham (Lower Cape), Narraganssett (RI), Ogunquit (Maine), and Watch Hill (also RI).
Martha's Vineyard can be fun, but it's a bit too snobby for my liking.
Hampton Beach (NH) can be fun, but it's a bit Trumpy.

I've never been to Block Island, Nantucket, or Montauk, but they are on my list.

 

[UconnU]

Interesting. We had the opposite experience with Charleston and Savannah. We liked the vibe of Savannah a bit better. This was October 2020.

Charleston was really nice. Clean. Big streets and sidewalks. More great food places to eat than you could do in a weekend. Spent a full day on a Saturday in October. Weather was perfect. Low 70's, sunny and breezy. The sun dress and yoga pant game was strong. We walked about 7 miles that day. The City Market lost some of its vibe because only vendors were allowed inside. Everyone else had to shop via the streets. It was more of the Louis Vitton, Starbuck's and some of the more established names that killed some of the vibe. People were just moving around the streets as much as they were experiencing the area. The mansion along the battery and park area were impressive. Not Newport, RI level, but you could see why they get the prices they do.

We went to Savannah the next day. Not as clean as Charleston but seemed to have more of a locals vibe to it. It was raining off an on but still plenty of people just meandering. Probably helps that Savannah let's you take a drink to go and walk the streets and shops. Concur on avoiding Paula Deen (or any other "name" restaurant). The confectioners on River St were really cool to watch as they made pralines and taffy in front of your face with the copper kettles and mechanical pullers.

To me Savannah definitely has more of an urban vibe than Charleston does. Part of that is because SCAD is so ingrained into the city. Charleston feels more upper class old south. Although interestingly they share a lot of qualities as well. Yea if you’re eating in Savannah eat off touristy areas like River street and city market. Go to popular locals places that are still fairly popular with tourists like Crystal beer parlor, Zunzis, Green truck. The food in the heavy tourist spots is both very commercial and expensive.

 

[auggie22]

I was raised a cape guy and would echo wellfleet / eastham / orleans area for seasonal travel. Great biking and beach combing opportunities, day sailing and restaurants.

My wife is a Maine person thus I am now a Maine person. We spend a lot of time in York Beach between April and October. Great restaurants and shopping, including easy access to Ogunqit and Kennebunkport; and pretty, especially if you don’t intend to spend much time on the beach. Good hiking and kayaking options.

Upstater shared a sneaky great idea in Newburyport. It is essentially awesome year round with the best of everything above except beaches. Plum island is pretty but the beaches are just ok. Unmatched for quaint New England walkability, and they have many great seasonal festivals, restaurants and breweries. If I am ever a snow bird I want to live in this town as my home base.

 

[HCCForever]

The best part about living in New England is that you don't have to leave in the summer. Why venture down South if you don't have to?

Welfleet (Upper Cape) is my absolute favorite - everywhere else is a distant second.

I also enjoy Chatham (Lower Cape), Narraganssett (RI), Ogunquit (Maine), and Watch Hill (also RI).
Martha's Vineyard can be fun, but it's a bit too snobby for my liking.
Hampton Beach (NH) can be fun, but it's a bit Trumpy.

I've never been to Block Island, Nantucket, or Montauk, but they are on my list.

I recommend Nantucket in the shoulder seasons. We have been there in June and October and got lucky with warm sunny weather both times. We had rooms at B and Bs which were short walks from both ferries. You don’t want a car there. Plenty of places to eat and drink in the area as well as Jetties Beach with outdoor bar. You can take a bus or Uber for places further away such as Surfside beach

 

[Hugo]

Siesta key
Clearwater
Sarasota

I prefer the gulf side but no stranger to fort Lauderdale and west palm

Wife and I have been going to Siesta Key for 15 years now and always for the month of March. Great beach, good restaurants and since it's a key and part of Sarasota, you have all the benefits of a smaller city with a lot of attractions, including excellent food. Tough to get a rental here as many visitors have been coming here for years , but with Covid still an issue (we have cancelled this year) you may be able to find a place.

 

[HCCForever]

There are a bunch of nice beaches between St Augustine and Daytona. St Augustine which I love and even Daytona have plenty to do to occupy time. And Cape Canaveral and the Space Center are about an hour from Daytona . Even Disneyworld and other Orlando venues aren’t much more than an hour from the Daytona area.

Hilton Head is really nice and a reasonable drive to terrific Savannah and other interesting Old South towns like Beaufort SC. Even Charleston isn’t that far

Beautiful National Seashore beach accessible from either Néw Smyrna or Titusville as well.

 

[superjohn]

I recommend Nantucket in the shoulder seasons. We have been there in June and October and got lucky with warm sunny weather both times. We had rooms at B and Bs which were short walks from both ferries. You don’t want a car there. Plenty of places to eat and drink in the area as well as Jetty Beach with outdoor bar. You can take a bus or Uber for places further away.

Where do people who visit Nantucket stay nowadays? I spent a couple summers there as a teenager and it was pretty expensive back then, now it's insanely expensive.

 

[Jbirdp5]

The jersey shore has something for everyone. Cheap, expensive, family, adult. We go to north wildwood every summer with the family. Quick trip to AC for the adults, a zoo for the kids. Great free beaches. Tons of rental options as well

 

[ClifSpliffy]

The best part about living in New England is that you don't have to leave in the summer. Why venture down South if you don't have to?

Welfleet (Upper Cape) is my absolute favorite - everywhere else is a distant second.

I also enjoy Chatham (Lower Cape), Narraganssett (RI), Ogunquit (Maine), and Watch Hill (also RI).
Martha's Vineyard can be fun, but it's a bit too snobby for my liking.
Hampton Beach (NH) can be fun, but it's a bit Trumpy.

I've never been to Block Island, Nantucket, or Montauk, but they are on my list.

'I've never been to Block Island,' ?
that's it for you mac. iffn ur over 25, then turn in ur official 'yankee card.' immediate revocation according to the rules laid down by Sir Ethan Allen. better behavior and a steady diet of clam fritters, haffenreffers, and this

may be helpful when you petition for reinstatement, emphasis on 'may.'
we're persnickity like that. what's next? iffn you say 'i never had greek pizza' well, then you can see ur way out now. enjoy ur time in altoona, or bakersfield, or hannibal.

 

[superjohn]

To me Savannah definitely has more of an urban vibe than Charleston does. Part of that is because SCAD is so ingrained into the city. Charleston feels more upper class old south. Although interestingly they share a lot of qualities as well. Yea if you’re eating in Savannah eat off touristy areas like River street and city market. Go to popular locals places that are still fairly popular with tourists like Crystal beer parlor, Zunzis, Green truck. The food in the heavy tourist spots is both very commercial and expensive.

Zunzis chicken Conquistador is one of the best sandwiches ever. Sweet Potatoes is one of my favorite cheap eats restaurants in the country and Sundae Cafe in Tybee has an entree Ribeye steak with Tasso Hollandaise, flash fried oysters, blue cheese bread pudding and biscuit that is probably on my all-time last meal list.

 

[bendm]

Nantucket, or Montauk

if the vineyard is too snobby for you dont bother

 

[HCCForever]

Where do people who visit Nantucket stay nowadays? I spent a couple summers there as a teenager and it was pretty expensive back then, now it's insanely expensive.

I stayed at Anchor Inn in June 2019 for $230 a night through Booking.com. Expensive but not bad for Nantucket. This included breakfast.

 

[HCCForever]

'I've never been to Block Island,' ?
that's it for you mac. iffn ur over 25, then turn in ur official 'yankee card.' immediate revocation according to the rules laid down by Sir Ethan Allen. better behavior and a steady diet of clam fritters, haffenreffers, and this

may be helpful when you petition for reinstatement, emphasis on 'may.'
we're persnickity like that. what's next? iffn you say 'i never had greek pizza' well, then you can see ur way out now. enjoy ur time in altoona, or bakersfield, or hannibal.

True that. No summer was ever complete without high speed ferry from New London and drinks and dancing at Ballards. And of course the beach

 

[Palatine]

Looking for vacation suggestions for beach towns on Atlantic or Gulf coast. An interesting town with other things to do, good restaurants, with prices that aren't too exorbinant. I love going up to Maine but am thinking would like to visit more down south. Where have people been that they really love it and return back to it? Or, does anyone go outside US to Mexico or another country like that? My preference is US though.

If you're going to southern Florida, you can be in the Caribbean almost as quickly. Both the American Virgin Island and British Virgin Island are amazingly beautiful with warm clear water. There are a ton of islands to choose from. The American Virgins don't require a passport. I have vacationed numerous times on Virgin Gorda, BVI. It's sparely populated, really laid back, dozens of beaches, beautiful weather and water. You need, at least, one trip somewhere south or east of Puerto Rico, once in your life.

 

[Waquoit]

True that. No summer was ever complete without high speed ferry from New London and drinks and dancing at Ballards. And of course the beach

Block Island really isn't a beach place, imo.

 

[HCCForever]

Block Island really isn't a beach place, imo.

I tend to agree. The state beach is the sandiest and best for swimming. Mohegan Bluffs is pretty rocky and requires climbing the stairs. I believe it has become rockier over the years. Those are the only two spots where I have swum on BI besides the narrow beach at Ballards.

 

[Ts5034]

If you're going to southern Florida, you can be in the Caribbean almost as quickly. Both the American Virgin Island and British Virgin Island are amazingly beautiful with warm clear water. There are a ton of islands to choose from. The American Virgins don't require a passport. I have vacationed numerous times on Virgin Gorda, BVI. It's sparely populated, really laid back, dozens of beaches, beautiful weather and water. You need, at least, one trip somewhere south or east of Puerto Rico, once in your life.

Ive been to St Thomas and St Martin a few times on cruises. They are beautiful islands with amazing beaches. I always wanted to take a vacation to St Thomas to stay for a week instead of just spending the day on a cruise.

 

[Ts5034]

Ocean City in MD is good because if you want the commercial aspect of vacation it is there. Also have quiet beaches nearby without all the commercial distractions. Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach are just two of the great beaches nearby.

Big fan of Wrigtsville Beach in NC. Quiet area but nearby Wilmington offers other things to do. Myrtle Beach only like 90 minutes away.

Englewood in FL is on Gulf and beautiful. We tend to like the quiet places

I was in North Carolina for vacation right before things got crazy with Covid. I was in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area, and we spent a day down in Myrtle Beach. Great places to visit.