Help from Freepers - Planning a Beach vacation between Florida or Ocean City (MD) or North Carolina

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[forYourChildrenVote4Bush]

Sorry for posting this, but the family is planning a vacation for July and we were wondering the nicest beaches. Between Florida (where in Florida?), Ocean City (Condos are very old) or North Carolina...

We have been to Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, Miami and OC in the past (and other beaches but those sucked and not worth mentioning)

so, i was wondering if Anyone can recommend NICE, clear beaches in Eastern/Southern US

Thanks in advance

[wagglebee]

I still enjoy Southern Shores, my wife’s family goes there every summer. But I can’t stand the traffic getting to and from there in the summer.

[duckman]

“..Emerald Isle”
I believe Emerald Isle is part of the Crystal Coast. The Outer Banks is the stretch from Corolla to Hatteras.

[IYAS9YAS]

Come to New Mexico - we got lots of beach. Just no water.

[RegulatorCountry]

I loved Maine, but wouldn’t even consider going into the water. It never warms up, cold as all get out in the middle of summer. The cliffs, lighthouses, food, inland lakes and all were worth not swimming in the surf, though. If it weren’t so far away from NC, I’d visit more often.

[WackySam]

Fort DeSoto has beautiful beaches and I go there often when I stay at St Pete Beach. I also tend to stay away from Clearwater as that is where most of the tourists, and the younger crowd hangout.

[RegulatorCountry]

Non-natives and real estate people don’t understand what the Outer Banks are. Any barrier island is a part of it, to them. Marketing geniuses are even calling mainland, soundside properties the “Inner Banks” these days, lol.

[Squantos]

Too bad.... I really liked that place, many good memories.

Thanks.........Stay safe !

[forYourChildrenVote4Bush]

To Many Dean / Kerry bumper stickers last time we went...

[fieldmarshaldj]

Ah, well... But given the False Messiah carried NC, FL & MD, you might wanna consider a state that didn’t rubber stamp insanity. South Carolina might be good. One of the only car-accessible (non-toll) beaches in Georgia (since coastal GA is mostly islands, unlike stretches in SC) is at Tybee Island east of Savannah, and while it’s OK, it may not be so good in the Summer (I went there in March and in April, IIRC), but aside from Savannah’s history, Tybee is kinda boring and limited.

[hiredhand]

I think technically, Emerald Isle is south of OBX...right? It’s still a nice place...IMHO. :-)

[duckman]

You are correct, still a nice place. I believe the real estate and marketing people made the OBX qualification.

[outofsalt]

“Hilton Head is nice but it is in South Carolina.”

Daufuskie Island, just south of HH, is unspoiled and just a ferry ride away. You leave your car in HH and take a ferry to the Inn. Cabins and condos are available too.

[Louis Foxwell]

The west coast of the east coast, prettiest beaches and nicest little towns.

[Impy]

Daytona beach was nice 10 years ago, I assume it still is.

[Alia]

Thanks for that tip. I'm away to north Myrtle beach in late Feb with friends.

CA beaches are beautiful; but I do admit, for the first time in my life I've become a beach addict -- North Carolina.

[Alia]

If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like that info too! I’ve not yet been to Emerald Isle or the Outer Banks. But plan to! :)

[Mase]

It may be a little out of your way but Siesta Beach on Siesta Key is consistently voted one of the best beaches in the country. With sand like powdered sugar and shallow water that's crystal clear, it's great for both the kids and adults. They still let you drink a cold beer, margarita or glass of wine on the beach and the sunsets are spectacular. The surrounding town is very beachy, relaxed, safe and offers a lot of nice restaurants and night life. There are many new(er) condos so you don't have to settle for some tired old place out of the sixties. The owners are pretty hungry this year, given how slow season is thus far, so good deals can easily be found.

[hiredhand]

You are correct, still a nice place. I believe the real estate and marketing people made the OBX qualification.

Yeah....(sigh :-)....such a nice place! I took a big pay cut in 2005 with a job change and we haven't been down there lately. But "maybe" this year! :-)

[sauropod]

Outer Banks, NC. Very family friendly.

[sauropod]

You couldn’t pay me to go to OC. Hellhole.