Best place in the US for an ocean front vacation?

**Cyclonepride** · 01-25-2010, 10:25 AM

Just wanted to gather some ideas. My wife and I have been to Daytona Beach and Key West (and I've been to Charleston), but I promised my son that we'd take him to see the ocean on our next trip (as soon as our other house sells). I think we want to stay somewhere in the states.

What's the best place to go during the summer?

What's the best place to go during the winter?

From just a little diggin that I've done so far, I'm considering Laguna Beach, CA and Palm Beach, FL.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

**CycloneWarning** · 01-25-2010, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

Just wanted to gather some ideas. My wife and I have been to Daytona Beach and Key West (and I've been to Charleston), but I promised my son that we'd take him to see the ocean on our next trip (as soon as our other house sells). I think we want to stay somewhere in the states.

What's the best place to go during the summer?

What's the best place to go during the winter?

From just a little diggin that I've done so far, I'm considering Laguna Beach, CA and Palm Beach, FL.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sanibel Island and/or Captiva in FL are nice, but pricey.

**Cyrocks** · 01-25-2010, 10:30 AM

Get a cheap Alliegent Air flight out of Des Moines to Clearwater/St. Pete. This area down to the Sarasota area is great for beaches. I am not sure about the price of staying in the motels because we have friends down there. However, check that area out.

**nrg4isu** · 01-25-2010, 10:31 AM

Hawaii would be my knee-jerk answer. Maui or Kauai for beaches, Big Island for snorkeling.

**alarson** · 01-25-2010, 10:32 AM

San Diego is always nice

**bos** · 01-25-2010, 10:34 AM

VRBO is Vacation Rentals By Owner

I have wanted to try these out. You can find very affordable rates pretty much anywhere.

**TruClone** · 01-25-2010, 10:39 AM

Spent a few days over 4th of July holiday once in Nantucket. Very nice, fireworks were awesome!

**ISU4Life** · 01-25-2010, 10:45 AM

Orange Beach Alabama, right on the gulf, fly into Pensicola (sp?) and about a 45 min dr. Beaches are very nice and clean

**jsb** · 01-25-2010, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by ISU4Life

Orange Beach Alabama, right on the gulf, fly into Pensicola (sp?) and about a 45 min dr. Beaches are very nice and clean

I'll second that. I was done there a year ago and everyone kept telling me how great the beaches were in Alabama. I went to several beaches and they were great. Perfect sand, etc. I was there in January (and a cold snap at that) so there weren't many people there, but I think normally there aren't huge crowds anyway and it is cheaper than Florida. I'd go back to the Mobile area again.

**tec71** · 01-25-2010, 11:12 AM

Dana Point CA, just south of Laguna Beach. There's a Marriott on the cliff's overlooking the ocean. Two nice pools (only one open for kids I think). You can walk down the hill to the marina. lots of little shops and restaurants there. there is a huge public beach right next to the hotel as well.

**Cyclonepride** · 01-25-2010, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by tec71

Dana Point CA, just south of Laguna Beach. There's a Marriott on the cliff's overlooking the ocean. Two nice pools (only one open for kids I think). You can walk down the hill to the marina. lots of little shops and restaurants there. there is a huge public beach right next to the hotel as well.

That sounds pretty sweet. I love to sit on the balcony of the hotel and listen to the waves crashing. That's something that we got a lot of at Daytona Beach, but not so much at Key West since we were on the gulf side, and by the cruise ship docks.

**tec71** · 01-25-2010, 11:38 AM

It's a great place. We go there frequently, usually spending the Marriott points. there are lots of places in the area that could be cheaper that will be off the ocean a block or so but still within walking distance of the beach.

**Cyclonepride** · 01-25-2010, 11:51 AM

There is absolutely nothing as relaxing as sitting on a balcony in the evening, drinking a few beers, and listening to the sound of the tide.

**azepp** · 01-25-2010, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by CycloneWarning

Sanibel Island and/or Captiva in FL are nice, but pricey.

Went to Captiva with the family in 2008 and we've already booked our trip back this year. We go during the summer to make it more affordable (rates generally drop in June). Yes, it's hot during the day, but sitting under an umbrella with the ocean breeze you won't even notice it.

**Sousaclone** · 01-25-2010, 12:12 PM

What are you looking for in terms of things to do? Maine and Florida both have beachfront property, but I think swimming in Florida is probably the better bet.

My family rents an ocean front house in Pawley's Island, SC every year and depending on where you are on the island there are probably no more than 30 people within 300' of you on the beach. Very laid back atmosphere, great place to either lay in the sun (my sisters) or lay in a hammock and read a book (what I did). About 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach and 1 hr from Charleston.