Lazy Days of Summer: 3 Top East Coast Beach Vacations

Even with living in a year-round tropical paradise, I grew up in the Mid West where summer trips to the beach were a highlight. Memories of summers on the Jersey Shore still to this day conjure up childhood experiences and stir up the senses. There is something about a beach escape that immediately puts me in “vacation mode”.

Three top beach vacations on the East Coast of the United States I recommend for families, singles, and couples include the following:

Ocean City, New Jersey: Ocean City is a “dry” town still today and provides a very family-friendly atmosphere. Its beach is wide and has some surf for boogie boarding. The Boardwalk is a “must do” for kids and adults of all ages during the day and night. There are rides for all ages and of course, the typical beach snack food including its famous fudge and salt water taffy. My favorite way to experience Ocean City is staying at a bed and breakfast, and yes, some do allow children. Just across the bridge into Somers Point is one of my favorite Jersey restaurants, the Crab Trap.

Nags Head, North Carolina: I discovered the Outer Banks as an adult and this is another beach destination that I look forward to sharing with my children. There is no entertainment venue here such as the Jersey Boardwalk scene, but the amazing beaches, wildlife, history, and excursions put the Outer Banks on the map. Again, this is not my choice for a hotel beach stay, rather it is set up for house rentals. These accommodations allow for large groups. The ability to cook together is one of my favorite aspects of an Outer Banks beach escape, not to say there are not some good local seafood joints too. I recommend a tour of the plentiful lighthouses and for those with an adventurous spirit, try hang gliding!

Miami Beach, Florida: This Florida hot spot definitely caters to those wanting a little more flare and excitement. The one thing that surprised me about Miami Beach is the size of the beach itself in terms of depth…regardless of how many people are there, I have never felt crowded. The water clarity and color is much more of the tropical feel compared to other beach locales North of this great beach spot. This is one beach town that has amazing hotels to choose from…one of my favorites is the Lowes Hotel. For those wanting a more South Beach feel, try an art deco hotel such as The Leslie. You can not beat the night life on South Beach with many salsa type clubs along Ocean Avenue and Miami’s Cuban cuisine is something I crave after leaving. Larios on the Beach, owned by Gloria Estefan’s is one establishment that I have frequented on multiple occasions. For shopping, I recommend driving over to Lincoln Road, which is another unique location.

Of course there are other great beach escapes up and down the Eastern coast that all have its own attributes including the Hamptons, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Amelia Island and others. Whatever your favorite U.S. beach destination, just go away, step back into your childhood, and soak up the rays (don’t forget the sunscreen)!