I need some ideas for affordable!, family friendly and fun beaches along MD, VA or NC.?

Question

We are interested in a house/cottage rental along the east coast for a week long vacation with friends. There are small children involved but no pets. Outer banks is logical but sooo expensive. I know there must be hidden secrets out there but don't know how to find them! We would also consider mountains/ lakes - it doesn't have to be a beach. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I think the Shanadoha Valley in Virgina is really pretty. It is in the Mountains and great for relaxing vacation. However, you might not like being so far away from a major city.

Chincoteague island is also in Virgina and is really nice. It would be hard to find a place on the island, but I would look at the towns near there. It is a National Park, so there is no board walk.

For Boardwalks you have Ocean City Maryland and Virgina beach. These wont really be relaxing places, but there are tons of things for the kids to do.

There are places along the Bay too that are nice, like St. Michaels island. This would also put you near DC, Baltimore and Annapolis (and this would be great if you wanted to see anything in those areas)

I don't know about much when it comes to NC because I live in Maryland and went to college in Maine ( would say my favorite place to vacation on the Eastern United States is Rangeley Maine, Smalls falls is right down the road)

Personally I would go with the Shenandoah Valley, it is looked over alot by tourist but it is a real gem

Answer 2

North Myrtle Beach, SC. Lots of stuff to do, yet one can choose relaxation as well. I can't comment on the Outer Banks, since I've never been there, but M.B. is a helluva lot less expensive than Ocean City, MD. I live in Baltimore, and M.B. is about a ten hour drive.

Answer 3

There is a wonderful place on the NC coast called Oak Island. It is a family-friendly island, and I would highly recommend it. I believe it is fairly reasonably priced.