It is a beautiful day here in the middle of nowhere. It was 41 degrees when I woke up this morning. I know for most people that is far too cold for July, but it was well welcomed by me. After the soaring temperatures and 91% humidity we have had for the past few weeks, I am happy to have a break. I even turned off my AC and slept with the window open last night -- it was AMAZING! All of the fresh air I inhaled while sleeping has my wanderlust kicking in and I am itching for a trip to the beach. Now the question is not only when, but where? Check out my top five east-coast picks...
5. Hampton Beach, NH
If you are looking for a quiet place to escape to, I highly suggest this cozy spot on the coast of New Hampshire. This is by far one of the cleanest beaches I have ever been to, but even better than that -- you can go horseback riding along the beach! They have a bunch of fun events, including a sand sculpture event that people travel across the country to witness. If you enjoy small-town charm, then this is the spot for you! Extra perk: It is rather close to Maine if you want to make your way up the coast.
4. Stone Harbor, NJ
Another quiet beach escape, Stone Harbor is the place to go to kick back and relax. My normal routine: Beach all day, then hit the shops. Aside from being beautiful, Stone Harbor has a ton of cute little shops that I could wander in and out of for days. While you are there, be sure to grab some ice cream from one of the many yummy shops like Bonnie's Toppings or Springer's. Check out the Vacation Guide for more things to do!
3. Hilton Head Island, SC
[ image linked to source, hiltonheadisland.com ]
So you are looking for quiet and relaxing, but fun and exciting too? Don't worry, I am a "want-it-all" girl too. Give HHI a shot! Beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and fun outdoorsy activities -- HHI is lacking nothing. Check out the planning guide ahead of time because there is A LOT to do & see! I also highly recommend spending a day in Savannah since it is so close by (less than an hour away...just don't do it on the hottest day of your vacation because the humidity alone will make you regret it).
2. Myrtle Beach, SC
[ image linked to source, visitmyrtlebeach.com ]
Check out Myrtle Beach for some fun in the sun & hopping night life. Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach or catch some waves to cool off, then get all dolled up and hit Broadway at the Beach. Spend a day at Brookgreen Gardens and take in the blooming beauty and breathtaking sculpture. Need a break from the heat? My personal favorite go-to for a break or on a rainy day is the Coastal Grand Mall. There is no lack of activities to keep you from being bored, just check out the visitor's guide!
1. Seaside Park, NJ
[ image linked to source, seasideparkonline.com ]
Seaside is by far my favorite beach to visit; I have been going there since before I was born (as was my Mom & her parents). Disclaimer: It isn't actually like that crap you see on TV. While there are clubs back on the Boulevard, it is a primarily family-oriented beach (though it does get a little rowdier the farther into the Heights you travel...which is why I prefer the Park). Spend your day on the beach and walk the boardwalk at night. I always enjoy planning trips during firework Wednesday in July & August, and also during the many festivals throughout the year (Seafood Fest is my favorite). The boardwalk has some of the best food around (Three Brothers Pizza, Kohr's, Polish Water Ice, Kuppers Fries), and be sure to pick up some fudge & candies from Biscayne Candies or Berkeley Sweet Shop before you head out of town.
I don't know about you, but I am more than ready for a day of sand, salt & sun!
5. Hampton Beach, NH
[ image linked to source, hamptonbeach.org ]
If you are looking for a quiet place to escape to, I highly suggest this cozy spot on the coast of New Hampshire. This is by far one of the cleanest beaches I have ever been to, but even better than that -- you can go horseback riding along the beach! They have a bunch of fun events, including a sand sculpture event that people travel across the country to witness. If you enjoy small-town charm, then this is the spot for you! Extra perk: It is rather close to Maine if you want to make your way up the coast.
4. Stone Harbor, NJ
[ © Christoper Dolan, image linked ]
Another quiet beach escape, Stone Harbor is the place to go to kick back and relax. My normal routine: Beach all day, then hit the shops. Aside from being beautiful, Stone Harbor has a ton of cute little shops that I could wander in and out of for days. While you are there, be sure to grab some ice cream from one of the many yummy shops like Bonnie's Toppings or Springer's. Check out the Vacation Guide for more things to do!
3. Hilton Head Island, SC
[ image linked to source, hiltonheadisland.com ]
So you are looking for quiet and relaxing, but fun and exciting too? Don't worry, I am a "want-it-all" girl too. Give HHI a shot! Beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and fun outdoorsy activities -- HHI is lacking nothing. Check out the planning guide ahead of time because there is A LOT to do & see! I also highly recommend spending a day in Savannah since it is so close by (less than an hour away...just don't do it on the hottest day of your vacation because the humidity alone will make you regret it).
2. Myrtle Beach, SC
[ image linked to source, visitmyrtlebeach.com ]
Check out Myrtle Beach for some fun in the sun & hopping night life. Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach or catch some waves to cool off, then get all dolled up and hit Broadway at the Beach. Spend a day at Brookgreen Gardens and take in the blooming beauty and breathtaking sculpture. Need a break from the heat? My personal favorite go-to for a break or on a rainy day is the Coastal Grand Mall. There is no lack of activities to keep you from being bored, just check out the visitor's guide!
1. Seaside Park, NJ
[ image linked to source, seasideparkonline.com ]
Seaside is by far my favorite beach to visit; I have been going there since before I was born (as was my Mom & her parents). Disclaimer: It isn't actually like that crap you see on TV. While there are clubs back on the Boulevard, it is a primarily family-oriented beach (though it does get a little rowdier the farther into the Heights you travel...which is why I prefer the Park). Spend your day on the beach and walk the boardwalk at night. I always enjoy planning trips during firework Wednesday in July & August, and also during the many festivals throughout the year (Seafood Fest is my favorite). The boardwalk has some of the best food around (Three Brothers Pizza, Kohr's, Polish Water Ice, Kuppers Fries), and be sure to pick up some fudge & candies from Biscayne Candies or Berkeley Sweet Shop before you head out of town.
I don't know about you, but I am more than ready for a day of sand, salt & sun!
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