Just about every state in the U.S. has a beach. It may be on the ocean, or it might be near a lake or bay, or on an island.

South Carolina is one place you can visit in the summer. It’s about 10 degrees cooler in S.C. than in Florida on average, which is more comfortable for some people. Other locations also provide less-hot beach vacation options, such as Wisconsin. On the other hand, you may want it hot enough if you need a break from the winter weather where you live.

It depends on the time of year when you decide to travel. Planning the best beach vacation may also depend on how crowded or secluded a destination you prefer.

Here are three destinations you could consider to have the best beach vacation.

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

One of the less-talked-about advantages of a beach vacation refers to seafood lovers. They can enjoy their favorite saltwater cuisine at sunset near the ocean. The area around the Hotel Blue and Ocean Creek Resort offers this ideal of both worlds – and more.

hotel BLUE

The Hotel BlueIf you like to swim, you can choose a place near the pool. Other amenities on the property include a cafe, children’s water park, and a swim-up pool bar.

If you’re on a quest for seafood, you can try Captain Benjamin, Captain George’s or Seafood World. Aside from that, there’s plenty of space to sit on the deck when you want a break from the water and catch some sun.

You are also close enough to walk along the beach if you prefer.

Keep in mind that SC has more of a fall and winter than Florida has. Remember that when deciding on this as a destination. The further south you travel, that’s how much warmer it would be in this state.

Even in the winter, however, you would not have a shortage of conveniences. Most units have Wi-Fi, a kitchen or microwave, or a refrigerator. They’re also close to cinemas, live entertainment, and shops or restaurants.

Book a suite that sleeps a maximum of eight people. The Hotel Blue offers a variety of one- and two-bedroom units, some of which are available year-round.

Ocean Creek Resort

To fully appreciate Ocean Creek Resort, you may want to come toward the middle of the summer. That’s when you would most feel like splashing around in the pool or ocean waters.

Otherwise, sit on the sand or by the pool deck and have a beverage. Maybe order some food as well, or walk to the nearby shops and catch an evening show.

Additional activities you could partake in may include boating or fishing. Watch for designated areas for these, as well as kayaking or scuba diving.

Near Ocean Creek, you also have the luxury of spending time at the Pine Lakes International Country Club. Otherwise, try out one of the other dozens of golf courses found along Myrtle Beach.

Regarding the Ocean Creek Resort properties, some of the one or two bedrooms sleep up to eight people. Keep that in mind before you book your unit. There’s plenty of space for small groups.

By the way, some of the same seafood restaurants near Hotel Blue are also found near Ocean Creek properties. Enjoy.

2. Bokeelia, Florida (Cayo Costa State Park)

Cayo Costa State Park offers one of the most secluded places to spend time on the beach in Florida. You can only make it there on a private boat or the local Captiva Cruises ferry.

It’s worth the effort to travel here if you intend to spend time snorkeling, swimming – or just want to appreciate the area’s beauty.

One of the places you can stay near this state park is the Boca Grand Hotel. This one boasts an “island-style” feel, and it has an on-site pool and bar, public Wi-Fi, and non-smoking rooms.

Here is one place to go if you “truly” want to be on vacation. They offer daily housekeeping. In addition, they have a guest laundromat and the possibility of baggage holding. Beach loungers are also provided.

You will find a boat dock within three miles of the Boca Grand Hotel. Alternate transportation options include bike or golf cart rentals.

The Boca Grand hotel is highly recommended. However, you will have to drive about two hours from it to make it to the Captiva ferry.

You could consider closer accommodation. For instance, you could book a hotel near Fort Myers Beach. It’s only 44 minutes from the ferry.

3. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Cumberland Island, Georgia, offers a unique blend of beach access and…horses, surprisingly.

You can’t travel directly to Cumberland, however. It may take some creativity to make it there, such as driving around Kings Bay Base for a while.

One of the closest hotels near this island is the Holiday Inn Express. If you think trying to make it to Cumberland Island isn’t worth the hassle, you could instead make Kings Bay Base your destination.

Either way, you will have access to either coastal land or a view of the bay near the Naval base. This may be more for historical sightseeing than sitting by the beach. Still, you have plenty of photo opportunities.

Several pools are located nearby both Kings Bay Base and Cumberland Island as well. If you’re determined to make it to Cumberland Island, you may find it’s worth the effort after all.

Aside from feral horses, animals living on Cumberland Island include sea turtles, alligators, and armadillos. Perhaps spend time browsing for a place closest to this location if you have your heart set on visiting this shore area.

If you’re not sure where to go near this location, perhaps contact the Georgia National Park Service. There’s always camping if you can’t find a hotel close enough.

Other Beach Suggestions

Some people prefer to camp or find a hotel near the Great Lakes in the northern Midwest. For instance, Wisconsin and Michigan have plenty of spots where you can fish and boat. There are also thousands of lakes and inlets where you can stay, especially in the summer, such as ones in Door County.

Otherwise, you may decide you want to travel to the East Coast. Maine, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are some eastern states that offer beach accommodations.

Which Beach Trip Will You Take?

With so many great beach destinations throughout the US, it can be tough to narrow it down. Although we personally think the East Coast can provide the best bang for your buck and some unassuming beach destinations that you and your family will want to visit year after year.

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