Best Family Vacations On The East Coast – There’s nothing like digging your feet in the sand and escaping the environment for a few days in the sun.
The southern US states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida boast beautiful islands along the east coast.
Best Family Vacations On The East Coast
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Here are the best islands in the south where your family will find sandy toes, tanned skin and lots of family memories.
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The most famous of the North Carolina islands, the Outer Banks is a long chain of East Coast islands that stretches all the way to Virginia.
Bodie Island (pronounced “the body”) has distinctive horizontal stripes, while the larger Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on Hatteras Island is painted black and white.
The third and smallest is on Funky Ocracoke Island, accessible only by boat. Take a day trip or stay a few days.
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Then, uncover a mystery at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo. Here, the Roanoke Colony disappeared without a trace in the 1600s!
It was also the birthplace of the first Englishmen in the colonies. (Baby Virginia was one of the missing colonists.)
In Kill Devil Hills you will learn about two important brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, inventors of the first successful airplane.
Outer Banks beaches have soft sand perfect for relaxing. The surf can be rough, but that means you can try surfing lessons!
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Access: Most of the Outer Banks are accessible by car, but you’ll need to drive 20-30 miles to get anywhere. Ocracoke is only accessible by boat, but you can choose between a walking boat or a car ferry.
Where to stay on the Outer Banks: I recommend staying in Rodante because it’s between the famous Kill Devil Hills and the ferry to Ocracoke.
In between you will find a wide and flat beach where you can do two things that are almost unheard of these days:
My husband went camping on the beach with his friends a few years ago and it was great! If you want to do the same, head to Freeman Park at the north end of the island, where you’ll find cars lined up and people sitting around the fire.
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If you don’t want to camp on the sand, we have the perfect hotel recommendations for your family trip.
Then, visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to learn more about the animals that make up the coastal Carolina ecosystem.
Accessibility: Carolina Beach is easily accessible by car. As you drive from Wilmington to Carolina Beach, you will see the Sea Breeze Bridge.
Where to park in Carolina Beach: Carolina Avenue runs along the beach at the north end of the island.
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There are several hotels and restaurants on this line, but I recommend the Hampton Inn and Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront.
Not only is the hotel clean and family-friendly, but it’s also right on the beach. It is very easy to get to both ends of the island, as the hotels are the same distance from both ends.
Their motto is “chic with a twist,” and this old-fashioned cottage on this little south Myrtle Beach property has a class all its own.
Our favorite part of the island is the public beach at the southernmost tip of the island. There is free parking, but you’ll want to arrive early to get the best spots.
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With access to this beach, you can enjoy a wonderful family day on the beach or on the beach.
Where to stay on Pawleys Island: There are no major chains on the island, giving it a relaxed and laid-back feel.
We love the location of this house: quiet south end of Pawleys Island, just 1 small road. The entrance to the beach is on the road.
In the past two decades, the Isle of Palms has come into its own as it now has a beautiful provincial park on the beach.
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It has everything you need for a great day at the beach: outdoor showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, snack bars, picnic tables and volleyball courts.
There are also many places to eat and shop along Palm Boulevard, the center of the island.
Coconut Joe’s is a Palm Island restaurant. Ask for a table on the back veranda for ocean views during your visit.
At the northern end of the island is the exclusive Wild Dunes Resort, which includes a golf course and 2 new hotels.
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Access: Connect to Isle of Palms from Mount Pleasant. This bridge has 4 lanes and is easily accessible from the mainland.
Where to stay in Isle of Palms: However, you won’t find high-end hotels or condos here, as IOP is committed to staying local and quaint.
For families visiting the area, I recommend staying at the Wild Dunes Resort, which is close enough to not want to go anywhere, but close to the rest of Iop for those looking for variety.
Unlike Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island has no traffic lights – flashing lights – or hotels.
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However, for such a small space, there are some amazing restaurants along Atlantic Avenue. My favorite is Poe’s Tavern and the beach that attracts the locals.
But be careful and don’t swim too close to the island’s harbor, as cruise ships can create nasty currents.
I recommend paddling anywhere north of Station 22-1/2, as it will keep you out of the creek.
Fort Moultrie National Historic Site is another must-see on the island. Explore more than 200 years of military history here, from the Revolutionary War to World War II.
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My family loves it and it’s one of the best things to do with kids in Charleston SC!
Access: You can get to Sullivan’s Island from Isle of Palms via the Breach Inlet Bridge or from Mount Pleasant via Ben Sawyer Boulevard.
Note that the Ben Sawyer Bridge is a drawbridge and is open from time to time. (This is usually a quick process.)
Where to stay on Sullivan’s Island: There are no hotels, guesthouses, or guesthouses, so you’ll need to find a vacation rental.
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Fortunately, you have a good number to choose from. I recommend renting near the 22-1/2 station because it is within easy walking distance of the beach and the shopping and dining area of ​​Atlantic Avenue.
1851A Flag Street meets all of these criteria and is close to Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse for island charm.
Charleston has great beaches that offer great waves and the Washout is a favorite surfing spot. (Rent a board if you want to catch a wave or two!)
Head to the north end of the island to see shark teeth and see the Morris Island Lighthouse.
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Folly Beach is more developed than Sullivan and Iop, so you have more options for places to stay and eat.
Your family will also love Folly Beach County Park, which has easy beach access, showers, locker rooms, and more.
Where to stay in Folly Beach: You can’t get more central than Tides Folly Beach, our family-friendly recommendation.
It is located on the beach and has many facilities, including a swimming pool, restaurant and bar.
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Edisto Island has bike trails, great shops and hundreds of beach houses.
Unlike other island destinations along the coast of South Carolina, Edisto Island housing is affordable, and since the island’s major development began in the late 1960s , are mostly single families.
There are many amazing things to do for a small island town, including nature-based driving tours, a weekly art market, and a serpentarium!
Check out our complete guide to the best things to do on Edisto Island to plan your stay.
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Access: Edisto Island is a bit remote but easily accessible via a two-lane highway. The Edisto Island Trail is a quick trip through the marsh.
Where to stay on Edisto Island: Because of the beauty of the island, chain hotels are not an option. You want to rent a beach house for your vacation – and plan ahead as they book up fast.
My husband’s family rents a private beach house in Edisto every summer, so I stay in several rentals there.
I highly recommend checking out this resort as it is off the main road which is great for families with small children.
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Kiawah Island is famous for its golf course and was the site of the 2011 US Open. It is open, making it an easy choice for families who want to get together.
Even if you don’t like golf, I recommend this golf course
