Places near New York, Boston, Chicago or Washington for a beachy relaxed holiday.

[buttercup12]

Hi,
MIL has very kindly offered us get virgin airmiles for our honeymoon in August. She says the best deal is to fly to one of these airports. I was kind of hoping Mexico or Florida would be in the deal or a virgin holiday but apparently these would be a waste of miles (not sure if this is true!).

So I was thinking we could do a few days in the city and drive elsewhere or even get a super cheap flight somewhere.

Without meaning to sound ungrateful, I'm not in love with this idea. We went to the west coast last summer. Did NY, Cape Cod and Boston 2 years previously. Did Washington 5 years ago. I wanted to go somewhere new, but money is tight as the wedding will cost a lot.

Ideally I would love somewhere warm and beachy. Any ideas?!?

I once asked my US colleagues where they holiday & it seemed South Carolina was their popular beach holiday, I've been meaning to visit since. Could you take an internal flight there from NY or Chicago?
Or how about a holiday on Lake Michigan from Chicago?
Or how about flying to NY or Boston then picking up a cruise? Stopping at Bahamas, Florida etc so you get your beach fix and definitely relaxing.

We have visited South Carolina twice after flying into Washington- some absolutely stunning beaches, but it was a 7-8 hour drive to get there. We also contemplated Virginia Beach which is much closer to Washington DC.

Last summer we did a road trip over a month starting in Washington DC and ending in Orlando. But it was a lot of driving- only do-able because we were going for a month.

I had heard the Carolinas were good. Will have to get googling. I love the idea of a road trip to Florida. You could stop in some interesting places and get a feel of real America.

Thanks for your help!

Outerbanks in N. Carolina. Corolla specifically. Fab family rental accomodation. We go regularly with DH's family who live in USA. Look up Sun Realty. It's a Brit free zone as not that easy to fly in/out of, but worth the effort to get there. Very unspoiled.

I second Virginia Beach- some great rental houses available and a great beach and area has plenty to do

Snakeoil said it first, but the Outer Banks in NC are fantastic. We used to drive down from DC overnight and get there for sunrise . Joe Lamb is another good rental company.

What about Long Island (New york) or Cape Cod (Boston)?

We did Cape Cod from Boston. Stayed in a brilliant guest house / b & b, hired bikes and cycled to fan beaches etc. Was most relaxed beach holiday I've ever had.

Just thought of another option...fly into NY (or better still Newark in New Jersey) and drive south to Cape May, NJ. Nice family beach resort--it's the posh end of the "Jersey Shore".

On long island you could do the hamptons (too posh?) or fire island. Haven't done it myself but I have new York friends who do. Plus it would be fun to have some days in New York City.

Would you consider going inland to a national park or mountains? The Appalachians, the Hudson Valley?

I know you said not Florida, but what about flying to Miami and doing south Florida/the Keys/Bahamas/Cuba?

We did 4 nights in New York and then 7 nights in Long Island a few years ago...was fabulous...v relaxed and v beautiful.

Thanks all! I would consider most things, just want something that is sort of relaxing as it is our honeymoon. I did adore cape cod when we last went. We for 3 days and lost one due to a hurricane. A week there would be nice. Very keen to persue Carolinas, tips on actual resorts were really helpful.

If you do look at the Outer Banks, I recommend Duck as the best place to stay.

buttercup12, a friend of mine has recommended Beaufort & Charleston in South Carolina as stunning.

I've been looking at Cape Cod, can't decide between the different areas, and which would be the best one to stay in as a base?

We stayed at Chatham in Cape Cod and Sandwich. Good old fashioned English names! We stayed in Inns. The one on Sandwich was really old and the one in Chatham was seaside chic. Many glorious beaches and great restaurants. I would consider going North of Boston too.

I have been to Fire Island. We have friends with a house there. Mosquito ridden on the side facing the Long Island shore and big waves on the other. You have to know people and get invited to house parties to get any enjoyment. No cars allowed. You walk everywhere on boardwalks and no-one eats on their decks at night as they are eaten alive. Cannot see the attraction to it myself. No shop either. You have to cart everything across on the ferry. Don't go there! Cape Cod and Nantucket are paradise by comparison.

Upper peninsula of Michigan - beautiful beautiful beautiful beaches and landscape, swimming in the crystal clear Great Lake, lovely food and not too touristy. My Great Aunt has a house in Northport and it's gorgeous around there. Also you could check out Mackinac Island for a really unique experience - a rare place in the USA with almost no cars!

Thankyou, off to look at Inns and Chatham. Will avoid Fire Island!