Beach stop on way back to Ohio?

[gasman61]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this request, so sorry if it needs to be moved. Anyhow, I would like to shorten the 18 hr drive we have back to NW Ohio by breaking up the trip into 2 days. I am looking for a beach about 5-7 hrs away from Orlando. From the map, it looks like Charleston, SC is the right distance. However, I am completely open for any suggestions.

I am traveling with my college aged son, daughter, and 2 of their friends, so there will be 5 of us needing a room for just 1 night. We'll probably not arrive until around 9 or 10pm, so we'll really just be spending a few hours at the beach in the morning before the rest of our drive.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Karen

 

[DsnyMama]

I live in SC and Charleston is *beautiful* I'm about 3 hours N of charleston and our entire drive is about 9 hours, so yeah - Charleston is around 6hrs from Orlando! It's very beautiful, but beachfront tends to be quite pricey. Hilton Head is a little S of Charleston and also gorgeous!! Disney has a resort in Hilton Head if that interests you! We are staying there next year for our summer beach trip. Make sure you enjoy some a good low country crab boil!

 

[MND]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this request, so sorry if it needs to be moved. Anyhow, I would like to shorten the 18 hr drive we have back to NW Ohio by breaking up the trip into 2 days. I am looking for a beach about 5-7 hrs away from Orlando. From the map, it looks like Charleston, SC is the right distance. However, I am completely open for any suggestions.

I am traveling with my college aged son, daughter, and 2 of their friends, so there will be 5 of us needing a room for just 1 night. We'll probably not arrive until around 9 or 10pm, so we'll really just be spending a few hours at the beach in the morning before the rest of our drive.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Karen

Jekyll Island, Georgia is beautiful. It is about 4 hours north of Orlando.

 

[minnierocks]

We drive from Ohio as well...keep in mind that when driving, the route takes I-95N to I-26W so you will be adding drive time to go to Charleston. The most northern beach that is still on the driving route is probably Tybee Island, GA or Hilton Head, SC. It will still add a little bit of time...you could use mapquest to see just how much.
We have been to both beaches and we personally like Tybee better than Hilton Head. Since you are only spending a small amount of time there and will likely be spending all your time at the beach, then I think either one will do. Both were nice beaches. Hilton Head will be easier to access from the highway. To get to Tybee Island, you will be driving through Savannah to get there.

 

[Kate and Family]

We drive from Ohio as well...keep in mind that when driving, the route takes I-95N to I-26W so you will be adding drive time to go to Charleston. The most northern beach that is still on the driving route is probably Tybee Island, GA or Hilton Head, SC. It will still add a little bit of time...you could use mapquest to see just how much.
We have been to both beaches and we personally like Tybee better than Hilton Head. Since you are only spending a small amount of time there and will likely be spending all your time at the beach, then I think either one will do. Both were nice beaches. Hilton Head will be easier to access from the highway. To get to Tybee Island, you will be driving through Savannah to get there.

I live in Charleston and love it here. However, I agree that it will add to your driving time as Charleston is off the beaten path. (We like to think that you come TO Charleston not THROUGH Charleston). I think Hilton Head would be a good choice - although if you are looking for a less resort and more local feel, then you would be better off at Folly Beach (Charleston) or possibly Tybee (I cannot say for Tybee)
So.. if you just want to break up the trip with a little surf time - Hilton Head. If you also want to scope out places for future visits - come to Charleston! You will be amazed at how many of your Ohio neighbors have relocated here.

 

[madcat]

Hi! I live in Beaufort S.C. (Hilton Head is part of Beaufort County). The beach in Beaufort is a state park, Hunting Island. I would like to say visit but the erosion has been really bad. There is a lighthouse though. Hilton Head has a beautiful (public beach you dont have to pay to visit) with a lot of shops and eatery type places near by (walking distance). Tybee Island has a great beach too. Enjoy your visit! also if you choose Hilton Head there are a lot of resorts that are right on the beach, which is wonderful to wake up to! Check hotel booking sites to get the best rate at these places as they can get a little pricy but good rates are out there.