East COast Vacation Ideas

[luvsvacations]

HI, I am looking for a possibly vacation destination that is around a 10 hr driver from the Detroit area. Would like a nice beach and things to do. This would be a group of 4-5 women - various ages. Would prefer not to drive thru mountains to get there. There are just so many cities along the coast - just need a starting point I guess. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

[starwart]

You can look at Cape May New Jersey. It's close to Atlantic City and also you can take a ferry from Cape May to go to Rehoboth Delaware and Maryland for more fun in the sun (plus tax free shopping in Delaware).

 

[luvsvacations]

I will definately take a look at this - thanks

 

[Marionnette]

Atlantic City, NJ is about 11 hours away from Detroit but I think that you would need to take I-80 through the Alleghenies and Poconos to make it in that amount of time. Cape May would be an even longer drive but you can go south of the Poconos through Philly to get there. I don't think that you would be able to avoid the Allegheny Mountains if you're traveling from Detroit to the East.

 

[luvsvacations]

Thanks for the info

 

[Rose23]

Don't think you can get from Michigan to coast without driving through some type of mountains (Poconos, Allegheny, Great Smoky Mountains).

 

[artesian]

You can look at Cape May New Jersey. It's close to Atlantic City and also you can take a ferry from Cape May to go to Rehoboth Delaware and Maryland for more fun in the sun (plus tax free shopping in Delaware).

First thing that popped into my head was this. As mentioned you can get a variety of different shore choice. Add in Wildwood to this mix for the authenticate boardwalk experience

 

[mjkacmom]

First thing that popped into my head was this. As mentioned you can get a variety of different shore choice. Add in Wildwood to this mix for the authenticate boardwalk experience

Third vote for Cape May - lots to do in the area! I personally do not like AC, although it's certainly good for a day trip from Cape May.

 

[luvsvacations]

Can you tell me what Wildwood is??

 

[eliza61]

Can you tell me what Wildwood is??

Wildwood NJ is another beach town on the Jersey shore. Cape May is the furthers point south.

LOL. Wildwood has absolutely the widest beaches known to God, Seriously you will walk a good ways from the boardwalk to the beach.

Wildwood is a bit more "livelier" than Cape May. college kids galore go there. FYI: Wildwood is the only "free" beach in southern NJ (If I remember correctly) All the other beaches you guys will have to buy beach tags.

I love cape May. the Victorian buildings, great restaurants etc. Wildwood has an amusement park though and probably a better night life.

 

[Brittmarie04]

Rehoboth beach. We go here every year very fun. Huge boardwalk with lots of shops and restaurants. Tax free shopping outlets 2/3 miles up the road. Look into it

 

[mommymeg]

Can you tell me what Wildwood is??

. There are several towns along the South Jersey Shore that are great in their own way. I think it depends on the ages and interests of the women in your group. Wildwood has a younger, more exciting crowd. Free beach, bars on the boardwalk, tons of rides and games. Wildwood Crest is a nice place to stay that is a little more quiet while still having the convenience of getting to the action quick by trolley if you like. Ocean City is another option. This is a 'dry' town. No bars or alcohol sold on the island at all, but you can surely bring it in if you like. Nice boardwalk with mostly families. Rides and shops and a nice downtown shopping district as well. Beach tags required. Sea Isle City is a popular choice for some adults. Good restaurants, several nice clubs, promenade of shopping, lots of live entertainment. Beach tags required. Cape May is furthest south and is lovely. Very laid back. Beautiful homes, good food and not so fast pace.

Keep in mind wherever you stay, all of these towns are within a 45 minute drive of each other so you could visit one even if staying in another. My family (DH and 3 kids) prefer Sea Isle for the actual beach (less crowded) and Ocean City for the Boardwalk, entertainment and food.

 

[luvsvacations]

Thanks for the info. We dont need night life or craziness. Just looking for a beach - nice city to walk around in and do a little shopping.

 

[eliza61]

Thanks for the info. We dont need night life or craziness. Just looking for a beach - nice city to walk around in and do a little shopping.

so my vote would be Ocean city NJ or Cape May. My favorite is Cape May as it's so darn pretty and very walkable.

As mommymeg pointed out these towns are basically on a straight line down the Jersy coast line. So no matter what town you pick don't be afraid to get in the car and hop to another town. They are not far from one another. For example from Cape May to Atlantic City is a 35 minute drive (two fartherst cities apart) so even if you guys wanted to visit the outlets at AC or take in a show one night at the Casinos (lots of fun, I live in SJ and we do it very easily) or simply see another town, it's not difficult at all.
Probably the biggest problem in the summer with any shore town area is the traffic but a little preplanning and that's very easy to navigate.
Cape May has tons of "Boutique" type shopping which of course means you will find very unique stuff but they won't be what I call a bargain. AC has the Prime outlets. Great shopping there.

 

[Marionnette]

I would also add that if you are looking for a summer rental, you should begin looking now. Many people who vacation every year at the shore make their reservations for the following summer when they leave the shore. Others will begin their hunt in late Jan. or early Feb. If you start early, you will have your pick of townhouses and condos at a reasonable price. As time goes by, the better, more affordable place will be snapped up and you could end up with an over-priced place with a less-desirable location.

 

[luvsvacations]

Thank you that is all very helpful information - I will definately start looking. Any suggestions for reasonable accommodations.

 

[Brittmarie04]

Thank you that is all very helpful information - I will definately start looking. Any suggestions for reasonable accommodations.

If your interested in rehoboth beach, check out jacklingo.com lots of cute houses/cottages that are right near boardwalk or a block away. We rent from jack lingo every year

 

[Marionnette]

Thank you that is all very helpful information - I will definately start looking. Any suggestions for reasonable accommodations.

So much will depend on what you want from a vacation rental. Such as distance from the beach and boardwalk, off-street or garage parking, number of bedrooms and baths, whether you want access to a pool or not, condo or townhouse or cottage. It will also depend a lot on what you consider to be a reasonable price. Shore rentals in this area are not cheap. The owners try to make as much as they can during their short summer season.

 

[eliza61]

So much will depend on what you want from a vacation rental. Such as distance from the beach and boardwalk, off-street or garage parking, number of bedrooms and baths, whether you want access to a pool or not, condo or townhouse or cottage. It will also depend a lot on what you consider to be a reasonable price. Shore rentals in this area are not cheap. The owners try to make as much as they can during their short summer season.

LOL to illustrate how much the prices have jump marionnette, when my dh and I were first dating 30years ago a friend of his was from dewey beach., right next to Rehobeth. His mom and dad were from Italy and they brought a place right on the beach, had an italian restuarant on the bottom and rented the top two floors as condos.

Well it was a dump!! In my mind I was planning on dumping my then boyfriend the nanosecond we got back to Philly. way to go to impress a gal. anyhoo fast forward 30 years to last summer. Our friends parents have long since past on and they were wondering what to do with the place. neither him nor us brother lived in Dewey or continued to go very often so they didn't want the hassle.

Sold it for 2 million bucks The man almost had coronery heart failure. The buyer said he had no interest in the building but wanted it for the primo location. It was right on the beach. His brother lives in California and got mad because he told the buyer he'd have to "get back to him" after he spoke with his brother. LOL. said his brother was screaming into the phone "sign the papers, sign the paper, sign the papers" before the dude changes his mind.

prices on the beach have skyrocketed!!

 

[njmom47]

I'm in agreement with the others (although - or maybe BECAUSE - I live near "Shore towns" in the Monmouth/Ocean county area ). I have visited Wildwood and Cape May, and have taken the ferry to Delaware. I've also shopped in Rehoboth Beach and in AC at the outlets (and you don't pay tax on clothing in NJ either). Wildwood does have the widest beaches!! Free! And rentals go quickly so I would jump on that as well.

All great advice from the "Jersey Girls"

ETA I've seen people on here use VRBO; they do have listings for Wildwood....