NORTHEAST
YORK, MAINE: Rugged coastline, cool water and hot lobsters all give charm to this historic Down East seaport. Call 207-363-4422.WELLFLEET, MASSACHUSETTS: Cape Cod at its best: rugged ocean beaches, gentle swimming on the bay, freshwater ponds for an after-beach dip--even a drive-in movie theater. Call 508-349-2510.
BLOCK ISLAND, RHODE ISLAND: You don't need a car to enjoy this picturesque retreat off the Rhode Island coast--just a bicycle, bathing suits and beachcomber's bag. Call 800-383-2474.
SOUTH
LEWES, DELAWARE: Surfside action combines with in-town tranquility to give this seaport on the Delmarva Peninsula its easygoing charm. Call 302-645-8073.CHINCOTEAGUE, VIRGINIA: Here you can revel in the carnival excitement of seaside amusements--or admire the pristine beaches and wild ponies of nearby Assateague Island. Call 757-336-6161.
BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA: The pirate Blackbeard is gone, but the wild beauty of North Carolina's barrier islands remains. Begin your explorations from this historic fishing village. Call 800-786-6962.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA: In this secluded beach town, dinner means choosing between eating out or gathering a bucket of oysters and clams from the marsh at Masonboro Sound. Call 800-232-2469.
VERO BEACH, FLORIDA: Divided by the Indian River, Vero Beach serves up family lodging and restaurants on the mainland side and, on the ocean side, beaches as far as you can see. Call 772-567-3491.
GRAYTON BEACH, FLORIDA: This laid-back and cordial community is classic Florida: sugar-white dunes, whispering sea oats and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Call 800-822-6877.
TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA: With its yucca-covered dunes and weathered summer cottages, Tybee Island is an unpretentious summer community where kids still ride bikes everywhere and no one wears shoes. Call 912-786-5444.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in May 1997. Updated February 2005.
