Families are hastily planning their summer vacations with only a couple of weeks left in the school year. One of the most popular tourist spots for summertime is a beach. Whether internationally or locally here in Virginia, the beach is a hot spot for families all over. It might be hard for families to go out of the country or even travel to the West Coast, so here are the top five beaches for this year’s endless summer on the East Coast.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks (known affectionately as OBX by beachgoers) has seen a boost in its popularity since the show’s premiere, “Outer Banks.” The first episode aired on April 15th, 2020, and since then, the Outer Banks Visitor Bureau traffic has risen by 61 percent, and for a good reason. OBX is a beautiful place filled with tons of things to do for everyone, like lighthouses, aquariums, and many piers to visit throughout the day. OBX is possibly one of the best beaches for summer vacation, and with plenty of activities to do, no one will get bored.
The Jersey Shore, New Jersey
The Outer Banks isn’t the only beach that got more popular after a television show. On Dec. 3rd, 2009, the first episode of the hit reality show “Jersey Shore” aired on television. While the Jersey Shore may not be as laid back as some other beaches, it’s still one of the best vacation spots. From the boardwalks to Six Flags, there is always something to do there. It might not be the perfect destination for a family getaway because of the loud, partying-going activities, but it is definitely loved by the younger generation.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Similar to OBX, Bald Head is one of the top beaches to go to in North Carolina. While it might not be as popular, it takes the third spot on the list. Bald Head is home to one of the state’s oldest (and prettiest) lighthouses, Old Baldy. Overall, it is a gorgeous place to visit this summer, especially if you like to learn about the island’s history and take amazing pictures all over Bald Head.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
If people aren’t looking for a long drive or flight away, then Virginia Beach is the place to go. One of the most popular and worthwhile places to visit is the Virginia Beach Aquarium. From boat tours to Virtual Reality Pods, it’s somewhere that families can enjoy during their stay. The lively and thrilling environment that comes from the overall area boosts visitor’s moods throughout their stay. Whether your trip is long or short, VA Beach is definitely worth the visit.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you’re looking for beautiful boardwalks with the smell of the ocean in the air, Myrtle Beach is the place to be. Broadway at the Beach, known as “South Carolina’s favorite travel destination,” according to Broadway at the Beach’s website, is probably one of the best places to visit when at Myrtle. With over 350 acres of shopping and much more, it is a must-go when visiting Myrtle.
While these aren’t all of the beaches that you should visit, these five are worth the drive and money. Even if you or your family aren’t beach people or you just want to go somewhere for pictures, these five beaches are definitely worth your time (and iPhone storage). Honorable mentions go to Atlantic City, New Jersey; Ocean City, Maryland; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Nags Head, North Carolina; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
