Beach honeymoon in the states? - YouLookFab Forum

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Beach honeymoon in the states?

marianna

Veteran

We're finally planning a honeymoon/summer vacation, and I'd love some tips on where to go! I haven't traveled in a while so I'm not sure where to begin. We probably need to stay in the states to keep it budget friendly, and we want to drive if possible (from Chicago).

Our only real requirement is that we want to be near the beach... and we're not party people so we don't want to be in a really party-centric area.

Anyone have any tips for nice relaxing resorts near the water in the USA?

Thanks!

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah A

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

A bit of a drive from Chicago. But Charleston, SC is nice. Also there's some island near Savannah, GA that supposedly nice.

marianna

Veteran

Anna, we were actually looking at Charleston! Looks really nice.

Kristin L

Veteran

@Annagybe - Tybee Island!

I went to Tybee when a long while back, but I remember it being pretty fun. It's a fairly upscale area. I think it's less of party area.

Another beach is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. My BF and went on vacation there a few years ago and we really enjoyed it.

elpgal

Veteran

It's a long drive but Key West and Cape May are my favorite beach spots.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

It's a long drive, but I recommend Marconi Beach:

http://www.nps.gov/caco/planyo.....-beach.htm
http://www.yelp.com/biz/marconi-beach-wellfleet

I've been to a lot of beautiful beaches, but I will never forget the spectacular beauty of Marconi Beach and the Cape Cod area in general. Marconi Beach literally took my breath away. I loved the drive up the Cape to get there too...so pretty and beautiful.

I looked it up - it it would be a full two day's drive there (and back) so maybe not the most practical option. Ack!

Just for the record, I also looked up Naples, FLA ...but it's also a good distance from Chicago. If there's some way to get to Naples - then this would be at the top of my recommendations for a romantic beach holiday. I think Naples is one of the nicest spots in Florida - well worth the trip, imo. If you happened to choose Naples, FLA, you could whip up to Orlando in your car mid-week for a blast of fun at DisneyWorld and see the other tacky (but fun) sights in Orlando. Go back down to Naples and carry on with your romantic vacation. The nearest airport to Naples is Fort Meyers, which is only about 20-30 minutes drive to Naples, if you were to consider flying instead of driving.

Here's hoping others can chime in with some fab options that are a little bit closer. I wish I knew of beautiful honeymoon destinations within a reasonble driving distance of Chicago - but alas, I don't have much to offer since I haven't been to Chicago yet, and don't know what's nearby.

Looking foward to hearing what you choose for your well-deserved and long-overdue honeymoon.

Anonymous

Edisto State Beach is just a short distance from Charleston.
http://southcarolinaparks.com/.....ction.aspx
We camped in a tent on the sand and had the best shrimp ever here. Not a fancy place but it's an easy drive into Charleston.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree that coastal GA is really nice (my sister lives down there), as is Charleston. I also liked Sanibel, Florida.

However, I'm wondering when you are planning on traveling and what your tolerance is for hot and humid weather, because everything in the south coastal areas (from here in MD on down) can be awfully muggy and uncomfortable in the summer.

If I were going away to a beach in the summer, I'd probably go for a more northern or western destination. Maine is fantastic in the summer, and I havr not been to Cape Cod or Nantucket but I hear nice things about them. Also, I love the northern California and Oregon coast, especially Oregon. And for a non-ocean destination quite a bit closer to you, I really enjoyed the upper peninsula of Michigan.

pil

Veteran

Definitely within driving distance from Chicago....Sleeping Bear Dunes....though maybe you have already been.

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/b.....38%2Cd.aWc

Echo

Veteran

Well, Florida is a heck of a drive, but the barrier island off the Gulf side has gorgeous beaches. Some are more "party" than others, although we have stayed at very quiet resorts right on the water. It also depend on the time you go (which is true for anywhere).

Kiawah Beach off the coast of South Carolina ranks as the second most romantic beach in the US. It is also a very short distance from Charleston, so you could have your romantic get-away and still visit civilization and do city things, too.
http://www.discoversouthcaroli.....sland.aspx

Hilton Head Island is bigger and may offer more:
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/

Just keep in mind the kind of beach you are looking for. The Atlantic-side beaches are a little... rougher, than, say, the Gulf side beaches. If you are looking for powder-fine white sand and a picturesque setting, the Gulf is where you want to be - the barrier islands in FL, Galveston Island, coastal GA, etc.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Wisconsin and the UP are very nice in the summer and of course quite near Chicago, but its more of a woodsy camping vibe (although there are some lovely resorts too). If you want more of a typical lie on the beach all day vibe I would agree with the others that you want to head south to Florida or South Carolina. Minnesota's a possibility too, if a lake would suit you - I haven't been in that area in years but I remember a lot of low key summer vacation options. The west coast is fabulous but its quite a drive, and if you wanted the warm beach experience you'd need to head to Southern California, which pretty much means lots of people no matter where you go.

marianna

Veteran

Thanks for all the input! I looked into all the options and so far am leaning towards Charleston, SC, specially Wild Dunes resort in Isle of Palm! Looks beautiful.

Debora

Veteran

Ahhhh, fond memories of Charleston! My hubby and I spent a weekend there when I was 6 months pregnant with DD - 29 years ago! It's a romantic city. Best of luck to you, Marianna!

Susie

Veteran

It is true that it will be very hot in the summer but Wild Dunes is wonderful and Charleston is one of my favorite cities...I got married there!

Wild Dunes is a lovely property with a great array of activities and lodging options. We rented a very nice condo through VRBO.

There is so much to see and do in Charleston and it's only a 20-30 minute drive from Isle of Palms.

Sarah A

Veteran

For our honeymoon 7 years ago we stayed 1/2 the time in Charleston downtownish at the Elliot House B&B then the other 1/2 at Wild Dunes Resort. Would recommend both locales, although the rooms at Elliot House we somewhat small they were nicely appointed and they had free Beach Cruiser Bicycles for exploring the city on!

ETA: I'd recommend the Charleston area for a fun trip!