Do you consider hiking a recreational activity? Do you agree that scenery adds value to a hike? |
| Florida has the best beaches, if you want to actually swim in addition to just be in the sun on the beach. And I could not even pick one because there are so many gorgeous ones both on west and east coast and panhandle. The water is like taking the most comfortable bath, and stunning shades of blue. There are beautiful, rugged beaches on the West coast but that is very different and more for fresh air, walks by the seaside. If you love Brittany beaches, then Maine or northern Cal will be your speed. |
Are we only counting states and not US territories? Caribbean is 3.5 hour flight from DMV with world class swim/snorkel/surf/etc beaches. If states only, we very much prefer Hawaii beaches to Florida. If I'm in DMV area, the distance to Hawaii isn't great, but again the Caribbean is right there. I get it if you need something driving distance for a long weekend with kids. Absent those constraints, Florida or anywhere in the east coast is a distant option from what else is available. |
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Ocracoke in NC is really cute.
Chincoteague in VA eastern shore charming and small. |
| If you're willing to venture further, Isle of Palms, Kiawah, Sullivan's Island in South Carolina area also really charming. Also close to Charleston for great restaurants. |
DP Hiking isn’t a traditional beach activity, and therein lies the great east coast west coast divide. Ever been to the OCMD marina—particularly during the White Marlin fishing event? It draws folks from around the world including millionaires and celebs. The midatlantic coast still has amazing water sports and beach related activities, but nobody comes here to hike. Swim, surf, fish, kite board, kayak, etc. It’s a draw for cyclists as well. We have marshlands and waterfowl that are amazing. CA has beautiful areas and the Pacific Northwest has some as well, but they aren’t the same vibe. Anyway, as a lifelong Marylander, I think St. Michael’s encapsulates the quintessential eastern shore town. |
Yes, but I'm speaking to OPs original topic, the aesthetic and scenery are the focal point for an OP coming from France, not so much variety and kind of recreational activities. Swimming is cooler on the west - I don't prefer it, and French med isn't warm to my liking either - but if I'm recommending a French traveler looking for scenery as a backdrop for activities, I'm sending them west. If they want warmer water "swim" related activities, Puerto Rico or Virgin Islands or Hawaii.
'Traditional beach activity' cycling, unlike hiking?
Agree they are not the same vibe. My comments and opinions are in the specific context of a European visiting US and looking for scenic and aesthetically superior locations, where the type and variety of activities are secondary. When someone from Italy visits CA or Hawaii and laments "Where's all the White Marlin fishing? And amazing waterfowl?", I will recommend they venture East. |
White Marlin Open is a MAGA festival. Celebrating killing fish, driving gas guzzling boats that cost millions of dollars. No thanks! |
Next time rent a house in North Shores or Henlopen Acres. |
Well I’ve been to beaches all over France and Europe, and I wasn’t impressed by the crowded tiny slivers of beach where European tourists smoke and litter. |
+1. Carribean and Hawaii. Hawaii there is much more to do besides beaches but far from DMV so we do Carribean every year for best beaches, not to mention snorkeling. Florida is mediocre at best. |
Boring. |
DP. Having been to many Caribbean islands and 2 Hawaiian islands I strongly disagree that Florida is a “distant option.” In fact there are definitely some Floridian beaches that are nicer than many Caribbean beaches. And while Hawaii is stunning and visually different from anywhere else, the beaches - like the actual sand part aren’t really that special. |
| Why are you going in the off season OP? Spring Break is not a time for beaches north of Florida. There are tons of beautiful areas all along the east coast. Hatteras, Pawley’s Island, Kiawah/Seabrook, Hilton Head, Sea Island, Amelia Island, Miami just to name a few. And that doesn’t even touch the beauty that is found on the gulf coast. I could list pretty beaches all day. |
Sometimes boring is good. We love Chincoteague. |