Please explain east coast beach vacations to me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's not to understand? On the east coast people do what you're supposed to do on the beach- play in the water, lay in the hot sun (great for bringing a book), swim, collect shells.

I've never understood west coast beaches where you can only stare out at the water- it's very bizarre and BORING.

Maybe try going to the actual beach and stepping in the water and your basic human instincts will kick in and you'll do what comes naturally! Enjoy.

No that’s actually what I’m saying exactly. I have no interest in spending a day staring at the ocean or even getting in but only in the surf. When we went in my childhood it was to windsurf or kitesurf or boogie board.

Then....don't go to the beach to do that stuff. What is your question exactly??

OP here. If it’s as boring as it seems or if I’m missing something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can kite surf, wind surf, kayak, paddle board, jet ski, fish/crab, etc. on the bay in DE and OCMD. The ocean and the bay are literally across the street from another. What we call the bay, you call the sound in OBX. While west coasters do this stuff in the pacific, the undertow of the Atlantic is too strong. Plus, riptides (which are deadly in parts in NC).

The NJ side of the bay is pretty gross. Stagnant silty water. Not sure about DE’s side.

The Inlet from OCMD through the Delaware beaches is lovely. Not stagnant at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is one of the dumbest threads I’ve seen on DCUM and that is saying something. It can all be summed up as “different people like different things” and OP’s entire mind can be blown if she could ever process the concept.

+1

Different people like different things. 😱

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's not to understand? On the east coast people do what you're supposed to do on the beach- play in the water, lay in the hot sun (great for bringing a book), swim, collect shells.

I've never understood west coast beaches where you can only stare out at the water- it's very bizarre and BORING.

Maybe try going to the actual beach and stepping in the water and your basic human instincts will kick in and you'll do what comes naturally! Enjoy.

No that’s actually what I’m saying exactly. I have no interest in spending a day staring at the ocean or even getting in but only in the surf. When we went in my childhood it was to windsurf or kitesurf or boogie board.

Then....don't go to the beach to do that stuff. What is your question exactly??

OP here. If it’s as boring as it seems or if I’m missing something.

Tell us how you would like to spend time at the beach, and we can point you to the best beach for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can kite surf, wind surf, kayak, paddle board, jet ski, fish/crab, etc. on the bay in DE and OCMD. The ocean and the bay are literally across the street from another. What we call the bay, you call the sound in OBX. While west coasters do this stuff in the pacific, the undertow of the Atlantic is too strong. Plus, riptides (which are deadly in parts in NC).

The NJ side of the bay is pretty gross. Stagnant silty water. Not sure about DE’s side.

You mean the Delaware Bay? Yeah, not maybe people hang out on the Delaware Bay in NJ.

Many of the beach areas in NJ though are islands with smaller bays and inlets for boating & fishing.

[Anonymous]

The Hamptons. That is all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's not to understand? On the east coast people do what you're supposed to do on the beach- play in the water, lay in the hot sun (great for bringing a book), swim, collect shells.

I've never understood west coast beaches where you can only stare out at the water- it's very bizarre and BORING.

Maybe try going to the actual beach and stepping in the water and your basic human instincts will kick in and you'll do what comes naturally! Enjoy.

No that’s actually what I’m saying exactly. I have no interest in spending a day staring at the ocean or even getting in but only in the surf. When we went in my childhood it was to windsurf or kitesurf or boogie board.

Then....don't go to the beach to do that stuff. What is your question exactly??

OP here. If it’s as boring as it seems or if I’m missing something.

Nah, we're good. There's already competition for the best beach houses. Stay away! My family will be enjoying crab feasts, fun in the sun, boogie boards, kayaking on the inlets, and sunrises/sunsets on the deck without you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Context: I’m from Oregon. I grew up going to the coast for windsurfing and boogie boarding (in a wetsuit even in August) and then for fishing and crabbing, but never once did anyone in my family lay on the beach on a towel. It’s cold and overcast most of the time. I come from a family of pretty serious watersportsmen. Some people might accuse them of being adrenaline junkies.

A lot of my kids’ friends do the beach house rental thing. I don’t want to make assumptions but from what I absorbed from pop culture growing up, you being towels, umbrellas, toys, snacks, and just lay in the sand and splash in the surf. Doesn’t that get boring after a few hours and certainly after one day? Do east coast beach towns have a bunch more activities that I’m missing?

You can do all the things you do in Oregon but no need for a wetsuit. OK the wind isn't the same as Columbia River Gorge but you can do everything else. People bring umbrellas, towels and toys because it is pleasant/fun to stay all day. You left off beach games like volleyball and spikeball as fun things you can do as well. I have a very active family, and we never get bored with a beach vacation.

I am not sure you will find a satisfactory answer here. You may just have to take a risk and experience it for yourself, but it is a pretty awesome way to spend part of a summer.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:^^Do you even know what kudzu is? The fact that you cant appreciate a beautiful walk through the woods is SAD. Never call yourself an outdoor enthusiast again because you're NOT. Also, how many people live right next to Big Sur? most east coasters are a 20 minute drive from a wooded path, but you have to drive hours along the PCH to get to Big Sur.

I like the woods OK. But you’re deluding yourself if you think that’s the same as hiking out west. Where there are also woods btw, but they are majestic redwoods or ancient live oaks, not junk-tree glades by the highway.

There are majestic redwoods in designated state parks that are usually highly protected and you have to drive for hours to be able to reach. I spent a lot of time out west so i know exactly how it is. I'll definitely take an easy drive to a STUNNING tree lined, green glen any day, over driving for hours to see ONE view

ok throw down - where are all these “stunning” forests 20 minuted from
metro DC?

Great Falls, and the historic home of Frederick Douglass, and Monticello, and the views you see kayaking along the Potomac, and Chesapeake views in Maryland, and drive a few hours to hike Old Rag, Luray, Skyline Drive...

I’ve been to every single one of those, and none of them are as spectacular or any more accessible than what you can get to from most places on the West Coast. If you think Great Falls is the equal of Big Sur, well ...

No one said they were equal to this or that. But if you don't think Great Falls is fun and lovely, I feel sorry for you. I can simply walk along the Mall and the monuments at sunset and find the experience to be "stunning." If you can't, I feel sorry for you. If you must compare each and every thing you do with every wonderful thing in the world, no wonder you're never satisfied or fulfilled.

I've eaten at a Guy Savoy restaurant in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I don't sit down to a lovely meal at a nice DC restaurant and stew because those to things aren't the same experience. What a sad way to live life.

where did I say I didn’t enjoy those things? But yeah in August when it’s 100 degrees and humid, a walk on the mall is out of the question.

Great! More room for me at 6 a.m., or right at dusk. Then again, I'm not fussy. I just enjoy all there is to enjoy in life.

This is pretty typical of west coast “outdoorsy” people — if the outside air temperature and humidity is not basically like a climate controlled a/c room, it is insufferable.

I thought it rained all the time in Oregon/Washington. I'll take sunny but muggy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^Do you even know what kudzu is? The fact that you cant appreciate a beautiful walk through the woods is SAD. Never call yourself an outdoor enthusiast again because you're NOT. Also, how many people live right next to Big Sur? most east coasters are a 20 minute drive from a wooded path, but you have to drive hours along the PCH to get to Big Sur.

I like the woods OK. But you’re deluding yourself if you think that’s the same as hiking out west. Where there are also woods btw, but they are majestic redwoods or ancient live oaks, not junk-tree glades by the highway.

There are majestic redwoods in designated state parks that are usually highly protected and you have to drive for hours to be able to reach. I spent a lot of time out west so i know exactly how it is. I'll definitely take an easy drive to a STUNNING tree lined, green glen any day, over driving for hours to see ONE view

ok throw down - where are all these “stunning” forests 20 minuted from
metro DC?

Great Falls, and the historic home of Frederick Douglass, and Monticello, and the views you see kayaking along the Potomac, and Chesapeake views in Maryland, and drive a few hours to hike Old Rag, Luray, Skyline Drive...

I’ve been to every single one of those, and none of them are as spectacular or any more accessible than what you can get to from most places on the West Coast. If you think Great Falls is the equal of Big Sur, well ...

No one said they were equal to this or that. But if you don't think Great Falls is fun and lovely, I feel sorry for you. I can simply walk along the Mall and the monuments at sunset and find the experience to be "stunning." If you can't, I feel sorry for you. If you must compare each and every thing you do with every wonderful thing in the world, no wonder you're never satisfied or fulfilled.

I've eaten at a Guy Savoy restaurant in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I don't sit down to a lovely meal at a nice DC restaurant and stew because those to things aren't the same experience. What a sad way to live life.

where did I say I didn’t enjoy those things? But yeah in August when it’s 100 degrees and humid, a walk on the mall is out of the question.

Great! More room for me at 6 a.m., or right at dusk. Then again, I'm not fussy. I just enjoy all there is to enjoy in life.

This is pretty typical of west coast “outdoorsy” people — if the outside air temperature and humidity is not basically like a climate controlled a/c room, it is insufferable.

I thought it rained all the time in Oregon/Washington. I'll take sunny but muggy.

There's absolutely no comparison between DC and West Coast when it comes to weather. In many places on the west coast, you can be outdoors year-round, whereas we have months in DC when you could literally die from a heat stroke. It's kind of sad to think that being limited to going out at 6am and dusk are anyone's idea of a city with great access to outdoor activities and nature. I'll say it again - people who live here literally don't know what they are missing.

[Anonymous]

We go to the beach in Maine and spend the time kayaking, surfing, sitting in the beach. Playing games on the beach like bocce ball. Many people kite board when the wind picks up. Look into the coast near Portland. Huge tide and when it’s low the beach is huge and hard packed so you can even ride your bike on it. So much to do. No need to sit around if that’s not your thing.

[Anonymous]

Yes, the humidity here is disgusting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^Do you even know what kudzu is? The fact that you cant appreciate a beautiful walk through the woods is SAD. Never call yourself an outdoor enthusiast again because you're NOT. Also, how many people live right next to Big Sur? most east coasters are a 20 minute drive from a wooded path, but you have to drive hours along the PCH to get to Big Sur.

I like the woods OK. But you’re deluding yourself if you think that’s the same as hiking out west. Where there are also woods btw, but they are majestic redwoods or ancient live oaks, not junk-tree glades by the highway.

There are majestic redwoods in designated state parks that are usually highly protected and you have to drive for hours to be able to reach. I spent a lot of time out west so i know exactly how it is. I'll definitely take an easy drive to a STUNNING tree lined, green glen any day, over driving for hours to see ONE view

ok throw down - where are all these “stunning” forests 20 minuted from
metro DC?

Great Falls, and the historic home of Frederick Douglass, and Monticello, and the views you see kayaking along the Potomac, and Chesapeake views in Maryland, and drive a few hours to hike Old Rag, Luray, Skyline Drive...

I’ve been to every single one of those, and none of them are as spectacular or any more accessible than what you can get to from most places on the West Coast. If you think Great Falls is the equal of Big Sur, well ...

No one said they were equal to this or that. But if you don't think Great Falls is fun and lovely, I feel sorry for you. I can simply walk along the Mall and the monuments at sunset and find the experience to be "stunning." If you can't, I feel sorry for you. If you must compare each and every thing you do with every wonderful thing in the world, no wonder you're never satisfied or fulfilled.

I've eaten at a Guy Savoy restaurant in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I don't sit down to a lovely meal at a nice DC restaurant and stew because those to things aren't the same experience. What a sad way to live life.

where did I say I didn’t enjoy those things? But yeah in August when it’s 100 degrees and humid, a walk on the mall is out of the question.

Great! More room for me at 6 a.m., or right at dusk. Then again, I'm not fussy. I just enjoy all there is to enjoy in life.

This is pretty typical of west coast “outdoorsy” people — if the outside air temperature and humidity is not basically like a climate controlled a/c room, it is insufferable.

I thought it rained all the time in Oregon/Washington. I'll take sunny but muggy.

There's absolutely no comparison between DC and West Coast when it comes to weather. In many places on the west coast, you can be outdoors year-round, whereas we have months in DC when you could literally die from a heat stroke. It's kind of sad to think that being limited to going out at 6am and dusk are anyone's idea of a city with great access to outdoor activities and nature. I'll say it again - people who live here literally don't know what they are missing.

Huh? I work in downtown DC and walk across campus just fine. Do I go for long runs in the middle of the day? No. But that's kind of a moot point since I have to...ha know, work.

Anyway, everywhere has upsides and downsides. I could just as easily write off Washingon and Oregon as rainy drug havens, but I don't do the black-and-white thinking thing.

I like living here. If you don't, move to Oregon, and enjoy! Like, who cares?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's not to understand? On the east coast people do what you're supposed to do on the beach- play in the water, lay in the hot sun (great for bringing a book), swim, collect shells.

I've never understood west coast beaches where you can only stare out at the water- it's very bizarre and BORING.

Maybe try going to the actual beach and stepping in the water and your basic human instincts will kick in and you'll do what comes naturally! Enjoy.

No that’s actually what I’m saying exactly. I have no interest in spending a day staring at the ocean or even getting in but only in the surf. When we went in my childhood it was to windsurf or kitesurf or boogie board.

Then....don't go to the beach to do that stuff. What is your question exactly??

OP here. If it’s as boring as it seems or if I’m missing something.

Are you as dense as you seem? I think not. For some reason this this kind of question stirs up sh1t and that was your goal.