Eastern Shore - why so ugly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve often wondered why people go nuts over Bethany, rehobeth, wildwood, ocean city. If you’ve been to a beautiful beach, you just don’t see any beauty in those places in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland.

Nostalgia.

Many of us grew up going to local beaches. Our parents and grandparents went to the same beaches. Some of us have had a beach house in our family for generations. We take our own kids to the same beaches year after year. We get ice cream at the same place each summer. Crabs and Minigolf at the same places. IYKYK.

As beach people, we go out of our way to travel to beaches around the world. We know the beauty of the Caribbean and Mediterranean any beyond, but we don’t have the same nostalgia.

A true beach person would appreciate every beach; any day I see the ocean is probably on the good side of the ledger.

Some beaches are a rich spectrum of blue, like Caribbean and Pacific, but the water is too warm or too cold, where the Atlantic is very swimmable in the summer despite its grey color.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Midatlantic East Coast beaches suck.

Signed,
Californian

Nobody swims in the California beaches, they are just for looking at. Even the surfers try to avoid the water, up on boards and encased in wetsuits.

[Anonymous]

Mid-Atlantic beaches can never compete with California, Florida, the Med, the South Pacific, or the Indian Ocean. Even beaches in New England are nicer.

But what Mid-Atlantic beach communities really excel at is making things far, far worse than they need to be. Towns from the Outer Banks through Delaware and on to New Jersey have certainly made some choices. It's like the communities all decided what can we do make things really hideous. And that's what they all chose.

[Anonymous]

As a life long Marylander I hate the Delaware, MD,and Virginia Beaches. We have a house in Corolla, NC and it’s nice and quiet. No tacky crap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a life long Marylander I hate the Delaware, MD,and Virginia Beaches. We have a house in Corolla, NC and it’s nice and quiet. No tacky crap.

Um…you know there are private, gated beaches in DE, right?

ICYMI: the appeal of the DE beaches is you can stay wherever you like (private beach, hotel, condo, etc.) and still have access to lots of restaurants, bakeries, and activities.

I’ll never understand the appeal of NC beaches. Aside from the treacherous/deadly riptides, I can’t understand why anyone wants to vacation somewhere you need to cook and prepare all meals because amenities like restaurants are few and far between. Plus, the over abundance of confederate flags on full display at NC (worse than FL) beaches is off-putting (ymmv).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a life long Marylander I hate the Delaware, MD,and Virginia Beaches. We have a house in Corolla, NC and it’s nice and quiet. No tacky crap.

Um…you know there are private, gated beaches in DE, right?

ICYMI: the appeal of the DE beaches is you can stay wherever you like (private beach, hotel, condo, etc.) and still have access to lots of restaurants, bakeries, and activities.

I’ll never understand the appeal of NC beaches. Aside from the treacherous/deadly riptides, I can’t understand why anyone wants to vacation somewhere you need to cook and prepare all meals because amenities like restaurants are few and far between. Plus, the over abundance of confederate flags on full display at NC (worse than FL) beaches is off-putting (ymmv).

Also, why would you want to drive that far? Clearly different posters have different priorities, but why would I want a beach house 5-7 hours away?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a life long Marylander I hate the Delaware, MD,and Virginia Beaches. We have a house in Corolla, NC and it’s nice and quiet. No tacky crap.

Um…you know there are private, gated beaches in DE, right?

ICYMI: the appeal of the DE beaches is you can stay wherever you like (private beach, hotel, condo, etc.) and still have access to lots of restaurants, bakeries, and activities.

I’ll never understand the appeal of NC beaches. Aside from the treacherous/deadly riptides, I can’t understand why anyone wants to vacation somewhere you need to cook and prepare all meals because amenities like restaurants are few and far between. Plus, the over abundance of confederate flags on full display at NC (worse than FL) beaches is off-putting (ymmv).

NP, Clearly you haven’t been to Corolla or Duck in a long time. There are a ton of restaurants now. When I went there growing up that was definitely true. And now we go out to dinner every night when there. And confederate flags are mostly found down in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. Never seen one in the northern part of OBX and I go every year. Primarily Northerners rent so the MAGA crowd is not present. I have stayed in one of the DE gated communties and the beach and town are still extremely crowded and not that charming. That said, I still enjoy Bethany every time I go. It’s just not my first choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a life long Marylander I hate the Delaware, MD,and Virginia Beaches. We have a house in Corolla, NC and it’s nice and quiet. No tacky crap.

Um…you know there are private, gated beaches in DE, right?

ICYMI: the appeal of the DE beaches is you can stay wherever you like (private beach, hotel, condo, etc.) and still have access to lots of restaurants, bakeries, and activities.

I’ll never understand the appeal of NC beaches. Aside from the treacherous/deadly riptides, I can’t understand why anyone wants to vacation somewhere you need to cook and prepare all meals because amenities like restaurants are few and far between. Plus, the over abundance of confederate flags on full display at NC (worse than FL) beaches is off-putting (ymmv).

NP, Clearly you haven’t been to Corolla or Duck in a long time. There are a ton of restaurants now. When I went there growing up that was definitely true. And now we go out to dinner every night when there. And confederate flags are mostly found down in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. Never seen one in the northern part of OBX and I go every year. Primarily Northerners rent so the MAGA crowd is not present. I have stayed in one of the DE gated communties and the beach and town are still extremely crowded and not that charming. That said, I still enjoy Bethany every time I go. It’s just not my first choice.

I’ve been all over the NC beaches, and I’ve never thought it was markedly better than DE beaches aside from being a bit less crowded—but also with DAR fewer activities/amenities.

FWIW, I enjoy every beach on some level. I enjoy the MD/DE beaches primarily for convenience and nostalgia. But there are so many beach options in the USA.

[Anonymous]

As an Aussie, I’ve learnt to suspend my standards. I can enjoy going to the Delaware beaches but it does involve wiping my memory of Australian beaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a life long Marylander I hate the Delaware, MD,and Virginia Beaches. We have a house in Corolla, NC and it’s nice and quiet. No tacky crap.

Um…you know there are private, gated beaches in DE, right?

ICYMI: the appeal of the DE beaches is you can stay wherever you like (private beach, hotel, condo, etc.) and still have access to lots of restaurants, bakeries, and activities.

I’ll never understand the appeal of NC beaches. Aside from the treacherous/deadly riptides, I can’t understand why anyone wants to vacation somewhere you need to cook and prepare all meals because amenities like restaurants are few and far between. Plus, the over abundance of confederate flags on full display at NC (worse than FL) beaches is off-putting (ymmv).

NP, Clearly you haven’t been to Corolla or Duck in a long time. There are a ton of restaurants now. When I went there growing up that was definitely true. And now we go out to dinner every night when there. And confederate flags are mostly found down in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. Never seen one in the northern part of OBX and I go every year. Primarily Northerners rent so the MAGA crowd is not present. I have stayed in one of the DE gated communties and the beach and town are still extremely crowded and not that charming. That said, I still enjoy Bethany every time I go. It’s just not my first choice.

I’ve been all over the NC beaches, and I’ve never thought it was markedly better than DE beaches aside from being a bit less crowded—but also with DAR fewer activities/amenities.

FWIW, I enjoy every beach on some level. I enjoy the MD/DE beaches primarily for convenience and nostalgia. But there are so many beach options in the USA.

If you want a beach with a boardwalk and Funland you go to Bethany. If you are looking for restaurants shopping, and quiet, you go to OBX. Everyone has the place that checks their boxes. Both are great and people are allowed to have different opinions.

Signed,
Someone who frequently visits both beaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a life long Marylander I hate the Delaware, MD,and Virginia Beaches. We have a house in Corolla, NC and it’s nice and quiet. No tacky crap.

Um…you know there are private, gated beaches in DE, right?

ICYMI: the appeal of the DE beaches is you can stay wherever you like (private beach, hotel, condo, etc.) and still have access to lots of restaurants, bakeries, and activities.

I’ll never understand the appeal of NC beaches. Aside from the treacherous/deadly riptides, I can’t understand why anyone wants to vacation somewhere you need to cook and prepare all meals because amenities like restaurants are few and far between. Plus, the over abundance of confederate flags on full display at NC (worse than FL) beaches is off-putting (ymmv).

NP, Clearly you haven’t been to Corolla or Duck in a long time. There are a ton of restaurants now. When I went there growing up that was definitely true. And now we go out to dinner every night when there. And confederate flags are mostly found down in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. Never seen one in the northern part of OBX and I go every year. Primarily Northerners rent so the MAGA crowd is not present. I have stayed in one of the DE gated communties and the beach and town are still extremely crowded and not that charming. That said, I still enjoy Bethany every time I go. It’s just not my first choice.

I’ve been all over the NC beaches, and I’ve never thought it was markedly better than DE beaches aside from being a bit less crowded—but also with DAR fewer activities/amenities.

FWIW, I enjoy every beach on some level. I enjoy the MD/DE beaches primarily for convenience and nostalgia. But there are so many beach options in the USA.

If you want a beach with a boardwalk and Funland you go to Bethany. If you are looking for restaurants shopping, and quiet, you go to OBX. Everyone has the place that checks their boxes. Both are great and people are allowed to have different opinions.

Signed,
Someone who frequently visits both beaches.

Funland is in Rehoboth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Midatlantic East Coast beaches suck.

Signed,
Californian

California’s beaches are cold and sharky.

PS - Your state’s southernmost beaches are so overrun with toxic pollutants from Mexico (and perhaps your own state) that the stench permeates the area. What’s up with that? All over national news in recent weeks.

Signed,

Marylander

This is an obvious attempt to embarrass Marylanders.

Marylanders, and I’m one of them- native in fact, have an over abundance of state pride. I think Maryland is fine, but if we are honest, while it has a little bit of everything, nothing about it is spectacular or that special.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Midatlantic East Coast beaches suck.

Signed,
Californian

West coast US far superior.

I can’t imagine people visiting US for the first time, and seeing west before east. That might be the most disappointing itinerary decision .

I love OBX, Hatteras Island specifically, but Canon Beach and the Oregon Coast is amazing. I have been there when it’s sunny and gloomy- spectacular no matter the weather.


Cannon Beach and the entire northern pacific coast beaches are dark and gloomy. Plus, they lack amenities and activities. Think: OBX but with bad weather.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a life long Marylander I hate the Delaware, MD,and Virginia Beaches. We have a house in Corolla, NC and it’s nice and quiet. No tacky crap.

Um…you know there are private, gated beaches in DE, right?

ICYMI: the appeal of the DE beaches is you can stay wherever you like (private beach, hotel, condo, etc.) and still have access to lots of restaurants, bakeries, and activities.

I’ll never understand the appeal of NC beaches. Aside from the treacherous/deadly riptides, I can’t understand why anyone wants to vacation somewhere you need to cook and prepare all meals because amenities like restaurants are few and far between. Plus, the over abundance of confederate flags on full display at NC (worse than FL) beaches is off-putting (ymmv).

NP, Clearly you haven’t been to Corolla or Duck in a long time. There are a ton of restaurants now. When I went there growing up that was definitely true. And now we go out to dinner every night when there. And confederate flags are mostly found down in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. Never seen one in the northern part of OBX and I go every year. Primarily Northerners rent so the MAGA crowd is not present. I have stayed in one of the DE gated communties and the beach and town are still extremely crowded and not that charming. That said, I still enjoy Bethany every time I go. It’s just not my first choice.

I’ve been all over the NC beaches, and I’ve never thought it was markedly better than DE beaches aside from being a bit less crowded—but also with DAR fewer activities/amenities.

FWIW, I enjoy every beach on some level. I enjoy the MD/DE beaches primarily for convenience and nostalgia. But there are so many beach options in the USA.

If you want a beach with a boardwalk and Funland you go to Bethany. If you are looking for restaurants shopping, and quiet, you go to OBX. Everyone has the place that checks their boxes. Both are great and people are allowed to have different opinions.

Signed,
Someone who frequently visits both beaches.

I’m confused why you feel the need to schlep to NC for restaurants, shopping, and quiet when you can find that in the MD/DE beaches. Stay in Fenwick or North or South Bethany and there are plenty of great restaurants and shopping options in 3 directions.

Personally, if you want the best experience, head to a SC or GA beach. SC has better food and shopping if you are near the Charleston area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just returned from the Spring Break in Lewes Beach. OMG - what was I thinking?! First time there and this was miserable. Close to zero attractions. They have a massive road just outside the town with endless shopping malls. Is that how the beach towns feel like on the East Coast?! We drove to Bethany Beach, which was just so ugly. Zero charm and so much ugliness. Sorry - a recent transplant from France here and my disappointment is huge. Is OXC equally as ugly? Is Florida better?

I’m right there with you. The Atlantic beaches are hideous. I’ve never taken my kids there. Florida is much better. We like the panhandle a lot. Gorgeous white sand beaches.