Coastal vacation in May -- where in Carolinas or Georgia?

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for ideas for where my family (9 adults and 1 toddler) can get together to celebrate my father's 80th on the coast in NC/SC/GA in mid-May. I am familiar with Hilton Head, but how do places like Sea Island or St. Simons compare? Any other islands we should look into? Should we look into Nags Head/ Outer Banks or is May too early for good weather? I'm thinking a place where we could rent a big house near the beach would be great, or a resort where we'd be able to have somewhat private gatherings. We don't want any place very commercial or crowded, some place relaxing and with good food and possible activities, good walking. (My mother is a botanist so loves more natural environments). Access to a pool would be nice since we'll have a 2-year-old along.

I've looked in vrbo.com for rentals. Seems lots of places only rent by the week and we'll just be somewhere for a long weekend.

Any other ideas?? St. Augustine, FL? Weekend cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda?

[Anonymous]

We have been to St. Simons Island twice and love it. I can't really compare it to anywhere else around there, though, because I haven't been to any other places. As far as towns go, St. Simons is pretty small. It has a main street with shops and restaurants - there is also a great playground there and it is right on the water. Further out of town, there is the usual shopping - Harris Teeter, etc. We stay at a friends' house on Beach Drive and can walk to town from the house - it's about a mile. There is a lot of new construction there, so there are larger houses that are available for rent. There is also the King and Prince Resort which I have only seen from the outside. We have only been in March/April so I am not sure on how crowded it gets later in the year, but it has been pretty quiet when we have visited. Definitely a lot calmer than Hilton Head I am sure. It is also pretty flat, so you can do a lot of walking or biking.

[Anonymous]

May is a great time for the beaches around St. Augustine. (We used to go to Crescent Beach.) Not sure what's available for a weekend, though, as we used to rent condos by the week.

[Anonymous]

The Sanctuary at Kiawah!

[Anonymous]

I'd also vote for the Sanctuary at Kiawah. You can also rent villas on the same property if you'd all like to stay together. Charleston, SC is a really cute town and just a short drive away.

[Anonymous]

LOVE Kiawah Island! It is so nice and should be pretty warm in May!

[Anonymous]

What about Litchfield or Pawley's Island, SC? Both are quieter with lots of large house rental options. Pawley's is swankier. Good restaurants nearby. Fly into either Charleston or Myrtle Beach.

[Anonymous]

We loved HHI in May. You could also make a day trip to Savannah from there.