Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ocracoke in NC is really cute.
Chincoteague in VA eastern shore charming and small.

Boring.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Anonymous wrote:Ocracoke in NC is really cute.
Chincoteague in VA eastern shore charming and small.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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 .

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.

Troll.

Not trolling, just stating facts.

Even google confirms that Cannon Beach (known as the best OR beach) isn’t ideal for swimming given the cold water year round and dangerous currents. The weather is notoriously cloudy. Sand is dark and the overall vibe is gloomy.

Haha, anyone claiming some beach in Oregon has any recreational value compared to a mid Atlantic beach is just trolling.

Do you consider hiking a recreational activity? Do you agree that scenery adds value to a hike?

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.

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.

Anonymous wrote: It’s a draw for cyclists as well.

'Traditional beach activity' cycling, unlike hiking?

Anonymous wrote: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.

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.

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?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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 .

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.

Troll.

Not trolling, just stating facts.

Even google confirms that Cannon Beach (known as the best OR beach) isn’t ideal for swimming given the cold water year round and dangerous currents. The weather is notoriously cloudy. Sand is dark and the overall vibe is gloomy.

Haha, anyone claiming some beach in Oregon has any recreational value compared to a mid Atlantic beach is just trolling.

Do you consider hiking a recreational activity? Do you agree that scenery adds value to a hike?

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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 .

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.

Troll.

Not trolling, just stating facts.

Even google confirms that Cannon Beach (known as the best OR beach) isn’t ideal for swimming given the cold water year round and dangerous currents. The weather is notoriously cloudy. Sand is dark and the overall vibe is gloomy.

Haha, anyone claiming some beach in Oregon has any recreational value compared to a mid Atlantic beach is just trolling.

Do you consider hiking a recreational activity? Do you agree that scenery adds value to a hike?

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.

Anonymous wrote: It’s a draw for cyclists as well.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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 .

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.

Troll.

Not trolling, just stating facts.

Even google confirms that Cannon Beach (known as the best OR beach) isn’t ideal for swimming given the cold water year round and dangerous currents. The weather is notoriously cloudy. Sand is dark and the overall vibe is gloomy.

Haha, anyone claiming some beach in Oregon has any recreational value compared to a mid Atlantic beach is just trolling.

Do you consider hiking a recreational activity? Do you agree that scenery adds value to a hike?

Anonymous wrote: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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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 .

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.

Troll.

Not trolling, just stating facts.

Even google confirms that Cannon Beach (known as the best OR beach) isn’t ideal for swimming given the cold water year round and dangerous currents. The weather is notoriously cloudy. Sand is dark and the overall vibe is gloomy.

Haha, anyone claiming some beach in Oregon has any recreational value compared to a mid Atlantic beach is just trolling.