jewel7123 Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Just wondering what my options are. I'm thinking a Bed & Breakfast or a beach house on a beach or water. Any suggestions? Want quiet, romantic, relaxing and secluded. ETA: This would be WITHOUT the kids. =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarleneW Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 San Destin resort in Destin, FL. Fairly quite and a BEAUTIFUL beach! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 18, 2010 Author Share Posted March 18, 2010 I should add that I live near the Gulf of Mexico and BROWN water, lol. I want BLUE water! =) EarleneW, does Destin have BLUE water? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Come to the Seattle area and enjoy the beautiful waters of the Puget Sound! There would be lots of great places to stay on/near the water (Google the San Juan Islands for one) -- and you can take ferry rides to different locations as well. I love the ferry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Don know what side of the country you're on, but one of our favorite places is around Yachats, Oregon. We've been renting houses there for the last 15 years and never tire of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 THe Florida Keys but not Key West. YOu get warm, beautiful beaches and fantastic snorkeling. If you have never done this, it is very easy if you can swim and you see a whole new world. I find it so fascinating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Pacific Northwest Coast; Washington, Oregon, Northern Cal. Hands down. Beautiful weather, but just a tad too cold to swim...hmm...guess you'll have to stay in. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 18, 2010 Author Share Posted March 18, 2010 THe Florida Keys but not Key West. YOu get warm, beautiful beaches and fantastic snorkeling. If you have never done this, it is very easy if you can swim and you see a whole new world. I find it so fascinating. Just curious why you say not Key West? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 18, 2010 Author Share Posted March 18, 2010 Pacific Northwest Coast; Washington, Oregon, Northern Cal. Hands down. Beautiful weather, but just a tad too cold to swim...hmm...guess you'll have to stay in. :) We're planning our trip in May......should be a bit warmer by then. Any SPECIFIC places to stay in these areas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Bar Harbor, ME. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKay Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Kailua Beach in Hawaii is a favorite with us. Our B & B isn't on the beach, but the beach is gorgeous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaLisa Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 I second the Florida Keys, but not Key West. :001_smile: If you want clear, blue water a la Caribbean, the Keys is as close as you can get in the contiguous 48 states. On the other side of the state is Sanibel Island. Again, very quiet and secluded. The island has successfully kept fast food restaurants, big supermarkets and big box stores from the island. Just lots of home-grown restaurants and great little shops. Great fishing, excellent shelling, beautiful sunsets. HTH, Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Just curious why you say not Key West? The beaches are bad in Key West. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 18, 2010 Author Share Posted March 18, 2010 So any hotel recommendations in the Florida Keys? We want quiet, not a party scene. And not too expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 I see that you're in Texas, so this might be too far for you, but Mackinaw Island Michigan is amazing! There are no vehicles (aside from emergency personnel) allowed on the island. It's like it's frozen in time. Beautiful scenery, quiet, historical, great hiking and biking and the fudge it so die for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jodi-FL Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 here's a picture of the beach in Destin--at the state park Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jodi-FL Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 here: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ifolsMYw61Q/SLsWv09YogI/AAAAAAAAAeg/bO5Kx8mvlTc/s1600-h/DSC_0372.JPG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 here: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ifolsMYw61Q/SLsWv09YogI/AAAAAAAAAeg/bO5Kx8mvlTc/s1600-h/DSC_0372.JPG The water looks pretty blue to me, lol! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teresa in MO Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 we went to Florida last year and stayed on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, which is about 15 minutes west of Destin. It has the same blue water showed in the picture above. We stayed at the El Matador gated condo complex. It is the last condo complex on the island, then there are 17 miles of clear beach. The complex will not rent to anyone under 25, so it was very quiet. We loved it and are considering going back late September, early October. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwjx2khsmj Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 For romantic and lovely I'd go for Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA. I love both those cities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 St. Augustine, Florida Lovely historic district, beautiful beaches, nice nature reserves, pretty boat tours and canoe/kayak opportunities. Incredible restaurants too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Here are some rental options in the San Juan Islands (on Puget Sound, WA). Beautiful! I've also heard good things about both Yachats and Manzanita (in OR). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarleneW Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 YES- beautilful water! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 I have always enjoyed the Hilton Head area of S Carolina. Better if you can find less traveled areas, although that is difficult these days. If you want guaranteed sun, don't come north. I for one, love Maine, Martha's Vineyard etc., bit weather is always a crap shoot. Maybe early August or late July is OK, but you never know. How hot do you like the air or water? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarleneW Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 I have always enjoyed the Hilton Head area of S Carolina. Better if you can find less traveled areas, although that is difficult these days. If you want guaranteed sun, don't come north. I for one, love Maine, Martha's Vineyard etc., bit weather is always a crap shoot. Maybe early August or late July is OK, but you never know. How hot do you like the air or water? I grew up in SC and LOVE Hilton Head. One of my favorite places- But San Destin is so much prettier! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Is Antigua on your radar? Here's --Here's a page that would list out how much 5 days would be (w/o airfare). What's your budget? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 Those of you who mentioned Hilton Head, SC.....any recommendations for a place to stay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TengoFive Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 (edited) I can't believe no one has mentioned Catalina Island in California yet. When I was a teen we took the ferry over and I swore I would have my honeymoon there. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and had the bluest water I've ever seen, which is saying something. I grew up in California and spent every summer on the beach in North Carolina. I just adore it. I didn't get to spend my honeymoon there though. That was spent camping in the mountains of Colorado. Stupid money... Oops, meant to add a link http://catalinaislandcacoc.weblinkconnect.com/cwt/External/WCPagesNew/accommodations/?SubCategoryID=1003&CategoryID=1003&activity=Bed+and+Breakfast&AdKeyword=Bed+and+Breakfast Edited March 19, 2010 by TengoFive added B&B link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Kailua Beach in Hawaii is a favorite with us. Our B & B isn't on the beach, but the beach is gorgeous. I agree. I've been to California, Florida, North and South Carolina, etc. Nothing compares to Hawaiian beaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 St. Thomas, St. Thomas, St. Thomas! And yes, it is part of the US!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3littlekeets Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 I'm a Destin, FL or Seaside, FL (Florida Gulf Coast) Gal -- Blue Beaches - White Sand...no huge Crabs on the beach grabbing my toes at night like the NC outerbanks. I love the Florida Keys Nightlife, but the beaches are crappy. I can't speak about the Pacific NW or Hawaii. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asta Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 For romantic and lovely I'd go for Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA. I love both those cities. Tybee, Island - near Savannah, GA. Wow. a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyThreeSons Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Monterey, CA -- or thereabouts. Carmel, Pacific Grove, even up towards Santa Cruz, or down towards San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 Anyone know about West Palm Beach, FL? I can get cheap airfare to there on Southwest. =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Hawaii. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 Unless you go to the right areas, West Palm can be downright scary. It has a lot of crime and I honestly don't feel comfortable driving around most areas there. If you can find the right area, it might not be so bad, but we never found it, lol. Even my friend who has always lived there says that about it. Thanks for the heads up! What about Ft. Lauderdale area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Bar Harbor, ME. I'll second that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Thanks for the heads up! What about Ft. Lauderdale area? Sorry about the Antigua post--I see now you want USA. We used to live in Ft. Lauderdale. It is not a pretty beach, the water is not really blue, it's not quiet (although Hollywood Beach is ok), there's tons of crime... John U. Lloyd State Park is nice, but there isn't much nearby as accomodations to redeem the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewel7123 Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 Thank you. I really like the looks of Destin but where I really want to stay is expensive, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 I can't believe no one has mentioned Catalina Island in California yet. When I was a teen we took the ferry over and I swore I would have my honeymoon there. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and had the bluest water I've ever seen, which is saying something. I grew up in California and spent every summer on the beach in North Carolina. I just adore it. I didn't get to spend my honeymoon there though. That was spent camping in the mountains of Colorado. Stupid money... Oops, meant to add a link http://catalinaislandcacoc.weblinkconnect.com/cwt/External/WCPagesNew/accommodations/?SubCategoryID=1003&CategoryID=1003&activity=Bed+and+Breakfast&AdKeyword=Bed+and+Breakfast I used to live on Catalina!!!!Love it, but a very different sort of place...pm me if you want specifics as to where to stay, when to go, etc. You don't want to go there in July or August...unless you like crowds and noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 Just wondering what my options are. I'm thinking a Bed & Breakfast or a beach house on a beach or water. Any suggestions? Want quiet, romantic, relaxing and secluded. ETA: This would be WITHOUT the kids. =) I think Seattle or the Olympic Peninsula are great places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddhabelly Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 (edited) Since a few other people mentioned Yachats, Oregon, my favorite hotel in the whole world is there: the Overleaf Lodge. Every single room has an unobstructed view of the ocean. The sunsets are crazy, and the tidepooling is the best ever. People come from miles around to walk the path that is right outside your hotel door. Very romantic. But if you actually want to swim in the ocean and not just look at the sunset, my favorite place is Hapuna Beach on the big island (Hawai'i). The only hotel right there at the beach is the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (I'm close with that name). It is just okay. But what makes it special (and the reason I tolerate its mediocrity) is that you can snorkel or bodysurf before breakfast if you are staying at the hotel, hours before the first beachgoers show up! Again, not a great hotel (and the food is overpriced like 99 percent of Hawaii resorts), but oh man that beach..... and the views are to die for. If you stay at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, you are entitled to visit the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel as much as you like. There is a shuttle bus between them, or you can walk along the cliffs. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is crazy expensive, and there's no other way I would get to visit if I didn't get privileges by staying at its "sister" hotel. If you stay there, I would eat at a nearby town. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the nearby town but there are a few good restaurants there, and they are much better value than the resorts. ETA: The restaurant I was thinking of is actually on Kauai, so that would be too far, LOL! On the big island, our favorite restaurant was Roy's at Waikoloa (sp). We went there three times during one vacation. And I know you aren't bringing children, but for those who will, Roy's has a multi-course dinner just for kids, which begins with free quesadillas while the adults are still mulling over the menu! Excellent for hungry, tired sunburned kids who have been at the pool all day. And for the adults, there is to-die-for chocoloate souffle and excellent seafood. http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hawaiithebigisland/D34858.html Have fun choosing! Julie Edited March 20, 2010 by buddhabelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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