Life’$ A Beach!
Jill and I really, really, REALLY enjoy our beach time (pools work too)! For us, give us some kick-back time in the sun, some good tunes, and each other’s’ company and we’re all set.
Typically, we go “down the shore” and have a couple of specific beaches which we frequent. Side note: In Joisey, regardless of where you might live, you are ALWAYS going “down the shore.”
Granted, if you plan an extended stay at the Jersey shore, it’ll probably cost you and arm and leg (maybe even more). Why? Well, it’s only about three months long and EVERYONE has the same idea (the law of supply & demand at work). As for those specific holiday week-ends such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and 4th of July, it’ll cost you multiples!
Where can you go OUTSIDE of New Jersey, you ask? Well, here are four options on the Eastern Seaboard where weekend rates were over 30% off the average price, including one priced at under $100 per night.
When to Go: June 15 – 18
Average Cost of Weekend Lodging: $491 per night
Discount off Average Summer Cost: 43%
Right about now, you might be saying, “Really??? The Hamptons???” And we certainly couldn’t blame you (doesn’t carry the best of reputations in the Garden State). But Southampton draws visitors because of its unspoiled beaches and charming village offering top shops, galleries and restaurants!
Mid-June is the time to go, when vacation rentals are less than $500, down from summer averages of $868 a night. For ‘the Hamptons’ that’s a steal!
When to Go: June 29 – July 2
Average Cost of Weekend Lodging: $112 per night
Discount off Average Summer Cost: 44%
Don’t tell anyone, but Ocean City is the ‘beach away from the beach’ for Jersey folk! It provides visitors with over 10 miles of free beach and a 3-mile wooden boardwalk featuring the must-have arcade games and amusement park rides (it’s a Jersey-thing).
Of course you have the seafood including the world-renown Maryland blue crabs. On The Bay Seafood and Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar are two popular eateries, though I’m, sure it would be hard to be disappointed anywhere there.
A ‘hidden’ perk: take your blanket and head to Sundaes in the Park at Northside Park to enjoy the free fireworks show on Sundays. Ice cream sundaes are served up for a nominal fee.
When to Go: August 3 – 6
Average Cost of Weekend Lodging: $73 per night
Discount off Average Summer Cost: 34%
Continuing south of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach offers over 35 miles of sandy beaches. You’ll find First Landing State Park’s Chesapeake Bay Beach, a public beach, which offers typically calm waters, perfect for families. For a some ‘JnJ-type’ quiet time, Sandbridge Beach is located just 15 miles south of downtown. You also have a three-mile boardwalk featuring the iconic 34-foot-high bronze statue of King Neptune.
Once again, there is seafood galore! Get your oysters (we LOVE oysters!) The Pleasure House Oysters company offers a tasting experience on a boat. You’ll cruise the Lynnhaven River, learn about the operation, and more importantly, partake of a few freshly harvested oysters.
When to Go: July 27 -30
Average Cost of Weekend Lodging: $163 per night
Discount Off Average Summer Cost: 49%
Lastly…
The Florida Panhandle is a great weekend destination and this town is perfect; rich with white sand beaches and a vibrant local scene. There are historic homes from the 1800s to check out when you want to change things up. You can also visit the historic Pensacola Lighthouse.
If you’d prefer to simply chill at the beach, Pensacola Beach’s pristine white quartz sand and aquamarine water is just a 20 minute drive from downtown. Plus, the nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore offers plenty of quiet trails and miles of unobstructed views. Zen!