Where to go from Chicago to stay on ocean

rbunnymom · 06-07-2010, 05:44:22 AM

I need help. I would like to do an inexpensive trip from Chicago to the ocean somewhere, anywhere. Any suggestions? We will be driving.

Where to stay, etc.

taylordvd · 06-07-2010, 05:51:59 PM

Personally I like the Delaware coast. The drive would be around 15 hours from Chicago. We have stayed at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach. Also, we have stayed at Killens Pond State Park in Delaware about 45 minutes from Rehoboth. They have cabins that sleep 4 that are really nice. They also have a water park at the park that is open until labor day. If you head that way and like airplanes, there is a museum at the air force base in Dover, DE that is free and pretty nice. Lots and lots of planes outside and you can even go in them.

cgrace · 06-09-2010, 09:44:46 AM

Taylordvd - I was going to suggest the same thing! I live about half way between Killens Pond and Rehoboth :) We have several resort beaches, each tailored to a slightly different age group. The beaches are generally kept very clean and the areas are well maintained. There are also 3 outlet centers where you can enjoy tax free shopping (and since you're driving you can really load up), we have awesome restaurants, and lovely beaches. Our area is pretty reasonably priced and you can probably find ways to spend as much or little as you need to. If you will be here for several days you may want to look into renting a condo or house. Supposedly the rental market has picked up from last year but I hear there are still some last minute bookings available and that you can get a decent price. You are also within about an hour's drive from a casino, Ocean City, MD and a bit further to VA's Assateague island, or take a ferry over to Cape May, NJ. We are also pretty conveniently located to Baltimore/Philadlephia/DC if you want to visit any of those cities on your way through. I have driven out to Chicago before and it's not a bad trip at all. Hope you have a great trip, where ever it is.

rbunnymom · 06-14-2010, 06:06:11 PM

Thanks for the ideas. Sounds great. If we do go, it will be a last minute trip in the next couple weeks. I really want to go!

Anyone else with ideas. How about Virginia?

cybilx10 · 06-14-2010, 07:18:30 PM

Personally I would travel to the Carolinas. I have heard it beautiful and somewhat warmer than farther up north. I have heard that Ocean Isle Beach is pretty secluded but still has lots to do. I have always said one of these days I will go there and just sit and stare at the water for the whole time I am there. Its beautiful in the pics I have seen.

rbunnymom · 06-14-2010, 08:36:13 PM

Originally Posted by cybilx10

Personally I would travel to the Carolinas. I have heard it beautiful and somewhat warmer than farther up north. I have heard that Ocean Isle Beach is pretty secluded but still has lots to do. I have always said one of these days I will go there and just sit and stare at the water for the whole time I am there. Its beautiful in the pics I have seen.

Wow, it sure is beautiful. I went to one of the resort links and put in a "bid" for a reduced rate when we can go. Hoping they accept it. If they do, we will definitely go there.

cybilx10 · 06-15-2010, 07:12:20 AM

Good Luck on the bid. Hope you get something you enjoy. Let us know how it was when you get back.

vjanened · 06-16-2010, 08:42:51 PM

I luv Va beach, lots of entertainment and absolutely beautiful. We just got back (Patriot Festival) and will be going again in Sept. We took our daughter (her first va beach trip) and she is going back in Aug. She is 23 and absolutely loved it. There is always something going on to do or be entertained. Va. Beach has Beach Street USA, countless festivals, concerts all along the beach, comedians, magicians, dancers, etc. The boardwalk is great, we walked and biked all over the place. Did some boating and dolphin watching and of course spent time playing in the ocean riding the waves to shore. Be sure to buy "wave" day passes and ride the wave buses while there. If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them. Oh we did one of the 4 malls while there, very nice it has a beautiful 2 story merry go round inside the entrance.