With the sunny days of summer fast approaching, many students sit in class dreaming of sandy beaches and crashing waves. A beach vacation is the perfect way to relax after months of hard work. Lucky for us, the East Coast is full of options. From Cape Cod to the Florida Keys, each location offers a unique experience.

But which one is the best? There are many factors to consider, including distance, crowds, typical weather, boardwalks and more. The perfect location for you all depends on what you’re looking for in a dream summer getaway.

The Jersey Shore

One classic East Coast beach is the Jersey Shore. Known for its vibrant personalities and packed beaches, these beaches are about a three to four hour car ride from Arlington. Some of these charming beach towns along the Jersey Shore include Ocean City and Asbury Park. These beaches are home to locals and tourists alike. The boardwalks are filled with ice cream and pizza shops, which are the perfect way to end the day. One thing to note is that you must pay to access many of these beaches and you often cannot eat on them due to the seagulls. Finally, these narrow beaches lack sufficient space for the crowds, so parking can be a nightmare.

The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks are another popular choice. These beaches are located just off the coast of North Carolina. However, the peninsula can only be accessed by a few bridges and only has a few main roads, which can make traffic a pain. The drive can be anywhere from four to eight hours from Arlington, but the stunning views make up for it. One side is a gorgeous bay, and the Atlantic is on the other side. One special feature of the Outer Banks is that it is home to the original Duck Donuts, in Duck, NC. These delicious donuts are a must. Some of the specific beaches include Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills. They range from busy beaches with roaring waves to slow towns and calm shores, so there is a place for everyone.

Delaware Beaches

Next up are the Delaware beaches. These include Bethany and Rehoboth beach, which are both about a three hour’s drive away. As these beaches are further north, the weather will be a little cooler. They are home to charming beach towns with bookstores and souvenir shops. There is usually a healthy mix of locals and tourists. The shore is lined with condos and beach houses for rent, so these beaches would be perfect to have a summer house for a family vacation.

The charming town of Lewes is also a great choice. It is home to the beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park, which features the historic Fort Miles museum. Between trips to the beach, families can enjoy bike rides and trips to the museum together. This location is great for spring or fall vacations because the attractions can still be enjoyed with cooler temperatures.

Cape Cod

Another East Coast option is Cape Cod. A peninsula located in Massachusetts with the interior side touching Cape Cod Bay, and the Atlantic on the other side. While the cold waters of the Atlantic may be unappealing to some, the bay is much warmer due to its shallow waters. Cape Cod is also located near popular islands such Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, which are both accessible by ferry. The beach towns lining Cape Cod make this location an even better choice with its seaside charm. One thing to consider about this location is the long drive, which stretches to nine to ten hours. This drive can be painful for some, but if your family’s a fan of road trips, it will be no problem.

Virginia Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that’s a little closer, Virginia Beach is a great choice. It is about a four hour drive away from Arlington. With a healthy amount of local residents, the coastal towns along the beach have a genuine charm that is not just engineered for tourists. However, it is still a popular tourist location so there are plenty of housing options available. The three mile boardwalk is the perfect place to take a stroll along the ocean. You can even stop for ice cream or pizza if you’re feeling hungry. Overall, Virginia beach would be a great place to visit for a long weekend since the drive is not too long.

Hilton Head

The beautiful island of Hilton Head in South Carolina is a fan favorite. This location is known for its booming tourism industry that thrives with vacationers all year long. The drive from Arlington is about eight-and-a-half hours, so this is another road trip friendly beach. One unique attraction is the turtle hatching, where baby turtles make their way across the beach to the ocean for the first time. This occurs annually around July, and is a must-see event. Another fun feature of Hilton Head is its iconic lighthouse. Finally, the island’s laidback atmosphere makes for a very relaxing vacation.

Chincoteague

Last but not least is the gorgeous town of Chincoteague. This beach is located in Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay. It is little over a three hour drive from Arlington. The stunning natural beauty of Chincoteague is certainly a sight to see. The wild horses roaming the island are just one example of this. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge strives to preserve the island, allowing tourists to enjoy the sights. The crowds on this beach are generally not too intense, so it is another low-key option for those who want to relax and immerse themselves in nature.

There is no shortage of beach towns on the east coast, and they all offer a unique experience. It’s all about choosing the right one for you. Each family has their signature summer vacation spot where lazy days are spent and memories are made. These memories will stick with you forever and will always have a special place in your heart, so get out there and make the most of your summer!