by Onemargaret

Created on: March 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

With the warm weather so near and school almost out, it's the perfect time of the year to think about taking that much-needed vacation with the family. Whether you travel during early March or you can't possibly get away until late August, the beach is still the place to be. That's why I've selected some of the best beaches in the United States, since everyone loves the fresh, warm ocean air of a clean, safe family-oriented beach community. Not to mention the bright, sunny atmosphere and the outgoing hospitality. Come on! Let's take a quick look

Virginia Beach, Virginia is known as "Heritage by the Sea." It is one of the most famous beaches on the Eastern Seaboard. According to Wikipedia, this resort city is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the longest pleasure beach in the world.

It has outdoor activities, wellness, fishing, golf, kid's activities, shopping, and more. With 35 miles of oceanfront property, Virginia Beach consists of three beaches: The Chesapeake Bay, Resort Area, and the Sandbridge. Hotel accommodations are available throughout the strip, starting on North Beach (26th-40th Street); Beach Street (17th-25th Street); South Beach (2nd-16th Street); the Chesapeake Bay Area; or Inland or Town Center Areas and the prices do vary, depending upon the season. Upcoming events include the Shamrock Marathon 2009, held from March 21-22, where you can register for the marathon, Towne Bank 8k, or the children's races; the Stars and Stripes Explosion on July 4; and the East Coast Surfing Championships, held at the Oceanfront from August 23-27. Getting to this ideal beach is quite easy, since "all roads lead to Virginia Beach." If approaching from the west, take I64, US460, or US58. From the north and south, take I85 or I95, US17, or US13 (crossing the world-famous Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel, which is a 17-mile span, connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore with Virginia Beach). These routes intersect with I64, which connects with the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway, I264, and leads directly to the Virginia Beach oceanfront. For more information, call (800) VA BEACH or email vabvc@vbgov.com.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, where it is made up of 14 beaches that include Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Hatteras, Frisco, and Ocracoke beaches.

Considered "nature's playground," all beaches include activities such as camping, golfing,

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