Life’s a Beach! Five Great Beaches for a Sunny Summer Vacation CheapOair Staff April 29, 2011 Beach Vacations, Interests Summer’s finally here! With temperatures on the rise once again, it’s time to start planning that beach getaway you’ve been dreaming of for months, don’t you think? The answer’s yes. So start packing and don’t forget your swimwear and sunscreen, because here’s our list of five great beaches for a summer vacation! Cape May, New Jersey This isn’t the Jersey Shore you may have seen on TV. Cape May is a quaint beach town on the tip of the southern shore of New Jersey, lined with cozy inns and boutique shops. Just a short walk from downtown, the white sandy beaches of Cape May are bustling come summer time. This is a great option since it’s often a little more temperate than some of our other options here, because of its location further north up the east coast! Captiva Island, Florida For a more tropical feel, Captiva Island might be your place. This gorgeous destination has much more of the tropical paradise feel of a Caribbean island, but just off the shores of Florida! Since it’s connected to Sanibel Island, Captiva Island offers a range of restaurants to visit and things to do that are just a short drive away. Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach is another tempting destination since it’s located a bit further up the eastern coast. Virginia Beach is a large seaside town, offering much more than just the small, family beach. Here you’ll find a vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene, with something going on every night. However, it’s also a good family beach and offers nearby attractions like amusement rides, when you need a break from the beach. You may also like: Fun in the Sand Without Crowds? 9 Lesser-Known Beach Destinations Hilton Head, South Carolina Off the beaten path in South Carolina, Hilton Head is one of the most luxurious beaches in the southeast. You’ll find a lot of golf resorts and high-rise hotels, but Hilton Head also offers many beach houses for those who prefer vacation rentals. There’s a certain feeling of solitude that many other beaches don’t provide. La Jolla, California With so many beaches to choose from in California, especially Southern California, it’s hard to just have one on this list! La Jolla is lush beach in an affluent part of San Diego, but the town is also known for its restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. The coastline is magnificent, with rising cliffs that you certainly won’t find so easily on the east coast. Truly a great excuse to start looking for cheap flights from New York to California, don’t you think? What’s your favorite U.S. beach? Let us know in the comments below!