We live in Culpeper.  Daughter will be 2 this summer.

The idea is to go to the beach.

Schools of thought

MINE: Go to Virginia Beach.  Stay at a Residence Inn on the boardwalk.  Rent a cabana. Kid gets tired/hungry/slapped in face with a wave/ etc, voiala! Walk back to the hotel room.

HERS: Rent a house. Possibly invite grandparents (Who are wonderful souls that get along with us 100%). Click To View Spoiler


FIRST, ARE there houses I can rent that are on the ocean, or ocean-SIDE of the road?

2, What are some vacation location alternatives?  Growing up, we would go to Fenwick Island, Delaware.  Nice rental cottages and putt putt courses everywhere.

Longer drives, but:

When kids were 2, we took them to Sesame Street park north of Philadelphia in upper Bucks county.  No real Philly trash - but be prepared for lots of young parents with tats (and kids in tow).  It's geared toward younger kids.  Don't miss the nightly parade.  Despite fears of questionable water quality, we never got sick there.  Park is clean enough.  Stay 2 or 3 miles away and hotels are cheaper. 1 or 2 days max.

Fun fact:  you will probably run into both Orthodox Jews and Muslims there (everyone gets along - though wife got some funny looks speaking German to our kids).

Beach wise:  we prefer Emerald Isle. It's family oriented and sort of the anti-Ocean City.  Spring breakers NOT welcome. Tons of mini golf and a good aquarium for small kids (pay extra for the bird show).  You can carry in NC with a VA LTC.

Outer Banks.  MD and DE beaches are close but crappy.  Yes, you can easily rent a house in walking distance to the beach on the Outer Banks.  I prefer the sound side (cheaper, quieter), and in many of the communities there is free beach parking right near the dunes.

If you come to Va. Beach and rent a house, it will probable be in Sandbridge.  Save a few dollars and rent a house on the 3rd or 4th row.  It is only a 100 yards off the beach.

Just do this.

Great ideas guys!

Should have put this in the OP; We grew up going to Fenwick Island, Delaware.  (It IS an extra 1 hour away over VA Beach/Sandbridge.)

+1, you're never far from the beach there.

We did this a couple years ago. We had a great time. I was going to recommend Sandbridge but a couple other fellas already have.