well we just got back from our 1st family (with the kids vacation). Got a little crazy having three boys 5,3, and 1 and did Cocoa Beach and Disney.
We had a a really good time over all but learned a few things. One day drive is a much better idea and the boys loved the beach far more than they did Disney.
So plans for the next trip have begun. Looking to go in the spring and summer. So maybe we'll end up other places.

Requirements:

VERY family friendly
Not super crazy beach party crowded
8 hour drive from Central KY
Must be a beach destination with a backup of indoor stuff to do in the event of rain.
Some fun beach/dune driving for the Expedition would be a plus.

Disney Hilton Head and Wild Dunes at the Island of Palm seem to fit the bill though I have never been there.

Any of you all been there or have some better ideas?

Isle of Palms is great, as is Sullivan's Island, though its been many years since I've been there. Mt Pleasant is also nice, but may be too built up now.

I'm sure someone else from the area will chime in.

We've stayed at Wild Dunes several times, both condo and hotel. I really like it; the beach is wide and uncrowded and the Charleston area has lots to do and see.

quote:

Originally posted by Tejas421:
We've stayed at Wild Dunes several times, both condo and hotel. I really like it; the beach is wide and uncrowded and the Charleston area has lots to do and see.

^^^Yep. We went when my son was younger a couple times, and everyone loved it.

quote:

5,3, and 1

Yeah, that's early for Disney IMO.

We spent 8 days at Hilton Head this year and loved it. Treated it like a cruise and went out every day for lunch and dinner. Phenomenal restaurants beaches were great, lots of activities, bike paths everywhere, and plenty of great golf for me including Harbortown Golf Links. It's a very high end destination with all development integrated into the vegetation. In fact, you really can't see much from the primary roads, and have to arrive at your destination to even see the ocean. We would return in a heartbeat.

Look into a Disney cruise. Something for all ages including day care for the 1 year old.

We've hit most of the major beaches from VA south with the kids when they were younger.

The only place we ever returned to was Emerald Isle/Atlantic Beach at the very southern tip of the Outer Banks

Mostly cottages and duplexes, great beaches, NC state aquarium close by and the usual beach stuff. An old fort/state park is cool too.

Several good size towns within 30 minute drive.

One road through the island, you can see the bay and ocean at same time in several spots, a bridge at each end of the island.

Did Hilton Head this year, actually honeymooned there, but first time with kids.
Get in Sea Pines towards the South Beach marina. Beautiful area, ride bikes everywhere. Super kid friendly. Everyone says it's pricey, but didn't seem worse than other places we've stayed.

A little bit farther than you said you wanted to drive but Panama City Beach FL is really nice (at least it was before hurricane Michael, not sure now)

JB

My folks live on HHI. We vacationed there as a family all through my childhood. It's an excellent family place without the trashy party vibe of other beach towns. +1 for HHI.