St. Augustine/Hilton Head/Savannah

Thanks for all the info. I am leaning towards FL to satisfy the warm weather request. Gonna make some phone calls and see if there is any availability with the short notice. Looking at North Beach, Ocean Grove, and Bryn Mawr as locations. And I def agree with the overnight drive. We have made several trips to Myrtle Beach and Florida and always leave at night. More relaxed ride for me.

I'd vote for St. Augustine.... much to do, the fort, St. George St, Alligator Farm, Ripley's,ghost tours,etc. When we go, we stay at North Beach RV , just outside of town.

acut2660 wrote:
Looking for some suggestions on where to go. Looking at the week of December 28th. Been looking into St. Augustine, Hilton Head, and Savannah. Young family with kids. Thanks in advance for all the suggestions.

I-95 south between Christmas and New Years is often a mess on any day. If you plan to go down I-95, I would recommend getting past Northern VA by 7 am to avoid the traffic. Between Christmas and New Years, anytime we've left NJ to go back home and haven't left at 3 am, we have gotten burned with miserable traffic.

Last year we decided not to leave at 3 am and it took us 15 hours to get home. When we leave at 3 am, it usually takes about 12 hours. We are waiting until a few day's after New Years to go home this year, but we'll probably still leave at 3 am.

As for where to go, St. Augustine or Hilton Head would be my suggestion. The weather in St. Augustine will be a little warmer. The ocean water temp will probably still be warm enough for the kids. We live about 150 miles north of St. Augustine and our kids swim in the ocean pretty much year round.

Savannah is a neat city to visit for a day, but after that, there isn't too much. Savannah isn't far from Hilton Head, so if you stayed in Hilton Head, you could take a day trip to Savannah and see everything in one day.

You could also consider Brunswick, GA as a home base. It's 1.5 hours south of Hilton Head, 1 hour south of Savannah and 2 hours north of St. Augustine. There is also St. Simon's Island and Jekyll Island 15 - 20 minutes from Brunswick. If you don't mind running around.

If you just want to sit back and relax, I'd recommend one of the campgrounds along A1A in St. Augustine, like North Beach. You can walk across A1A to the beach and there is a pretty decent seafood restaurant along the beach across from the campground called The Reef.

-Michael

acut2660 wrote:
Looking for some suggestions on where to go. Looking at the week of December 28th. Been looking into St. Augustine, Hilton Head, and Savannah. Young family with kids. I am off from work and they have off from school. Even though the weather has been unseasonably warm up here in the northeast, looking to just get away and enjoy the week. Anyone travel to these areas this time of year with a family? Is it too quiet or are these areas south enough where area attractions are open, and weather is still warm? As for how warm, I would be fine with 40 degree highs, but my better half is probably looking for 60-70 degree highs.

Thanks in advance for all the suggestions.

If you are up for it Florida will be warm - but a long drive down and back. Hilton Head would work for us but not for the Kids (JMHO) Might look at either DC - lots to do and the kids will enjoy the Museums - one other closer option is Williamsburg - fun with lots to do and is decorated for Christmas - Last fun option might be to look into the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina - not as much to do but I've heard it is a good Christmas location.

Depends on what you are looking for for the kids? In a re-read of the post might be the DW that we are trying to please - Orlando - or Daytona Beach, is most likely the destination.

BOL,

Check Weatherbase. Nobody can predict future weather with perfect accuracy, but this site will show you weather stats for hundreds of cities/towns within each state, by month, over several years. Its free.

Been to St Augustine in Dec/Jan - quite lively; If you get a chance head down to Cape Canaveral for a FULL day of amazing entertainment.

We will be in St. Augustine the 27th through the 29th, staying at the Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort. We will have our 3 kids with us as well. Highs should be around the mid 70's, lows around 60; of course that could change by then, but I don't think you'll need winter apparel. :)

Lots of thing for children to do in St. Augustine and most are low cost, some are free. lizzie

I would think St. Augustine would be a good choice with children. Savanah is ok,
Some interesting things for kids. To me, when I have been to Hilton Head, it is more adult oriented. Have a good trip wherever you choose. Quality time with the kiddos is what counts the most.