Looking For A Great East Coast Beach? Here's A List Of Five Top Spots

If you are still at loose ends when it comes to Labor Day weekend, just remember that the East Coast is alive with coastal playgrounds that will keep the entire family happy during a holiday. Here are just five top spots to consider when looking for a beach vacation.

1. South Carolina's Isle of Palms treats visitors to six miles of white sandy beaches as well as its Wild Dunes Resort, a 1,600-acre oceanfront property at the northern part of the island offering golf, tennis and all sorts of recreational programs. Check out the array of water sports available all across the island, plus the eco-tours and bike trails. There's also the nearby historic city of Charleston to consider. Additional perks: locally owned seafood restaurants and abundant Southern politeness. For more information, go to wilddunes.com or discoversouthcarolina.com.

2.Many people head to Florida year after year but never visit one of the state's most peaceful and pet-friendly vacation spots—St. George Island. Yet this thin barrier island in Northwest Florida measures 28 miles of some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Of particular appeal is its low density and lack of high rises and chain stores. Two of the top-rated hotels—according to customer reviews—are St. George Inn and Buccaneer Inn. Or you can rent a house through a site such as greatrentals.com or vacationrentals.com. For more information on all there is to do on St. George Island, go to stgeorgeisland.com.

3. North Carolina's Cape Hatteras has lots of fans, and a visit to the 72-mile stretch of seashore will show you why. Up and down Hatteras coastline, visitors will encounter seven villages, each with its own distinct character. They also will encounter incredible bird-watching spots as well as places offering hang gliding, windsurfing, scuba diving, kite surfing, biking and fishing in some of the best angling waters anywhere. For more information, go to outerbanks.org.

4. Some of Maine's most gorgeous beaches are at the southern end. One of the most popular spots is Ogunquit, one of Maine's prettiest resort towns. There is a stunning three-mile sandy beach that includes the famed Marginal Way, a neatly paved pathway along a rocky part of the shore that is perfect for children. Also for children are two candy stores, plus a variety of lobster boat tours and whale-watching excursions. Adults can enjoy art museums and great shops and restaurants. One restaurant not to miss is MC Perkins Cove, offering spectacular ocean views and American fare. For a family-friendly place to stay, try the Pink Blossoms Resort, where rooms include kitchenettes and go for only $100 a night in low season. For more information, go to pinkb.com. For more general tourism information, go to visitmaine.com.

5. In New Jersey, the entire town of Cape May has been designated a National Historic District, complete with nearly 600 preserved Victorian buildings. Another town, Barnegat Light, is a charming city at the northern end of Long Beach Island. Ocean Grove is yet another lovely New Jersey beach town that is full of gracious bed-and-breakfasts. For more information on all of the state's beach areas, go to visitnj.org. The site also includes information on when popular jazz festivals and other events are scheduled.