We would like to plan a trip to the East Coast... suggestions please.

[llenod]

Been to most of the places on the East Coast

Our kids are getting to the age where they can probably appreciate:
1. Great geological/geographical landmarks
2. Great historical landmarks
3. Interesting and unique Beach settings.

We're from California, and our typical vacations are to the beach-- Pacific, cold water, but great surf. We've been to the Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas.
We're planning to take the kids to the East Coast in 2010 (a Tugger plan early.)
We plan to take about a month to survey the east coastal region. In terms of a basic plan, we know we want to experience the Florida coast, and we would like to get up to Virginia and DC. Otherwise, we're open to suggestions. We will likely drive from location to location, but we want to stick to timeshares.
If you could plan 4 weeks, trying only to stay in timeshares along the East coast, which four locations would give the best and most diversified experience? (we're flexible enough to use RCI Points or hotels to stay 3 or 4 days in must see locations.)
Thanks!

Skimble,

I have been to the majority of the places mentioned in this thread. I would skip the north east for another summer.

I would begin my trip in DC and work my way south. A week in DC will allow you to do a lot of the good stuff. You could then drive down to Williamsburg, which on your way you could spend a day in Richmond at some Civil War battlefields. Williamsburg is great, lots of history, shopping, attractions, etc... I would say 3-4 days in Williamsburg would be enough. I would avoid VA beach as you have much better beaches south with warmer waters. I would continue down 95 and swing over to Myrtle Beach, where you and your kids would love. It is a beautiful beach and plenty of timeshares. There is so much to do, you would need to spend a least a week there. Afterwards, make your way to Orlando. This puts you in the middle of it all. 10 days in Orlando should suffice for most attractions. You have the Gulf of Mexico to your west and beautiful Cocoa beach to your east. Both only an hour away. You can't go wrong. That would be a wonderful vacation!

 

[pgnewarkboy]

New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world. There is absolutely no question about that. The Museum of Natural History, Central Park, the Gugenheim. The statute of liberty is awe inspiring. The bridges, the buildings, the waterfront. Take a ferry ride.

There is absolutely nothing like it on the west coast. Even San Francisco, which I love, cannot be compared to NYC.

Here is how you do it. Don't stay in NYC. Stay anywhere in North Jersey and take a bus or train. You can do a few highlights in one to two days.

Missing NYC is like going to Japan and missing tokyo, or going to china and missing beijing, France and missing Paris, Italy and missing Rome.

If you can't do it this trip - do yourself a favor and take the children another time.

 

[RonB]

I think trying to do the entire East Coast in one trip is too much. However, I'll add 2 places to think about:
Acadia NP in the NE - a weeks not enough to see it all though.
Va mountains with a stay at Massanutten. You have the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah NP in the area. Also Luray Caverns is not too far. You are about an hour from Charlottesville with UVA and Monticello.
Ron