If you’re looking for a beach vacation full of fast life and excitement, consider the famous casino and opulent marinas of Atlantic City. Here, the pace of life and money never slows – as a result, of course, holidaying costs in the area are a lot higher than the norm.

The family looking to go on vacation might want to check out Avalon, known for its child-friendly activities and pleasant waterfront atmosphere, or even one of the smaller towns like Strathmere.

A balance of the two can be found in Sea Isle City, on the east coast of Cape May County. The city has styled itself as a luxurious beach resort, but prices here are somewhat reasonable compared to other locations and the stretch of beach known as “Five-Mile” is renowned for its pristine condition and peaceful gentility. There’s also a host of activities like sailing and boating, as well as museums and playgrounds that can satisfy both young and old.

The mainstays of accomodations in Sea Isle and most other smaller resort towns are apartment rentals and summer homes (usually let by their local owners). The peak period is during summer months, mainly July and August, and rates drop drastically during off-peak season. Most of these will offer fully-equipped amenities and proximity to the the center of the city, but there’s always a premium on ocean views. Large beach houses can be found to fit families and larger groups, while flats are usually a cheaper option.