Is it too late in the season to still be able to find a beach rental for a summer escape? The good news is we can really go anywhere in the country and dates are flexible. We're open to states beyond the five we tagged, but we thought that was a start.
We prefer to travel late July, but can go any time and would like to stay for a week. Either coast is fine, but would like a quiet, less commercial, off-the-beaten-path kind of feel. We don't want big touristy, lots of kids' attractions etc. We are two girl-friends looking to escape our lives. 
One wants a retreat from life as busy mom and one wants retreat from stressful job.
We'd like an ocean beach, but even a large lake would suffice. We'd prefer a small house or cottage to a large condo, but a condo might be nice with a pool and ammentities. If it is a condo again...not in the land of condos and tourism. Our goal is to sit on the water's edge, read, talk, rest, walk, perhaps take in some pretty scenery or visit a boardwalk type area or quaint town. This summer we don't seek busy itineraries with all sorts of fabulous sights to see. We want to restore and rejuvinate. Any suggestions??
I know it's hard when it's so vague and open, but I greatly appreciate your reccommendations.
Beach Escape
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We had included South Carolina in the tags...sorry it didn't show. Really, both Carolinas, Georgia, the East Coast, Washington...none are off the table.
THANKS for your ideas!
East Hampton beach was named one of the top 10 in the US - and this is definitely an area not aimed at kids amusements - great dining, some good small museums and winereis to tour onthe north fork. As much activity or as much relaxation as you want. You do have to rent a car - but might et a deal flying into Islip - otherwise JFK OR LGA. There are a ton of inns.
If you want to be right on the beach there are low rise condo colonies right on the water in Amagansett - also a great beach.
Northern Michigan has most of what you want including two national lakeshores. And you don't have to worry about sharks. Actually, all the Great Lakes have some fabulous vacation spots. The most remote ones are in Canada.
You can certainly get places on the Outer Banks of North Carolina...here are some,just SOME of the agency sites:
www.sunrealtync.com
www.outerbeaches.com
www.twiddy.com
A couple years ago we spent a week on Chincoteague Island, VA. It was great - small, laid-back island on the Eastern Shore. The beach is a short drive away on Assateague Island, so you wouldnt be walking right out onto a beach, but the coastline on Chincoteague is very nice, just not sandy.
Litchfield beach and Golf Resort.
Where are you coming from? San Diego has the Ocean - and up by Julian - a very cute little lake - Cuyamaca, about an hour away. http://www.lakecuyamaca.org/
Kiawah?
I can recommend Cape San Blas. We spent the past 3 winters there. It is great for walking the beach. No condo's. No high rises. Beautiful, peaceful beach. I have a report at: http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/a-short-report-on-cape-san-blas-florida.cfm
Our cottage was feet from the water with waters views from every window inside. It is VRBO.com/4422512
I think you have to first just go to vrbo.com and then put in the number. This is Florida
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