Ocracoke Island, N.C.

There are plenty of affordable accommodations on this island, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. Stay in a rented beach house, bed-and-breakfast or campground, so you’ll have money left for bike rentals and surfing lessons.

There's no bridge to Ocracoke, which is why it's so laid-back, but you can get there by ferry. In 2007, the beach at Ocracoke was named best in the nation. Seafood is a big deal here and most eateries, like island favorite Back Porch Restaurant, feature a fresh catch of the day.

Get more information at ocracokeisland.com.