Lovely Jekkyl Island, Georgia

My family and I would go to Jekkyl Island during a period when it was not hot enough for my comfort anyway. This is one place to plan for summer holidays, or at least closer to the summer such as May for turtle watching, or June.
Jekkyl Island is graces by the Victorian mansions, otherwise known as summer homes to former real estate owners in the 1800's. The Rockefellers and Vanderbilts visited their summer estates and the grandeur is still seen in places such as the Jekkyl Club Hotel. The rates are good considering this hotel is ranked in the top 500 resorts world-wide.
Sea turtles - the island should have probably been called this. Starting in May, the female sea turtles make their way up the beach from the sea, laying their eggs in little nests they dig for this purpose. The nests are marked, the sea turtles are protected species here, the privilege of watching this should be seen as just that - a privilege, so if children cannot leave them alone, this may not be something for the more hyperactive to be witness to. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is stationed on the island for this very special species. There is a sea turtle walk, which after a presentation and video on the turtles, a walk to the beach with a guide may result in that thrilling experience of watching a turtle actually laying her eggs.
Once you've had enough of the beach and need some speed, drive to the Golden Isle speedway, which is 25 minutes away, in Waynesville. They have a site for prices and dates of events.
Driftwood Beach is known for the successful shelling, better some say then beaches in Florida. There is the Villa By the Sea hotel with comparable rates, a pool, playground, and horseback riding available at Victoria's Carriages nearby. Watching dolphins swimming in the water will only make this experience more enjoyable.
Although this is about family beach vacations, if you need or want to divert from the natural beauty to something superficial, for the sake of variations to your day, try the Summer Waves waterpark, with really reasonable rates. The Pirates Passage is supposed to be truly awesome with kids and adults. And if you haven't seen enough waves, there is a wave pool here with a superficial beach,, for those who have never had the experience. Lots to do.
For bike enthusiasts, try the Mini Bike and Golf Rentals, as there are 20 miles of trail to ride along winding passages. Rates are approximately 11.00 per day.
There is a Low Country Boil Buffet on the harbor, with SeaJay's Waterfront Cafe serving you up this enormous meal for 15.00 adults, 7.50 for kids 10 and under.