finding the perfect east coast beach town for june

Every June, as soon as school lets out, we try to plan a family trip. This year is extra special—it's my milestone birthday, and I want to make it memorable. But honestly, picking the right beach spot on the East Coast is turning into a bit of a headache. I’ve spent days scrolling through travel forums, and I still feel stuck. Here’s what I’m wrestling with: I’d love a beach town where we can walk from our Airbnb to a cute downtown—think boardwalks, little shops, and plenty of restaurants. I’m an early riser and love to run, so a safe, scenic place for morning jogs is a must. The kids are teenagers, so I need somewhere with enough to keep them entertained—shopping, activities, maybe even a little adventure. But here’s the catch: I don’t care about nightlife, and I’m not a fan of Florida (no offense to the Sunshine State, but I’d rather try somewhere new). The Carolinas have never been on our travel list, but they’re starting to sound tempting. My wife’s always dreamed of Savannah, but I’m clueless about the beach scene there. Charleston pops up a lot, but is it just hype, or is it really worth it? We’re hoping to keep the Airbnb under $2,000, and we’ll be flying in from Michigan, so a rental car is a given. I know every beach is packed in June, but if there’s a way to dodge the worst crowds, I’m all ears. We’ve done Maine before, but I’m not sure if it’s warm enough for real beach days in June—nothing kills the vibe like freezing water when you’re hoping for sun and sand. Has anyone found that sweet spot—a walkable, runner-friendly beach town with enough for teens to do, but not so crowded you can’t breathe? And is there really a difference between Savannah and Charleston for families? I’d love to hear about places that surprised you (good or bad), especially if you’ve traveled with teens. Sometimes it feels like every place is either too sleepy or too wild, and I just want something in between. Anyone else feel like the perfect beach town is always just out of reach? #FamilyVacation #BeachTrip #EastCoast #Travel