finding the perfect beach town for a mother-daughter getaway

Last summer, I tried to plan a beach weekend for my mom and me, thinking it would be a breeze. Turns out, finding a spot in the Southeast that checks all our boxes is harder than I thought. We want somewhere in the US, ideally with a cute little town nearby—somewhere you can actually walk around, not just endless hotels and chain restaurants. Good food and drinks are a must (my mom is picky about her seafood, and I need a decent coffee shop in the morning). We’re aiming for July or August, but I’m worried about crowds and the heat. Last time we went to a popular beach in Florida, we spent more time looking for parking than actually relaxing. Plus, half the restaurants had hour-long waits. I’d love to find a place that’s lively but not overrun, with some local charm and maybe a shady spot to sit when the sun gets too much. Has anyone found a hidden gem along the Southeast coast that’s not just tourist traps and overpriced drinks? I’m hoping for a place where we can stroll, eat well, and actually hear each other talk over dinner. If you’ve been somewhere that fits, I’d love to hear about it—especially if you’ve got a favorite breakfast spot or a shop that’s worth checking out. Sometimes it feels like the perfect beach town is just a myth! #beachtrip #motherdaughter #traveladvice #Travel