There are so many things I love about being a Kentuckian– the mountains, the food, the people, the horses. And I love that our son gets to grow up in this beautiful, friendly state. My theory is that Kentucky is like one big small town, everyone is connected.

I enjoy researching fun things for us to do and trips to take. With my analytical nature I tend to weigh different options and try to make the “best” decision. I decided I would put together some of the research I do for our own family and friends out there for others. What you see here will be systematically chosen by what we would actually do or have done.

Before becoming a family of three, my husband and I preferred to travel by plane. It was easy to pack a bag, hop on a flight, and be at our destination in a few hours, feeling relaxed and refreshed after a nap on the plane. Once we had a child there were more things to pack, more cost associated with air travel. We really started to weigh the cost and time spent driving versus flying for vacation, and the conveniences of each method.

I like the convenience of air travel because you have more of the day to enjoy your destination and are not as tired from the commute. But I also like the convenience of having brought along items you might need like a beach umbrella and chairs, as well as having your own car to use as you explore different parts of a city. It’s much more challenging and draining to load up your vehicle and spend more than half of a day driving there and that same amount on the way home. Picking the right destination and the right method of travel is key to getting the most for your money and time.

There are a lot of great cities within a 6 1/2 hour drive of central Kentucky- Cincinnati, Louisville, Columbus, Nashville, Knoxville, Asheville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and St. Louis– many possibilities without going very far. But there’s certainly not a salt water beach that close and my family loves the beach.

You have to drive over 8 hours from Kentucky to get to the ocean. Here are the fastest beaches to drive to, sorted by distance according to Google:

Folly Beach, SC: 8h 2min (527.0 mi) via I-75 S & I-26 E.

Cheapism’s 20 Best East Coast Beaches says “Folly Beach gives Southern California a run for its sun. The average temperatures are 85 degrees in summer, 65 in fall, 75 in spring, and 55 in winter. The beaches are expansive, the sunsets painted, and landmarks include a local lighthouse and a pier, parts of which are scheduled to close for two years for rebuilding, possibly starting this September.”

Seabrook Island, SC: 8h 18min (538.9 mi) via I-75 S & I-26 E.

Country Living’s 20 Most Magical Island Getaways in the USA says about it’s #8: “Pair your Charleston getaway with the timeless charm of nearby Seabrook Island, or forgo city life completely for a few days spent on this idyllic strip of ocean paradise. Scope out available rentals here and line up activities like stand-up paddleboarding at Bohicket Marina, a spa day at Synergy Day Spa, and horseback riding on the beach or on the trails with the equestrian center. As the sun sets, live music junkies will enjoy the Pelican’s Nest. Or, tip your hat to Southern tradition and enjoy regional fare at the Palmetto Room, where the local seafood really shines. And fine, since you’re only a 45-minute drive away from Charleston, ease back into reality with a day or two exploring fabled Chucktown.”

Kiawah Island, SC: 8h 21min (541.7 mi) via I-75 S & I-26 E

Coastal Living’s The Best Beaches in South Carolina says “Wide, sandy sprawls on this barrier island’s western side, snugged between the ocean and the Bohicket River. Explore 11 miles of unspoiled sand and a boardwalk weaving among live oaks, palmettos, and yucca plants.“

Hilton Head, SC (Islanders Beach): 8 h 22 min (555.5 mi) via I-75 S & I-26 E.

According to Country Living’s 23 Most Charming Beach Towns: “Not only can you get your golf or beach fix on the sandy shores of Hilton Head, but you can also soak up the island’s storied history and climb up the iconic Harbor Town Lighthouse, or enjoy a sightseeing cruise in nearby Savannah.“

Myrtle Beach, SC: 8h 36min (556.2 mi) via I-75 S & I-26 E.

Thrilllist’s 25 Greatest Beach Towns in America says “...this 60-mile stretch dubbed “the Grand Strand.” . . .all kitsch, all the time. It’s a place to gorge yourself at pancake houses and seafood buffets, ride go-carts at breakneck speeds, and play the best darn mini golf of your life, over and over. Of course, there’s also the sprawling, beige-sanded beach, anchored by a mile-long boardwalk that transports you back to the mid-20th century era of beachfront amusements. It’s all lorded over by the SkyWheel, a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel with gondolas rocking A/C on hot summer nights.“

Tybee Island, GA (12 miles from Savannah): 8 h 48 min (578.2 mi) via I-26 E

According to Country Living’s 23 Most Charming Beach Towns: “It’s no surprise that this charming island is a popular vacation destination for residents of Savannah, one of our favorite cities in the South. Here, you’ll find magnificent salt marshes and wildlife unique to southeastern Georgia.”

Virginia Beach, VA: 9h 6min (599.2 mi) via I-64 E.

Country Living’s The South’s Best Beaches 2018 says: “You’ll find this happening beach burg at the intersection of two great waterways, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. From its buzzing Oceanfront to secluded Sandbridge to the 8,000-acre Pungo agriculture district, Virginia Beach packs a lot of variety into one destination.“

Jekyll Island, GA: 9h 39min (646.3 mi) via I-26 E & I-95 S.

Country Living’s 20 Most Magical Island Getaways in the USA says about it’s #12: “The landmark Jekyll Club has a certain effortless elegance that instantly transports you to a calmer, happier outlook with its stunning landscape (the handsome architecture and friendly staff also enhance the allure of finding oneself in bygone times). Though you could easily spend your entire vacation on Driftwood Beach, be sure to spend an afternoon biking the island’s paths and trails—some of which will take you through forests offering gravel roads and bridges. Now that you’ve earned an indulgent meal at Tortuga Jack’s, embrace the colorful, Tiki vibes and clink glasses honoring your Georgia coastal getaway.”

Cumberland Island, GA (Sea Camp Beach): 9h 39min (662 mi)

Coastal Living’s 21 Best Beaches says: “Part of an 18-mile stretch of sand on the island’s Atlantic side, Sea Camp Beach is wide and wild, strewn with driftwood and a gazillion shells and backed by sea grass and rolling dunes. Roam the beach in search of wild horses, sea turtles, manatees, and prehistoric-looking horseshoe crabs. Collect shark’s teeth and shells from the soft gray sand, and sleep under the stars in one of Sea Camp’s tents on the beach.“

Gulf Shores, AL (West Beach): 10h 9min (678.0 mi) via I-75 S & I-65 S.

Coastal Living’s 21 Best Beaches says: “Alabama’s best beach stretches six miles from Gulf Shores Parkway to the end of Dolphin Drive. The farther west you go the less congested it gets—until there’s nothing but sun, sea, and your own footprints. But what sets Gulf Shores apart from other Gulf Coast destinations is the quality of the sand: soft underfoot and ultra-bright white. Summer water temperatures hover at bathtub levels, and gentle waves make the beach safe for even the youngest waders.“

Atlantic Beach, NC (Pine Knolls Shores): 10h 12min (644.5 mi) via I-77 S.

Coastal Living’s 21 Best Beaches says: “North Carolina’s best-kept beach secret is the small resort town of Atlantic Beach in the largely uninhabited Bogue Banks barrier islands. The coastal community of Pine Knolls Shores stretches west from the city center, a strip of fine white sand that’s home to the North Carolina Aquarium.“

Nags Head, NC (Outer Banks): 10h 22min (669.3 mi) via I-64 E.

Cheapism’s 20 Best Beaches on the East Coast says “Nags Head keeps its beaches clean and full through a dual program of sand relocation and public education on beach conservation called “leave only your footprints in the sand.” The beach, a tourist hotspot, keeps it fun by issuing permits for pit fires on the beach.“

Twelvemile Beach, MI: 11h 24min (755.8 mi) via I-75 N.

Coastal Living’s 21 Best Beaches says: “This spectacular white-sand strand on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a northern nirvana of fishing, beachcombing, and lakeshore camping. Twelvemile is flanked by two other natural wonders: the 300-foot-high Grand Sable Dunes, and the chromatic sandstone cliffs that give the park its name.“

Subscribe for more insights on business, travel, and family from Charity in Kentucky.