[Eileencc]

Hi Chris! I would also recommend the Cape if you can hack the extra distance. I think it's about an hour from Boston, depending on where you stay. It's about 30 miles from the Sagamore Bridge at the beginning of the Cape all the way out to Provincetown at the tip...The national seashore beaches are beautiful, and there's lots to do. The surf on the ocean side of the Cape is much rougher, and the water is chillier. If there are kids, you may prefer the beaches on the bay side. There are lots of big cottages and condos for rent along the Cape. Some of the prettier towns are Chatham, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Provincetown.

The other thing you may want to consider is Newport, Rhode Island. I haven't been there in quite some time, but I remember it as an area with nice beaches, lots of activities, and still a semi-reasonable distance from Boston.

Good luck and let us know how the search for accommodations goes!