Beach Guide 2009

Weekend sent reporters to Cape May, N.J., the Delaware beaches, Ocean City, Assateague and Chincoteague islands, and Virginia Beach. What they've come back with (besides sunburns) are these old favorites, new delights and long-hidden treasures. Scroll down to start exploring the individual beaches.

Cape May's Victorian architecture is part of what has made the town a desirable resort for more than a century.

Turtles, kites and deer peacefully coexist with galleries, sophisticated restaurants and boardwalk arcades.

Frequented by Washington area families for decades, this beach town, with miles of shoreline, offers so much more beyond the boardwalk.

The island celebrates simple pleasures: Yes, there are ponies, but other pursuits include kayaking, hiking and riding bikes.

This city of contrasts has a surfer beach, skate park and waterpark, but also museum-caliber exhibitions.

For summer fun at the shore, browse this list of dozens of events through August.

If you haven't visited the Eastern Shore since Labor Day, there are some new happy-hour hot spots to explore.