The Beach-O-Matic Friday, May 15, 1998; Page N50

Note: the following chart covers the Maryland and Delaware shore. For Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey, see the Travel Section's version of the Beach-O-Matic.

If you go to:

The person on the beach towel next to you is most likely to be: an artsy architecture buff who subscribes to Historic Preservation magazine.
Who has come because: of Lewes's fine collection of Victorian buildings and smattering of antique shops.
And who quenches his/her thirst with: tea with cream and two sugars.
Its typical accommodations are: B&Bs and small hotels.
And cost: $85 to $140 per night.
Reason to go: It's quiet, especially the beaches. It's historic. It's close to Cape Henlopen State Park and the ferry that takes you to Cape May, N.J.
Reason not to go: "Architecture" isn't necessarily a word you want to use when you're at the beach.
For information: 302/645-8073. Web site: http://www.leweschamber.com

The person on the beach towel next to you is most likely to be: a white-collar epicure from Arlington, Dupont Circle or Bethesda.
Who has come because: of the inventive restaurants and near-perfect mix of sand, amusements and after-dark attractions.
And who quenches his/her thirst with: a microbrew beer.
Its typical accommodations are: group houses, small- to medium-size hotels.
That cost: $55 to $200 and more per night for hotels, $1,500 per week for houses.
Reason to go: It's where Washington goes. It has everything – small boardwalk, amusement park, dining. Most comfortable gay scene at the beach.
Reason not to go: Can be pricey. Do you really want to spend your vacation near your neighbors and workmates?
For information: 800/441-1329, 302/227-2233. Web site: http://www.beach-fun.com

The person on the beach towel next to you is most likely to be: a Capitol Hill intern trying to bake herself out of a hangover or a backward-cap-wearing college student who's been kicked out of his group house.
Who has come because: there's all those members of the opposite sex desperate to show their tan lines.
And who quenches his/her thirst with: cans of ice-cold Bud, with the occasional Bloody Mary for fiber.
Its typical accommodations are: group houses.
That cost: $600 to more than $4,000 per week.
Reason to go: Party atmosphere. Best live music on the shore.
Reason not to go: As loud as Ocean City but without the go-karts or water slides.
For information: 800/441-1329, 302/227-2233. Web site: http://www.beach-fun.com

The person on the beach towel next to you is most likely to be: an attorney from Potomac or McLean.
Who has come because: she's just made partner and can finally afford a summer house that looks like something out of Architectural Digest.
And who quenches his/her thirst with: white wine
Its typical accommodations are: condos, townhomes and over-the-top designer beach houses.
That cost: $800 to more than $5,000 per week.
Reason to go: the beach is very exclusive and the houses, particularly on the north side, really are something.
Reason not to go: the houses are crawling with lawyers.
For information: 800/962-7873, 302/539-2100. Web site: http://www.bethany-fenwick.org

The person on the beach towel next to you is most likely to be: a retiree who's been going to Fenwick for years, "since before it was discovered."
Who has come because: Rehoboth is too expensive and Ocean City is too gauche.
And who quenches his/her thirst with: a Tom Collins, Manhattan or other mixed drink.
Its typical accommodations are: small rental houses, RV park
That cost: $1,000 to more than $3,000 per week. RV park: $30 a night, full hookup.
Reason to go: It's Goldilocks's favorite town: not too noisy, not too quiet. Plus, the fishing's good.
Reason not to go: Goldilocks had a fear of commitment. And the place is starting to get built up.
For information: 800/962-7873, 302/539-2100. Web site: http://www.bethany-fenwick.org

The person on the beach towel next to you is most likely to be: a Glen Burnie conventioneer who's brought his entire family (but has confiscated his daughter's fake ID).
Who has come because: the whole family can be entertained.
And who quenches his/her thirst with: margaritas if he's over 30, frozen margaritas or Jagermeister shooters if she's under 30.
Its typical accommodations are: everything from brand-new high-rise hotels to older, frame, boarding-house style hotels.
That cost: $65 to more than $180 a night for hotel rooms. Condos rent for $600 and more per week.
Reason to go: Wide beaches! Golf courses! Funnel cakes! Roller coasters! Fun! Fun! Fun! All the time!
Reason not to go: Rockville Pike with sand. Plus, have you ever seen what happens to a sunburned golfer on a roller coaster after he's just eaten a funnel cake?
For information: 800/OC-OCEAN (800/626-2326), 410/289-2800. Web site: http://www.ococean.com

The person on the beach towel next to you is most likely to be: a Birkenstock-wearing bird-watcher from Takoma Park.
Who has come because: this is the most undeveloped stretch of sand this side of the Outer Banks.
And who quenches his/her thirst with: Snapple or those Nantucket Nectar drinks.
Its typical accommodations are: low-rise motels, with a smattering of houses and B&Bs; and lots of sand for brave tent campers.
That cost: $59 and up per night. Campground fees: $20 to $30 per night.
Reason to go: There are hiking trails, biking trails and all sorts of interesting creatures, from birds to snakes to ponies.
Reason not to go: If you prefer wild life to wildlife, you're out of luck. Plus: Enough blood is lost to mosquitoes each year at Chincoteague to satisfy the transfusion needs of a mid-size hospital.
For information: 757/336-6161. Web site: http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com