Headed to the beach? Here is what's up at spots popular with Western Pennsylvanians - TribLIVE

Western Pennsylvania residents like to visit East Coast beaches every summer, and it seems that the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped the trend.

In fact, many beaches have reported more tourists than previous summers.

Below is a list of what to expect at some of the beach vacation destinations popular with Western Pennsylvanians, along with the average drive time from the region.

Ocean City, N.J. (5.5-hour drive)

• Masks are required when inside any establishment or when social distancing is not possible and recommended on the beach.

• All businesses, amusements, attractions and retail are open.

• Restaurants are open for outdoor dining; there are no bars in Ocean City.

• Beaches are open 24/7, but are currently guarded from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

• Hotels are operating under Department of Health and Center for Disease Control guidelines.

• There are more tourists than normal, according to Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.

Ocean City, Md. (6-hour drive)

• Masks are highly recommended outdoors and required indoors, except when eating at tables.

• All restaurants, bars, businesses and attractions are open at 50% capacity.

• Groups at bars of no more than 6 people, groups must stay 6 feet apart.

• Beach is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• All accommodations are open.

There are a lot of tourists, but a large staff shortage, according to Nancy Schwendeman, interim executive director of Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.

“Visitors tend to think that we’re a covid-free zone and some don’t want to adhere to the restrictions,” she said. “Others are taking it seriously.”

Rehoboth Beach, Del. (6-hour drive)

• Masks are required in all public places except on the beach.

• Businesses and restaurants are open with up to 60% capacity.

• Restaurants have added outdoor dining.

• Bars, hotels and rentals are open.

• Beach is open all hours except from 1 to 5 a.m.

• Visitation is strong, with more day visitors coming in from nearby cities.

It’s wise to make a reservation for your favorite restaurant, according to Carol Everhart, president and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. She adds it’s about “50/50” for those following masking and social distancing guidelines.

Cape May, N.J. (6-hour drive)

• Masks are required both indoors and outdoors if social distancing is not possible.

• Restaurants and bars open for takeout and outdoor dining only.

• Beaches are open from sunrise to sunset.

• Lodgings are following state and county guidelines for reopening with 100% capacity.

• Visit capemaystrong.org for a comprehensive information regarding Cape May traveling guidelines and a traveling advisory issued by Gov. Phil Murphy.

The climate is “hopeful and adaptable,” according to Laurie Taylor, director of marketing for Cape May City.

Virginia Beach, Va. (6.5-hour drive)

• Follow “Phase 3” guidelines of Gov. Ralph Northam’s reopening plan.

• Masks and social distancing required walking into establishments.

• Restaurants, hotels and businesses are open.

• Bar seating remains prohibited in restaurants.

• Beaches and boardwalk are open 24/7.

• No alcohol or large coolers permitted on beaches.

Less tourists due to the cancellation of various outdoor festivals and events, according to Erin Goldmeier, director of public relations at Visit Virginia Beach. People are doing a good job of distancing, he said.

Outer Banks, N.C. (8.5-hour drive)

• Masks are required in places where you can’t easily be social distancing.

• “Safe at home” order with an elevated level of caution.

• Restaurants at 50% capacity for indoors with takeout and outdoor dining.

• Stores are open with limited capacity.

• Beaches are open 24/7, with beach patrols looking for large groups that aren’t socially distanced.

• Visit outerbanks.org/pledge for more information.

Vacation rental homes bookings are through the roof, according to Lee Nettles, executive director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

Cape Cod, Mass. (9.5-hour drive)

• Masks and social distancing required.

• Indoor and outdoor dining is available.

• Barriers placed between booths and tables for indoor dining.

• Guests encouraged to make reservations.

• Bars are closed.

• Beachgoers must wear masks except while swimming.

• On beach, 6 feet required for transitory activities and 12 feet required for toweling.

• Groups of 10 or more not allowed on beaches.

• Contact beach sports are not allowed.

• Travelers arriving from states other than Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont are urged to quarantine for 14 days.

• Visit mass.gov/reopening for more specific protocols.

There are fewer tourists, but those visiting have done a great job at masking and social distancing, according to Frank Schulze, communications director for the office of state Sen. Julian Cyr.

Myrtle Beach, S.C. (10-hour drive)

• Masks are mandated for public spaces and when social distancing cannot be followed, except for beaches.

• Restaurants and bars are beginning to open for indoor seating at 50% capacity.

• Many restaurants and bars are still open for outdoor dining, takeout or delivery.

• Many attractions and activities are open.

• Public beaches are open 24/7.

• All lodging is open with specialized guidelines at various locations.

• Visit visitmyrtlebeach.com for more information.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to travel responsibly, according to Julie Ellis, public relations manager at Visit Myrtle Beach.

Hilton Head, S.C. (11-hour drive)

• Masks are mandatory for indoor spaces, but aren’t required when on the beach, biking or walking as long as social distancing is maintained.

• Businesses, restaurants and bars are open with social distancing and safety precautions in place; alcohol will stop being served at 11 p.m. starting Saturday.

• Indoor dining is socially distanced at 6 feet apart and there are many outdoor dining options.

• Beaches are open until 9 p.m. and social distancing is required.

• Visit hiltonheadisland.org for more information.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular locations for rentals this summer in the country, according to Charlie Clark, vice president of communications at the Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (17-hour drive)

• Masking and social distancing required in public spaces.

• Groups are limited to no more than 10 people in most areas such as restaurants, parks and beaches.

• Restaurants are open for dine-in at 50% capacity; purchase of alcoholic beverages is permitted.

• Bars and nightclubs without regular food service are closed.

• Main attractions are open.

• Beaches are open sunrise to sunset.

• Hotels are open, following safety protocols, down to about half of full occupancy.

• Large music festivals have been postponed.

• Visit sunny.org for more travel information.

Visitation is steadily growing, according to Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Megan Swift is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 724-850-2810, mswift@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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Headed to the beach? Here is what's up at spots popular with Western Pennsylvanians - TribLIVE

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