I feel like Mexico has a similar vibe.
That too, another “stick to the resort or approved trips” kind of place. Maybe some areas are a little more “wander around” friendly, not where we went.
Although we did go to a few bars where we couldn’t communicate with anybody, was kind of fun, just point at a tap and hand them $1 and get a beer. And we only kept like $10 and our passports on us.
Hilton Head? You could drive it instead of flying!!! 
Did the New York to Bermuda cruise once. I like the extended on-boat activity time and the only one stop part (I get anxious when I have to be back to the boat at a certain time).
We’ve also been thinking of Japan. Sounds like in your financial situation you could swing it… Haven’t started seriously considering where or what to do yet, but I want to eat all the things.
When we do Japan I want at least 10 days of feet on the ground to make the travel worth it.
I tend to avoid the “must stay in your resort” kinds of destinations. I want to experience the place I am visiting.
Another recommendation: Costa Rica. Lovely place, nice people, and lots of interesting things to do. Or you can just chill on one of their beaches. I felt very safe traveling there.
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In 2019 I cashed in some frequent flyer miles when I saw a fantastic deal on comfort class seats to Tokyo. We were supposed to be there in April 2020. COVID cancelled that trip. I have not been to Japan, and will keep my eyes open for deals again.
Isn’t North Carolina near the beach?
3 1/2 hours to Nags Head
That’s a little sad. No offense.
Yeah, you’re right: the Canadian side of the Falls is much prettier!!! 
Muncie or gtfo.
Seriously, what’s your risk tolerance? Are you wanting/willing to try leaving the country? If so, then you have so. many. options. for beaches. If you just want romantic beach action, an over-water thing might be nice. Some place like Fiji maybe.
If you’d prefer to stay state-side, Hawaii is pretty amazing. Honolulu if you like more scene, Maui or Kuai for more laid back beaching, or Molokai if you just plain hate people.
We did Kauai for our honeymoon (and again for 10 yr anniversary). I loved it.
If you want to just sit by a pool or on a beach and not do anything else, its probably not the place. But besides that, it can be whatever you want it to be.
We rented a condo from VRBO 50 yards from the beach. We drove around the island (in a convertible of course) and visited different beaches and waterfalls. We went on a few hikes in different parts of the island (including one kayak/hike combo to a awesome waterfall spot). We ate at both cool local places and fancy tourist places. We did a sunset cruise to the NaPali coast
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Hoping to go once leaving the country is less of a big deal, which I was also hoping was in 3,4,5… months? I consider Hawaii leaving the country, but not Florida, in my head. I understand that is weird and overly complicating.
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Outer banks in large part have become super crowded in-season. Particularly Nags Head. Grew up going there to visit grandparents, took a decade hiatus, have been back a couple times and it was totally commercialized.
Gary Indiana has a beach
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I’m seriously bad at communicating my totally irrational, ingrained assumption sets when asking for advice.
Like for example, for a “going to the beach vacation” I mean like - a getaway to an exotic beach outside of the US (excluding Hawaii).
My honeymoon is 4 1/2 days I’ll never get back.
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Anchorage has beaches and I hear it’s very pretty.