East coast beach suggestions

Hello, we are considering doing our honeymoon at the end of September. Normally for vacation we go to the keys, rent a house on a channel so i can stare at sea creatures all day, and spend way too much on food. I know the area so it makes me more confident that I an find my way around, I like the clear water so I can view the critters, and I like the warm weather (we usually go in December)? However, its expensive, especially considering it will be just us this time.

As a child we used to spend every summer in the outer banks, which I loved. I couldn't explore the water the same but I enjoyed getting up early to see what washed on to the beach or going crabbing. But o haven't been there in over 15 years and I heard it's gotten really developed.

So what I am looking for is a southern east coast beach that will still have things to do after labor day. Like I said, I enjoy being able to see what washes up or go beach glassing (fossils would be awesome too), I love sea life. Something that has a lot of restaurants because I dont want to have to cook. Also, dog friendly is a big plus as we will be bringing our lab. We would want to rent a house and be in driving distance of Ohio. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.