Beach?

[Shell]

OK, so I have lived here for years and never been to a NC beach. I want to take my niece and nephews (7, 9, and 12) on Sunday. What/where is the closest beach I can take them to that they will have fun?? I live on 64.

THANKS!

[Turbulence]

Are you looking for bright lights and lots of glitz? Or straight up beach? The Beach I usually go to has the traditional putt-putts and go cart places, but I like it for the nice, south-facing beach and laid-back aura. Good family beach. Oak Island is just south of Southport (just south of Wilmington.)
It may not be as convenient to get to though, depending on where you live on 64. It isn't a straight shot as places like Wrightsville Beach might be...but if you want more of a family beach I highly reccomend it.

If you need any more info please ask...

[raleighcanesfan]

Topsoil Island (pronounced Top-sul by Southerners) is a nice, quiet beach as well. Mostly condos, although a few hotels. Hardly any shopping, restaurants. Really nice...

[Captain Slack]

Atlantic Beach is nice. Parking can be a hassle, but they've got nice beaches, plus Fort Macon and the Pine Knoll Shores aquarium aren't very far away.

[Shell]

Thanks guys!! I just looked at the ocean temp and guess I should wait a couple of weeks, but really appreciate the input.. I'm not looking for glitz and glamour as they will get to distracted spending my money to go in the ocean ;) The closer the better for sure..

Thanks!

[Caniac]

Topsoil Island (pronounced Top-sul by Southerners) is a nice, quiet beach as well. Mostly condos, although a few hotels. Hardly any shopping, restaurants. Really nice...

It's Topsail. Which is pretty much where I am right now. ;)

[Canesluver]

We prefer the Outer Banks, and it's not that much longer a drive -- much more tranquil a place than any of those places around Wilmington.

Nagshead, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, Hatteras -- all of them are favorites.

If you don't want to drive as far as the Outer Banks, then I'd recommend Emerald Isle over any of the south beaches mentioned previously.

[Canesluver]

Another idea:

If you drive down to Beaufort, there are several people who take small groups out for full-day or 1/2-day Eco-tours.

Last June, we took a full-day sailboat trip from Beaufort to Cape Lookout National Seashore. The captain was also a biologist, pointing out the dolphins and leatherback turtles along the way. He dropped anchor to let us snorkle for awhile, then once we got to shore on Cape Lookout he took us exploring, pointing out the birds, wildlife, shells, etc. -- brought home some of the biggest conch shells I've ever seen. Had plenty of time to just relax on the beach and do nothing, too. It was a really great, relaxing day. Including the captain, and his dog, there were only 8 of us. It was a really memorable time.

[nccanes]

Another idea:

If you drive down to Beaufort, there are several people who take small groups out for full-day or 1/2-day Eco-tours.

Last June, we took a full-day sailboat trip from Beaufort to Cape Lookout National Seashore. The captain was also a biologist, pointing out the dolphins and leatherback turtles along the way. He dropped anchor to let us snorkle for awhile, then once we got to shore on Cape Lookout he took us exploring, pointing out the birds, wildlife, shells, etc. -- brought home some of the biggest conch shells I've ever seen. Had plenty of time to just relax on the beach and do nothing, too. It was a really great, relaxing day. Including the captain, and his dog, there were only 8 of us. It was a really memorable time.

This is awesome Shawn and something right up our alley. Once I figure out when we have the time, I'll be asking for add'l info!

[tommy]

Wow, Canesluver! That sounds really cool!

[Alicia]

I also recommend the Emerald Isle/Salter Path area...quiet and family-oriented.

[tommy]

Yes, Salter Path area is nice and quiet... That is where my church has it's parish retreats every year, and I always have a great time... there are normally TONS of really cool shells on the beach, I remember that specifically.

[Lady J]

I have to put my vote in for Beaufort ~ the beach is really clean and the town is mostly comprised of retirees ( which is probably why the beach is so clean ). The ocean is gorgeous down there.

Unless, of course, Shell was thinking of picking up some young, single Marines on her trip down with the kids... http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies3/devil-naughty.gif

[Thelmie]

Are you looking for bright lights and lots of glitz? Or straight up beach? The Beach I usually go to has the traditional putt-putts and go cart places, but I like it for the nice, south-facing beach and laid-back aura. Good family beach. Oak Island is just south of Southport (just south of Wilmington.)
It may not be as convenient to get to though, depending on where you live on 64. It isn't a straight shot as places like Wrightsville Beach might be...but if you want more of a family beach I highly reccomend it.

If you need any more info please ask...

I second this. I'm biased though, because I pretty much grew up in Southport. :) I like Oak Island because it is peaceful and not crowded like some of the other beaches down there get sometimes.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I have to put my vote in for Beaufort ~ the beach is really clean and the town is mostly comprised of retirees ( which is probably why the beach is so clean ). The ocean is gorgeous down there.

Unless, of course, Shell was thinking of picking up some young, single Marines on her trip down with the kids... http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies3/devil-naughty.gif

SOME people are so naughty!! :p ;)

Topsail is probably my vote for a NC beach..it is about 2 hours away...beaches are wide and clean...not much to do but play in the sand and surf...ENJOY!! :cool: