Orangepants

Any suggestions for a weekend at the beach in NC? I've never been to the coast here (apart from Hilton Head, SC) so no idea what the area is like?
It's just the two of us, not looking for anything too rustic but then not too commercial either. We're heading out from Charlotte so don't want to spend most of the weekend in the car either

lisag8070

Wilmington NC (not super touristy) but of course if you want touristy go to Mrytle beach...thats where everyone around here heads when the weather gets nice..

Sue

Its not North Carolina but Folly Beach near Charleston, South Carolina is nice, and it's closer to Charlotte than Wilmington. (2 1/2 to 3 hour drive depending on how fast you drive )

There's also Myrtle Beach in South Carolina it's further than Folly beach but the drive is not too long. (It's about a 4 hour drive). However, personally I'm not too keen on MB as it's so commercialised. It reminds me of Blackpool but without the lights.

scbrit

I haven't explored much in NC, I thought Southport was lovely, http://www.southport-oakisland.com/

I live near the Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas) and there are some very commercial bits, but some beautiful areas, (close to everything, but far enough away to avoid crowds) http://www.townofpawleysisland.com/

Staying near Charleston would be good too, as beaches and then a day trip to Charleston would be lovely.

NC Penguin

There's Wilmington, Carolina Beach then Kure Beach. Wilmington's the most crowded and commercialized, Kure Beach less crowded than the other two and more quiet.

It seems that virtually everyone I know in NC has there favorite NC beach. I don't 'cos I'm not a beach person (and haven't been to many in NC).

limeygal

The NC outerbanks are beautiful, spent sometime in Beaufort, lovely marina and can take boat rides over to outerbanks islands.

Out of Wilmington Beaches we preferred Kure (most unspoilt, quiet) and Wrightsville beach. Wilmington itself has a cute downtown area with boutiques/ coffee shops/ restaurants.

Myrtle Beach has quieter parts (North) although it probably depends on when you go... there is a lot to do in that area though, other beaches in NC are pretty quiet.

Rete

My family and extended family have planned a summer vacation together (unfortunately, Jim and I can't make it <pout>) and they are going to the outer banks of North Carolina. Rented a 5 bedroom place on the ocean with a pool and hot tub for $3800 for a week in July. Imagine the prices for this time of the year for a weekend would be a lot cheaper for just a one or two bedroom if you don't want a hotel.

bevinva

From what you said you want it has to be the Outer Banks. If it's around the weekend of the 25th April that's Outer Banks Bike Week. You can visit Hatteras Lighthouse and the Wright Brothers museum on a weekend.

My OH is upset he isn't going to Bike Week, his daughter's ring dance is that weekend and he has to do the doting daddy thing for that.

Hiro11

Hatteras, Ocracoke, Avon etc... IMO, some of the best beaches in the US, if not the world. Unbelievable place.

Chaunticleer

I second Ocracoke. It is touristy, but it's a "good", old fashioned kind of touristy. The beach is on one side, the Sound on the other, which is good for fishing and kayaking. Also a lot of history, too, if you're interested. The British Cemetery is definitely a must see.

But you do have to ride a two hour ferry both ways, so you might want to allow for more than a weekend. But if you're living in NC you HAVE to go to the Outer Banks at some point. As far as beaches are concerned there's no place I'd rather go.

sime303

Thanks for posting that, I saw that story on the History channel a few years ago and I wanted to read about it but could never remember the name of the beach.

Orangepants

Thanks for all the great suggestions....

1chumly

We lived in Mooresville for 10 years and even though we have moved back to the UK we still go to the Outer Banks (Corolla) every year with the extended American family. There are about 20 of us and we rent a huge house on the beach at Pine Island. We absolutely love it but it is not a short drive from Charlotte. A good 8 hours at least and worse if there is traffic. It is definitely worth a trip at some point though. We prefer the area mentioned above as it is not so touristy and quite laid back. We did the 4 wheel drive area (the farthest north in OBX) one year but would never do that again. You take your life in your hands going on the beach as that is the only way in or out. Saw two people very nearly get hit, one a small girl who ran out in front of a big SUV. It is nowhere near as built up as other beaches and you get to see the wild ponies wandering around but with the cars using the beach it is really dangerous.

Have fun wherever you go!

Orangepants

We decided to take a trip to the beaches near Charleston. Wish we had taken Sue's advice and gone to Folly Beach. We stayed in Isle of Palm which is ok but lacking a bit in character and decent places to eat. Also went to Sullivan's island which was more established - Poe's Tavern is a cool hangout.
We'll definitely be planning a trip to the Outer Banks for later in the year. I agree the beaches are amazing and a great way to really get away from it all. Fabulous time!