Spring Break destinations near Raleigh

[Anonymous]

We (DH, myself and our three year old) are going to a wedding in Raleigh the weekend before spring break (last week in March). We're looking into going somewhere within an easy drive of Raleigh for the remainder of spring break. Any good suggestions? Myrtle Beach seems like an ideal option, but we were worried that it may be too cold.

[Anonymous]

Define easy drive?

Ex-DC, now live in the Raleigh area. You aren't going to get anything remotely resembling beach weather at NC/SC beaches - it could be anywhere from 45 to 75 and could be rainy or windy as heck. It is a total crapshoot that time of year. (Also, OBX is a good 4-5 hours from the Triangle as well.)

I would drive the ~4 hours to Charleston or ~5 to Savannah and do a fun little city break. More to do in Charleston, esp with kiddo, but Savannah is perfect for a short break and does have some kid friendly stuff as well. Kiawah is also a really nice compromise - we've done it a couple times for a low key SB and while you won't get to swim, it's a nice resort and you can day trip into Charleston. If you're determined to do a beach-only destination, HHI has enough other activities (golf, tennis, biking, shopping) that you could probably keep busy. But you're not going to get proper beach weather much north of Naples TBH.

I also wouldn't do Biltmore / Asheville bc the weather is too much of a crapshoot and you will want to hike if you're there.

[Anonymous]

I would imagine there is a ton of availability and you can book last minute...I would wait much closer to the date and see what the weather may be.

We rented an OBX house with a heated pool, hot tub and awesome game room for way less than peak summer.

Some days we got 70s and some days 50s. We made sure the pool was really heated and we could comfortably use when it was 50. Hot tub was of course great.

All the mini-golf, go karts, etc. was open.

It probably would have been a drag to not walk on the beach or enjoy the outdoors if the entire week was 50s and rainy...but again, the week worked out fine.

[Anonymous]

HHI is your best bet

[Anonymous]

I'm in Raleigh. Myrtle will be cold, but it will have everything you want, and almost all the resort hotels have indoor pools, lazy rivers, slides etc. It's really set up to be a year round destination. Just to warn you: DCUM hates Myrtle but it's fun. Asheville/Biltmore will still be cold and frankly the Bitlmore is grossly overpriced for what it is. Charleston is fun and has an aquarium. The beaches are just probably going to be a little chilly that time of year no matter where you go unless you head into FL.

I would also recommend a day in Raleigh to do the following: Marbles Kids Museum, NC Museum of natrual Sciences (free) and NC History Museum.

[Anonymous]

Chat GPT answer:

For a spring break trip within driving distance from Raleigh, there are several great options to consider:

1. **Myrtle Beach, SC**: While it might be a bit cool in late March, Myrtle Beach is still a popular destination. The average high temperatures are usually in the 60s (°F), making it pleasant for outdoor activities. The area offers beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and a variety of dining options.

2. **Asheville, NC**: If you're interested in a mountain getaway, Asheville is a fantastic choice. Known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, Asheville offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. The Biltmore Estate and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are must-see attractions.

3. **Charleston, SC**: Charleston is a charming city known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and excellent restaurants. The weather in late March is usually mild, ideal for exploring the historic downtown, plantations, and nearby beaches.

4. **Outer Banks, NC**: For a more secluded beach experience, consider the Outer Banks. It's a bit of a longer drive but offers stunning natural beauty, historic sites like the Wright Brothers Memorial, and unique beach towns.

5. **Williamsburg, VA**: If you’re interested in history, Williamsburg is a great destination. It's home to Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the US, as well as Busch Gardens for family fun.

Each of these destinations offers a variety of activities suitable for a family with a young child, ensuring an enjoyable spring break for everyone.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the insights. For some context, we live in the DC area, but we're just visiting Raleigh for the wedding, so we wouldn't want our Spring Break destination to be longer than a days drive back to DC, so Savannah is out, and Charleston is probably pushing the limits.

Myrtle Beach seems to check off all our boxes. DD probably won't go in the water, so the water temperature isn't a big issue at this point. I'm just wondering if there's enough to do indoors/not on the beach if the weather ends up not being great.

[Anonymous]

Raleigh PP here. Myrtle is ... tacky as hell, TBH. Yes, there is a lot to do, but it's going to be a bit of an experience. Think Walmart or Dollar Store, not Target, for lack of a better description. That said, I have a friend who swears North Myrtle is nicer - I think there's a Hyatt or something that has villas that she has done with extended family. I have also heard good things about Pawley's Island but that's probably more of a warm weather thing.

You could actually stay in Raleigh - the other Raleigh PP had some good suggestions about activities - and then day trip for hikes, to Wilmington to see the battleship, Pinehurst, Chapel Hill, etc. Personally I would probably do that over Myrtle but YMMV.

[Anonymous]

I think Myrtle Beach should be considered. Yes, it’s could be considered tacky by some people but the resorts, if you chose well are great. Choose one of the resorts in North Myrtle Beach. Unless it’s snowing or raining, you have the beach to play on, just wrap up in a warm coat. Choose a condo with a balcony so you can sit out while your dc naps or in the evenings.

Really it depends on what atmosphere you and your dh want. The little one will flow with you.

Williamsburg brings you closer to home. Wilmington is an option, won’t be warm but location wise is good for day trips.

[Anonymous]

We've stayed here several times for a long weekend in the winter b/c they have an indoor water park and tons to do. Not luxury or the fanciest place but the kids love it.
https://www.dunesvillage.com/

[Anonymous]

If you choose Myrtle, highly recommend this resort. Recent major investment in pool area and rooms. Reminds me of Fountainebleu style esthetic but for families. Parents live in condos next door and pay annually for access. We love it.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/myreses-embassy-suites-myrtle-beach-oceanfront-resort/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you choose Myrtle, highly recommend this resort. Recent major investment in pool area and rooms. Reminds me of Fountainebleu style esthetic but for families. Parents live in condos next door and pay annually for access. We love it.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/myreses-embassy-suites-myrtle-beach-oceanfront-resort/

Love this can you tell me more about location and are there 2 bedroom suites? How is the parking?

[Anonymous]

The southern outer banks are 3 hours from Raleigh. We did Emerald Isle last spring break and it’s 3 from Raleigh, 6 back to DC. It’s still a little early so not everything will be open for tourist season yet but there are plenty of restaurants, indoor arcades, outdoor mini golf, etc. There is a wonderful aquarium that is great this time of year and for your child’s age in Pine Knoll Shores near Atlantic Beach. All easy drive once you’re here We came for spring break last year and ended up moving here in August so if you have any questions id be happy to help! It’s a very laid back coastal area and not as hard to get to as northern outer banks. We’re averaging 60s now for temps but as others said it can vary.

[Anonymous]

I'm from Raleigh originally, and go back a lot with my kids. It's warmer there than here, so that's a plus for Spring Break.

I would just stay in the Triangle. There's a lot to do there as a tourist:

Pullen Park has a great historic merry go round, the best playground around, a huge grounds for a picnic or even to grill out.
Durham Museum of Life and Science is basically a children's museum, small zoo, outdoor playspace, kids' train and lots of other stuff. It's huge and great.

There's the Natural History Museum in Raleigh.

The NC Museum of Art is amazing.

Marbles is another children's museum.

They have lots of trampoline parks down there.

The Raleigh GRande movie theater has really good food along with movies, and they deliver it, so it feels like an experience (and it's not nearly as pricey as similar places up here.)

If you stay in the North Hills area of Raleigh there's lots of shopping and many restaurants. Honestly, it's a great place for Spring break with kids and not nearly as tacky as Myrtle Beach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HHI is your best bet

+2

We’re going the week following Easter and it will be fine. Went in early April a few years ago and the weather was perfect. It’s also so family-friendly and relaxed.