Looking for low-key beach recommendations in NC, SC
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Anonymous
I am trying to plan a week-long family vacation (6 adults ages 34-65, plus a toddler) to the beach in late summer. We're looking to rent a 3 or 4 bedroom house or duplex (not condo in large building), oceanfront, on a low-key beach. By low-key, I mean that I'm looking for area that won't be too crazy or busy, with a beach that won't be packed, but that still has some restaurants/bars we could check out, a grocery store, etc. Half of us will be driving (from DC area and NY), so ideally we'd like to find a place in NC, but we might consider SC as well (or VA if there is something that feels far enough away and isn't VA beach  ). Two people will be flying, so an airport within an hour or so would be really helpful too.
Any suggestions for specific beaches based on those criteria? I have been looking at rentals in Wrightsville and Kure beaches in NC because they seem like they'd be a good fit for us, but I'd love to check out other places as well if anyone has any suggestions. Thank you! |
Anonymous
| Duck |
Anonymous
| Pawley's Island, SC |
Anonymous
| Oak Island, NC |
Anonymous
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The Brunswick County beaches in NC are great for being low-key. Oak Island, Bald Head, Ocean Isle, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach.
http://www.ncbeaches.com/BrunswickBeaches/ The nearest airport is Wilmington, NC. It isn't all that large, but depending on the airlines people are using, it might work well. Wrightsville Beach and Kure are in New Hanover County, NC. I grew up going to beaches in both New Hanover County and Brusnwick. I like Brunswick better as an adult (more peaceful). But if you need an extra "something", you could do New Hanover County and still be happy. I think the beaches in New Hanover will be more crowded. |
Anonymous
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I've been to both Kure Beach and Oak Island, and they're not very different. Oak Island has more year round residents while Kure seemed to be more exclusively beach focused.
Bald Head Island is the only one which seems very different in the PP's post. It requires a ferry ride to get to, there are no cars allowed on the island, and my general impression, although I've never been, is that it has a more remote/exclusive feel because of those things. |
Anonymous
| Topsail Beach, NC |
Anonymous
| Chincoteague in VA is beautiful also. |
Anonymous
I second this recommendation. We went last summer and it was wonderfully laid back. If you want some entertainment, you are 25 mins or so south of Myrtle Beach. |
Anonymous
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Bald Head Island is wonderful - taking the ferry and using carts makes it so special and so relaxing. My husband and I are two type As that are really able to unplug down there.
There are a few restaurants, amazing beaches, a grocery store - what you are looking for. A golf course, two clubs with pools and activities for kids. We love it - as a matter of fact, we love it so much we are building a house down there that will be available for rentals this summer. Let me know if you would like more information! |
Anonymous
| Fripp or Kiawah Island SC |
Anonymous
| Nags Head. Or any of the Outer Banks. Duck. They are great, and the beaches are never crowded. Tons of beachfront rentals. |
Anonymous
| I third pawley's island. Check out debordieu. |
Anonymous
| Kiawah! |
Anonymous
| Corolla |