How to Plan a Beach Vacation in North Carolina

Before you look to far-off, exotic place for your next vacation, consider North Carolina's beautiful beaches. The North Carolina shore is within easy driving distance from many locations in the United States, and it offers vacationers a wide choice of activities besides admiring the waves. If you're looking for a quiet getaway, North Carolina may be the place for you.

Instructions

The Outer Banks

1. Find the barrier islands called the Outer Banks on a map of North Carolina. The Outer Banks offer a wide variety of experiences, from fine dining, exclusive shops and museums to fishing, parasailing, surfing and climbing lighthouse towers.

2. Consider the northern Outer Banks, from Southern Shores northward to Corolla, if you enjoy world-class restaurants, shopping and pristine, guarded beaches. Because there is currently only one hotel on this section of the beach, prepare to rent a beach cottage in this family-oriented area.

3. Take a look at the section of the Outer Banks that includes Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. This area offers a mix of well-known hotel chains, smaller motels or cottages to rent, and provides easy access to the Wright Brothers Museum, Jockey's Ridge State Park and attractions on nearby Roanoke Island.

4. Think about staying on Hatteras Island if you are a sportsman who loves to surfcast or you'd like to try your hand at surfing, driving on the beach, or other ocean activities. Note that special rules apply in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

5. Plan a trip to Ocracoke Island, accessible only by the free ferry or by boat. Ocracoke offers vacation rentals or small hotels to accommodate the weekend visitor. This small island is very busy in the summer, and long ferry waits are common, so plan accordingly.

The Crystal Coast

1. Find Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores and Atlantic Beach on the map. This area is called the Crystal Coast or the Bogue Banks. The water of this south-facing island is often warmer and a bit calmer than the Outer Banks, good news for families with small children underfoot.

2. Look for cottage rentals similar to those in the Outer Banks, as well as small motels.

3. Check out Beaufort for chic shops, hip little restaurants and island hoppers with their impressive yachts.

4. Tour Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach, visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, then fly a kite on the beach at sunset.

Wilmington Area

1. Travel farther south and you'll find the Wilmington area beaches, including Topsail Beach, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, Oak Island and Bald Head Island.

2. Choose from cottages, condos or small motels in this area.

3. Check out Southport, a quaint fishing village near Oak Island (formerly known as Long Island).

Tips & Warnings

• The Outer Banks isn't called the Graveyard of the Atlantic for the heck of it. Many ships have gone down in its treacherous waters over the years. Keep in mind that the ocean can be very unforgiving while swimming or engaged in water sports.

• Always swim with a buddy. Many areas of the Outer Banks do not have lifeguards.

• Pay attention to the flags that are posted along the dunes. A red flag means that the water is dangerous to swim in due to riptides, a coming storm or other conditions. Ignoring the warnings can cost you a fine and your life.

• Stay off the fragile dune system, and only walk in designated areas.

• Keep an eye on your children at all times while at the ocean. In the Hatteras area, you not only need to worry about ocean safety but also safety from passing cars driving on the beach. A personal flotation device is also a good idea for small children who can be swept away easily by a wave.

Resources

• The Cape Fear website is a guide to the Wilmington beaches.
• Answer all your beach questions here at the Crystal Coast website.
• The Outer Beaches website gives you an idea of cottage rental prices.
• Outer Banks.org will direct you around the barrier islands.