Concord is located centrally in the state of North Carolina. While Concord is not located close to the coast, there are a number of beaches within a half-day's drive. Beaches in both North Carolina and South Carolina are an easy drive from Concord. While the distance is probably too far for a day trip, it is close enough to enjoy the beaches on an overnight or weekend getaway.

Charleston-Area Beaches

The beaches around Charleston, South Carolina, are located roughly 240 miles southeast of Concord. The drive to Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island will take between 3 1/2 to four hours. These beaches are family-oriented, residential communities and ideal if you are looking for quiet and relaxation.

Myrtle Beach and Surrounding Area

Myrtle Beach is one of the main beach destinations in the southeast. Tourists regularly make the drive from not only North Carolina and South Carolina, but also from the Northeast, to enjoy the scenic stretches of sand. Beaches in this area include North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach and Surfside. The drive from Concord will take between four and 4 1/2 hours.

Southern North Carolina Beaches

Just north of the South Carolina border are a string of beaches along the North Carolina coast. Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle and Holden Beach are family-oriented beaches where homes and beach cottages far outnumber hotels. The drive to these beaches will take around 4 1/2 hours from Concord.

Oak Island and Bald Head Island

Located where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean are the scenic beaches of Oak Island and Bald Head Island. Oak Island encompasses Caswell Beach and Yaupon Beach, and consists of mainly residential homes and cottages. Bald Head Island is a private residential island with beautiful beaches. Visitors can access the island by a ferry that leaves from nearby Southport, a town located on the shores of the Cape Fear River. The drive to the Oak Island beaches will take around 4 1/2 hours from Concord.

Wilmington-Area Beaches

The beaches around Wilmington include Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach, with the latter being located closest to Wilmington. Fort Fisher, near Kure Beach, is home to the North Carolina Aquarium, a fun excursion for the family from any of the nearby beaches. This area is located around 220 miles from Concord, a little more than a four-hour drive.

About the Author

Nicole Kenney began her journalism career as a writer for the NBC Network in 1996. She also worked as a writer for a weekly newspaper, the "Lake Norman Times," where her published articles included a column highlighting lakefront homes and the families who lived in them. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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