The Carolina Coast: Family Vacation Destinations

The North Carolina coast has so much to offer for families on top of being completely relaxing. We try to pick a week each year to spend at a North Carolina beach and enjoy some uninterrupted family time. In my mind I wanted to pick the perfect beach to go to year after year. A place that we could call our spot. But we have seriously gone to a different beach almost every year and I kind of like it. There are so many to choose from, why settle with one.

Here is a list of my favorites and why I love them. Maybe you can settle down in one area, or beach hop like we do.

Ocean Isle/Calabash/Sunset Beach/ Holden Beach- This may be my favorite area! There is a ton to do and the beaches are low key and relaxing. You are close to Myrtle Beach if you want more to choose from, but I prefer to stay in the calmer area. With plenty of restaurants, beautiful coast lines and fun activities, it is one area that keeps us coming back.

Top Picks:

Enjoy the water at Ocean Isle Beach
Museum of Coastal Carolina Turtle Talks- Monday and Tuesday
OIB Concerts and Movie Nights (Friday and Wednesday)
Ocean Isle Beach Yoga
OIB Farmers Market- Tuesday Morning
OIB Ghost Walk
Sharky’s Waterfront Restaurant
Inlet View Bar and Grill
Drift Coffee & Kitchen
Bagel Dock Cafe
Provisions Company
Silver Coast Winery
Jinks Creek Waterfront Grill
Sunset Beach Swing Bridge Museum
Swamp Park
Kindred Spirit Mailbox

Oak Island/Southport/Bald Head Island- If you love lighthouses and history, this might be the area for you. With two lighthouses and a historical downtown, this beach vacation can be relaxing and educational. Rent a house in Oak Island and enjoy the beach, then drive over to Southport and catch a ferry to Bald Head.

Top Picks-

Soak in the Sun at Oak Island
Oak Island Lighthouse
Ferry to Bald Head Island and explore on Bike
Old Baldy Lighthouse
Southport Fun Tour
Fishing at the Pier
Turtle Island Restaurant, Oak Island
The Pepperoni Grill, Oak Island
Flavas Ice Cream, Southport
Fishy Fishy Cafe, Southport
Mojo’s on the Harbor, Bald Head Island

Atlantic Beach/ Morehead City/ Beaufort: This is a fun and beautiful area as well. There are activities for all ages, along with some delicious restaurants. We normally will stay at a house in Atlantic Beach and drive in nightly to Morehead City or Beaufort for dinner or ice cream. This area offers a lot of tours and educational opportunities.

Top Picks