This may seem like something I should know, since I am a North Carolina native, but I am trying to decide where to go with our child. This is the first time we have traveled with our 16 month old. We would like to go somewhere by the end of October. Criteria - beach, things to see and do, within 4 hours of Raleigh (the closer the better - Wilmington area perhaps?, Atlantic Beach?), inexpensive beachfront hotels (under $100 per night). Helps if there are historic and photogenic sights for we parents. What would be some good choices? I have been to many of the beaches but never had children with me. Our daughter is ultra curious and as energetic as they come, so somewhere with lots of stimulation.

We used to go to Carolina Beach (south of Wilmington) as friends would offer us use of their beach home there. There's an amusement park and a boardwalk area, but I really wouldn't recommend it - the area is a bit run down and we've seen a lot of wild behavior there. I've heard there's a great hotel in Kure Beach, just a few miles further south - some friends always stay there, but can't remember the name of it. Of course, Bald Head Island (a few more miles south) is wonderful - very safe and fun. People get around in golf carts! We usually go to the Nags Head/Corolla area on the Outer Banks which is the ideal family beach. Do a search on this forum for "Outer Banks" and you'll get lots of ideas for good hotels.

Hadn't thought of Bald Head Island. I will have to look into that. I have been to Atlantic Beach, Kure Beach, Nags Head and surroundings, North Myrtle, and Myrtle in this area, but not to some of the smaller beaches. I agree that Nags Head is probably ideal, but I think my wife wants something a little closer.

The whole time our kids were young, we rented a house at Emerald Isle (south of Atlantic Beach), choosing a different one almost every time. The water in that area is much more calm than the Outer Banks and quite warm because the Gulf Stream runs right into it.
I would encourage you to rent a house rather than staying in a hotel. In October, the rates will be much lower. Also, a house in the "second row" will also be much less expensive than a beachfront house. Having a full kitchen, a living room, a big deck, and a couple of bathrooms, and an outdoor shower to rinse off the sand, and your car parked right there makes for a much more enjoyable stay at the beach.

Dan-- Have you thought of Ocean Isle? It's just north of Calabash, which is just over the SC/NC border. It's got beautiful, wide beaches, at the SOUTH end. There are 2 beachfront hotels, but at that time of year you could get a condo for under $100. It's about 45 min. from Wilmington, and the same distance from No. Myrtle B. Lots of good seafood at Calabash of course, shopping in Wilmington and N. Myrtle B. Wilmington also has its historic historic district. Ocean Isle is definitely a family beach. By the way, any amusement parks anywhere might be closed in Oct.
Good luck. Let me know if you want the name of any of the realtors there.

I have vacationed at Topsail Island, NC for over thirty years and can say that there is no finer beach for a family. I will be vacationing there in October. One risk: coastal Carolina has experienced an extraordinary amount of hurricanes during the last decade. If you rent, ask for insurance, which is usually about $30 for a weekly cottage.

Anywhere listed above - Crystal Coast Area. We enjoyed swimming at Shackelford Banks in mid-October. The place was vacant, the water still pleasant & crystal clear.