Fun beach towns for a family trip in NC, SC or FL?
Nov 27th, 2006, 08:51 AM
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Fun beach towns for a family trip in NC, SC or FL?
Our family is looking to take a huge group trip in May. There are 26 of us, three generations, kids ranging from age 2 to 20. We're looking to rent a beachfront house in either NC, SC, or FL, but we need to be in an area where we can walk to restaurants, mini-golf, bars, etc so everyone's happy. Anyone know of a beach town that fits the bill? Thanks! 
Nov 27th, 2006, 09:13 AM
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The Outer Banks might fit the bill. It is nicer to have a car there. But, you could probably walk to restaurants and bars if you choose the right area. We like to use Nags Head Realty.
www.nagsheadrealty.com
www.nagsheadrealty.com
Nov 27th, 2006, 10:21 AM
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If you're set on a beach house instead of hotel or condo suites, you probably need to rule out the Myrtle Beach area. Lots of restaurants, bars, mini-golf . . . but only hotels & condos are going to be within reasonable walking distance.
I'm wracking my brain trying to think of an exception, but I am coming up empty.
How about the Florida panhandle? We stayed at Seaside many years ago, and there was a pretty good size beach pavilion with shops and restaurants.
I'm wracking my brain trying to think of an exception, but I am coming up empty.
How about the Florida panhandle? We stayed at Seaside many years ago, and there was a pretty good size beach pavilion with shops and restaurants.
Nov 28th, 2006, 12:30 AM
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They are old style beaches near Wilmington, where you will, I believe, find the best surfing water. We have only visited friends at Wrightsville, but the town/beach there is a small little city right on the water dating from the end of the 19th century (and undoubtedly earlier--nice historic district in Wimington). Maybe someone with more intimate knowledge will come along. I think "walkable" from beach house to many activities is going to be difficult.
Maybe North Myrtle Beach also.
Maybe North Myrtle Beach also.
Nov 28th, 2006, 03:03 AM
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I can add a little color on Wrightsville, NC. Other than the walk to mini-golf, Wrightsville seems to meet your criteria if you stay in the main area. Wrightsville is a thin strip of beach just off Wilmington, North Carolina. It's a great family beach in that its small, reletively uncrowded as beaches with all the amenities go and safe. There are decent bars and restaurants (although most of the better restaurants are located just before the bridge into Wrightsville and in Wilmington. Wilmington has all the fun stuff like miniature golf, "Jungle Rapids" (which has go-carts, arcade and a fairly decent water park with slides), movies, bowling, etc.
To us the advantage of Wrightsville is that Wilmington has all the fun stuff you need 10 minutes away, but it's not in your face at the beach.
As for places to stay, the better houses are either up on Figure Eight Island or down on Bald Head Island, neither of which are walkable to "downtown" wrightsville. Station One is a great place to stay, but it's only 2 or 3 bedroom condos and it's now a little on the pricey side for what you get. Nonetheless, it has the best location in Wrightsville and is near all the things you would want to be for a family trip (along with a nice pool and tennis court).
If you wind up in Wrightsville, let me know and I can send more specific recommendations for food, bars, etc.
For a group of your size, you will probably find much cheaper alternatives for large houses on the outer banks, than you will at Wrightsville because the supply is greater. My only complaint about the outer banks is that the restuarants, mini-golf, etc. can be very crowded and the small roads can get very congested if you have to use them.
A lot of our friends go to Corolla, NC, which is on the outer banks.
To us the advantage of Wrightsville is that Wilmington has all the fun stuff you need 10 minutes away, but it's not in your face at the beach.
As for places to stay, the better houses are either up on Figure Eight Island or down on Bald Head Island, neither of which are walkable to "downtown" wrightsville. Station One is a great place to stay, but it's only 2 or 3 bedroom condos and it's now a little on the pricey side for what you get. Nonetheless, it has the best location in Wrightsville and is near all the things you would want to be for a family trip (along with a nice pool and tennis court).
If you wind up in Wrightsville, let me know and I can send more specific recommendations for food, bars, etc.
For a group of your size, you will probably find much cheaper alternatives for large houses on the outer banks, than you will at Wrightsville because the supply is greater. My only complaint about the outer banks is that the restuarants, mini-golf, etc. can be very crowded and the small roads can get very congested if you have to use them.
A lot of our friends go to Corolla, NC, which is on the outer banks.
Nov 28th, 2006, 04:22 AM
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I agree with the Outer Banks. You can find huge beachfront cottages that will sleep your group. I would start looking in Nags Head as it is the most built up. Walking to everything might be a stretch but check out: http://www.outerbankschamber.com/vgu...ntalagents.cfm for all kinds of info.
Nov 29th, 2006, 11:30 AM
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A nice area in Corolla that is walking distance from TimBuckII shopping area is Buck Island. The homes there are big, but a little pricier. You should be able to find a home there that sleeps 26.
To me, the Corolla area is a little nicer than Nags Head because the shopping and activities seem better. But, that is just my personal opinion.
TimBuckII has bumper cars, jet ski rentals, shopping and several good restaurants with bars. There are also some good surf shops nearby.
Also, most of the bigger houses will have their own swimming pool and hot tub, so that kids and grandkids could swim till all hours of the night. Also, a lot of homes have their own movie theatres, pool table, card table, darts, video game machine and even pinball machine.
Other areas nearby TimBuckII are Ocean Sands and Whalehead Club. You will definitely find a house that sleeps 26 in those areas.
To me, the Corolla area is a little nicer than Nags Head because the shopping and activities seem better. But, that is just my personal opinion.
TimBuckII has bumper cars, jet ski rentals, shopping and several good restaurants with bars. There are also some good surf shops nearby.
Also, most of the bigger houses will have their own swimming pool and hot tub, so that kids and grandkids could swim till all hours of the night. Also, a lot of homes have their own movie theatres, pool table, card table, darts, video game machine and even pinball machine.
Other areas nearby TimBuckII are Ocean Sands and Whalehead Club. You will definitely find a house that sleeps 26 in those areas.
Dec 1st, 2006, 12:20 PM
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Karameli,
You are better off renting through a reputable agency in the Outer Banks. The better agencies will screen the houses for quality. Please peruse websites of Carolina Designs, Twiddy, Stan White. These are reputable agencies.
You are better off renting through a reputable agency in the Outer Banks. The better agencies will screen the houses for quality. Please peruse websites of Carolina Designs, Twiddy, Stan White. These are reputable agencies.
