Live in California so do not know much about Carolina coast area. My husband and I and 19 year old son have three days to use between Pinehurst N.C. and Atlanta. We wanted to go to the outter banks but we are now worried about travel time from there to Atlanta. Now thinking about Hilton Head but afraid Hilton Head is not what we are looking for with all the golfing etc. Just looking for a nice place right on a beach, close to a pier where my son can fish and I can shop and we can all sight see a bit. Money not a big object. Would really appreciate some suggestions, I am obessing on the internet and driving myself crazy. Thanks!

From Atlanta, I'd also skip the Outer Banks as it would be a really long drive. A good option for your family would be one of the Charleston Beaches. Either Folly, Sullivans Island, Wild Dunes, Edisto or Kiawah Island.

Pat,

it might help us to know your travel itinerary. If you are starting out from Pinehurst, you could be at a beach such as you describe in about 2.5 hours (In NC: Sunset, Ocean Isle or Holden Beach; in SC: North Myrtle Beach--there is a pier in Cherry Grove, or another 30-45 minutes south, Surfside Beach).

From Atlanta, you could also get to the Myrtle Beach area pretty easily, and it would shorten your drive to Pinehurst a little as compared to the Charleston beaches. That said, if this is your first time to the Carolina coast, you definitely should stay near (or at least spend a day in) Charleston SC. So xxx's suggestions above are good.

One caveat: I am not sure that all of the beaches mentioned by xxx have piers. I don't believe Kiawah does.

Also, do a search of this site for Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Sunset, Ocean Isle, Litchfield, Kiawah, and you will get a wealth of information from previous posts.

Have a great time!

Thank you both so much for taking the time to answer my question. It really helped. Looks like the votes are in and it will be Folly Island.

Hilton Head is not just for golfers - lots of other things to do, nice beach, etc.

Outer BAnks is way too far! I second the notion about going to Ocean Isle or Sunset Beach, both very nice in the off season and easy to get to. You could easily take in Wilmington. Southport (where they film Dawson's Creek, FYI) is a very quaint coastal town close by. Also consider going to Chapel Hill, NC. It's the quintessential college town.
Only about an hour from Pinehurst and your 19 year old will love it.

Pat - Excellent choice. Folly is great. You can crab as well as fish. Folly is also the shortest drive into Charleston where there is sightseeing galore, as well as shopping and restaurants.