Myrtle Beach vs. Topsail, Emerald Isle, Wrightsville?
Apr 19th, 2007, 09:35 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Myrtle Beach vs. Topsail, Emerald Isle, Wrightsville?
If you've been to Myrtle Beach, as well as some of these NC beaches, how would you compare the surf/wave action? (I like the Fla. Gulf beaches when I can get there.) Our North Carolina beaches are so rowdy, I'm not comfortable swimming at them ... have been to most of them. Is MB (or a particular section of it) any gentler, more *kid-friendly* in that way (good for lousy swimmers 
)? Thanks!
Oh, also, is MB REALLY that commercial and super-busy compared to NC coast?
)? Thanks!Oh, also, is MB REALLY that commercial and super-busy compared to NC coast?
Apr 19th, 2007, 09:49 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Myrtle Beach proper, from around 30th Avenue North to 29th Avenue South is very busy and touristy.
Keep in mind that The Grand Strand is 60 miles long and the area above is about 3 miles long.
Areas north and south of that will be much quieter.
Geographically there isn't much difference in the beaches or ocean water.
My choice would be Garden City, Litchfield, or Pawleys Island.
Keep in mind that The Grand Strand is 60 miles long and the area above is about 3 miles long.
Areas north and south of that will be much quieter.
Geographically there isn't much difference in the beaches or ocean water.
My choice would be Garden City, Litchfield, or Pawleys Island.
Apr 23rd, 2007, 05:27 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,473
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Topsail and Myrtle Beach are near opposites. I'll let others better describe Myrtle and instead tell a little about Topsail. It is an island twenty-five miles long and as thin as Olive Oyl. Topsail is laid back with few amusement establishments. It is filled mostly with beach cottages, a very nice stretch of beach, and a few fishing piers. It is very uncrowded in comparison with other east coast beaches. I've been vacationing there for forty years since I was a boy of seven so obviously I'm partial to it. If reading a book on the beach with a beer at hand is your sort of vacation, Topsail is for you. If you need a lot of bustle and excitement, you ought to go to Myrtle Beach.
Apr 25th, 2007, 08:20 AM
#5
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 901
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with both GeorgeW and GoTravel. If you put their comments together you get a very accurate assessment of the commercial/crowded/busy factor.
As far as swimming and the calmness of the ocean . . . I assume you have a preference for Gulf Coast beaches because the water is usually very calm.
All of the beaches you are considering are hit or miss. There are days here in the MB area where the water is so smooth it's like glass, and there are virtually no waves. Then there are days with quite a bit of surf and rip currents.
We always have several drownings each summer here. Bottom line, if you're not a good swimmer, I'd wade in the ocean but not swim or stick with oceanside pools.
As far as swimming and the calmness of the ocean . . . I assume you have a preference for Gulf Coast beaches because the water is usually very calm.
All of the beaches you are considering are hit or miss. There are days here in the MB area where the water is so smooth it's like glass, and there are virtually no waves. Then there are days with quite a bit of surf and rip currents.
We always have several drownings each summer here. Bottom line, if you're not a good swimmer, I'd wade in the ocean but not swim or stick with oceanside pools.
Apr 25th, 2007, 09:32 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As others have said, smooth as glass or heavy surf if there is a storm--and all in between. However the beaches at Litchfield, etc. are very shallow slope so it is usually a gentle surf with lots of puddles for little ones (if that is what you are talking about) to play in when the tide is going out.
And limited access with some beaches so not crowded.
And limited access with some beaches so not crowded.
Apr 25th, 2007, 09:59 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We vacation every summer in Emerald Isle, but I haven't been to the other options. Emerald Isle is very quiet and mostly residential. Because the island runs east to west instead of north to south, the beach faces south, the waves are very slight, and the slope is very, very gradual.
Apr 25th, 2007, 11:33 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You've all been very helpful! I have been to Emerald Isle, Topsail, Wrightsville Beach, etc., each more than once. At the times I was there, except for a couple of days at Wrightsville, the surf was way too rowdy for me. I guess it just depends on the day, and of course, they will never be anything like the Gulf beached. I may look into Litchfield, Gretchen. Again, thanks!
