North Carolina coast
 

Does anyone have any suggestions about where to stay on the North Carolina coast in July. We are most interested in the South Brunswick Islands (Ocean Isle or Sunset Beach) or Atlantic Beach. Any info about these areas would be appreciated!

We've stayed twice at the Ramada Inn at Atlantic Beach and liked it. It's about seven stories w/each room being oceanview. What we liked about it was its beach--clean and not crowded.

We've been vacationing in Emerald Isle, NC for 13 years and it's great. Uncrowded, nice beaches - if you're looking for a quiet, slow-paced vacation, this is as good as any other place along the coast. It's located on the same island as Atlantic Beach but about 15 miles to the south and west. The trouble with Atlantic Beach is that it's become overdeveloped and on the main strip there's a lot of honky-tonk - though it's true that the beaches themselves are nice. Suggest you try Emerald Isle Realty for rentals or any of the other rental offices in town.

Agree with Jamie. Have stayed at Ramada in Atlantic Beach numerous times and it is great. Have eaten in the restaurant over 100 times and food is always good . Have daily specials and all prices are very good. Can"t beat the Ramada. There are also numerous Townhouses in this area. For more rental info contact Carteret County Chamber of Commerce,3615 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC. Bonnie White

We've stayed at Sunset Beach (8 years ago) and loved it. Very slow paced, beautiful beaches, close (20-30 minutes) to N. Myrtle which has become a real action spot compared to when we stayed there before. (We just went back to check things out this weekend.) The only thing about Sunset Beach is that the only access is over a 1 lane bridge that is VERY busy in the summer (sometimes you sit for 30 minutes before crossing) and there aren't any shops on the island itself. If you're impatient, it's a pain. OUR FAVORITE NC beach is in Duck (Outer Banks north of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk)--heaven on earth!

I agree with Dan that Atlantic Beach has nice beaches but is kind of noisy, crowded, and overdeveloped. We always go farther down the island to some of the smaller, quieter places like Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, or Salter Path. The beaches are just as nice but there's less development and less people. You're still close enough that you can easily drive to Atlantic Beach or across the bridge to Morehead City if you need "civilization" though. Recommended activities in the area (other than enjoying the beaches): take a stroll along the waterfront in Beaufort, where there are some nice little shops and things, and also visit the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores, which is small but has some very good exhibits. And if you're a seafood lover, check out some of the great restaurants, though you should try to find some of the places the locals go rather than the touristy places because they're cheaper and better.

Sunset Beach is wonderful but you will need to rent a cottage. In Atlantic Beach I recommend the Windjammer. Rooms have microwaves and small fridge. All are waterfront with beautiful ocean views. The hotel is not a particularly busy one with no large lounges or restaurants. For dining in Beaufort check out the Beaufort Grocery, Front Street Grill, and Spouter Inn. Franco's at the beach for Italian food.

Sunset Beach is so crowded now you might as well go to wrightsville or myrtle. Its wall to wall people now. Lots of off island people coming over the bridge. Try Atlantic Beach