We are looking to take the kids (13 and 7) to the Aurora fossil museum over spring break and wanted to combine it with a beach trip. I am familiar with SC/GA beaches but have never explored the NC coast.

I would prefer to find a place that we can rent for 3 or four days rather than a week. What are your ideas Tar Heels?

Lots of choices - North Topsail Beach is where we stay. Also there is Surf City & Topsail Beach. If your kids like fossils, they may enjoy looking for fossilized sharks teeth which can be found readily on these beaches. We've used:

http://www.cbcoastline.com/

and they will rent beach houses or beach condos for parts of weeks in the non summer season.

Another good section to consider is Atlantic Beach/Emerald Isle area.

If you wish to share more about your families interests, I would be happy to provide more ideas.

Best wishes, SusanEva

From New Bern you could drive up to Beaufort for a few days. Spring break dates vary and that may affect your choices for a partial week rental. I do think your best shot would be condos in Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle . Welcome to North Carolina. Enjoy your visit. OH, take the kids to Yanna's in New Bern and the Fudge shop!

Since you are 'out of season' you shouldn't have any trouble. However, many places won't release properties for short term rentals (ie. less than week) until 1 month or less from your arrival date. Be patient. I always suggest the Brunswick Islands (between Wilmington & MB).

Thanks for your help. It is fun to day dream about Spring Break while it is cold outside. I will definitely check out those places.We are tired of going to Myrtle Beach and fighting the traffic. (My husband doesn't think shopping is a "beach" activity. I don't know why I hadn't thought about NC until now.

From New Bern it isn't too far to Morehead City/Atlantic Beach/Beaufort/Emerald Isle beaches. I think the aquarium there is still closed, but there is a museum in Beaufort which has artifact from what is probably the Queen Anne's Revenge (Blackbeard's ship).

If you kids like horses, take a trip over to Shakleford Banks and look at the wild horses. I think boats depart from Morehead City and Beaufort.

Fort Fisher, near Atlantic Beach, is interesting too.

Enjoy your trip.