Best Beaches in North Carolina for Families: Relax

July 6, 2024 Albert Jordan

I’m so excited planning our next family vacation, looking at North Carolina’s beautiful beaches. There are so many great family spots that offer fun and charm. Carolina Beach’s buzzing boardwalk, Kure Beach’s calm, and Wrightsville Beach’s beauty all call to us¹.

Heading south, Emerald Isle’s serene shores and Ocracoke Island’s wild beauty are on our list. North Carolina’s beaches offer everything from classic beach trips to adventures. They promise memories we’ll cherish forever with our family².

Planning our beach adventure is getting me really excited. North Carolina has so much waiting for us, from cool activities to beautiful scenery. This state is known for being a top choice for families who want a peaceful beach vacation¹²³.

Table of Contents

Introduction to North Carolina’s Family-Friendly Beaches

North Carolina’s southern coast boasts 300 miles of stunning barrier island beaches⁴. It’s a perfect spot for families looking for a special vacation. Carolina Beach is filled with fun like lively boardwalks and amusement parks⁵. On the other hand, Ocracoke Island offers calm, uncrowded shores⁶. Families can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, or just basking in the sun.

Since the 1930s, North Carolina’s beaches have been a favorite for families⁶. Today, they are still a top pick. The Outer Banks welcomes dogs on its beaches⁶. Nags Head boasts a wide, 12-mile beach⁶, perfect for big or small families. Unique adventures like driving on the beach at Freeman Park or seeing wild horses at Carova Beach⁶ make the trips memorable.

North Carolina’s beaches offer various settings appealing to different families⁵⁴. Wrightsville Beach is great for surfing⁶. Atlantic Beach has calm waters⁶

Carolina Beach: A Coastal Paradise for Kids

Carolina Beach is adored by families for its mix of sea fun and easy-going vibes. It’s perfect for swimming, fishing, and making sandcastles⁷. With 20 lifeguard stands over three miles in summer, it’s super safe for families on the Cape Fear coast⁷.

Carolina Beach’s Attractions and Activities

The lively boardwalk at Carolina Beach is a must-see. It has rides, games, and tasty snacks⁷. Various top-ranked magazines salute the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, like Food & Wine, Budget Travel, CNN, FOX News, and USA Today⁷.

There are also wetlands to discover, kayaking, and surfing lessons. It truly is a dream for kids⁷. The North Carolina Aquarium is close by, famous for its shows and touch tank featuring sharks and sea urchins⁷.

⁷ Carolina Beach Lake Park is perfect for families. It has snacks, pedal boats, and lots to do in the summer⁷. Carolina Beach State Park boasts Venus flytraps and great trails, perfect for exploring nature⁷.

⁷ For those wanting to surf, Carolina Beach is ideal with its gentle waves. Surf schools here have both private lessons and camps⁷. Stand-up paddle boarding is popular, too. You can rent and take tours at Cape Fear Riverfront⁷.

⁷ Kids under 16 can fish at Carolina Beach without a license. It’s a great place for them to learn and have fun⁷. Don’t miss the Carolina Beach Fishing Pier for amazing fishing and ocean views⁷.

⁷ Many cruises depart from Carolina Beach, including outings to Mansonboro Island and dolphin watching. You’ll find plenty of shops there, selling everything from beach gear to apparel, for families to enjoy⁷.

⁷ The dining in Carolina Beach is casual and family-focused. Perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach⁷.

Kure Beach: Calm Waters and Sandy Shores

Kure Beach sits quietly on North Carolina’s coastline, not yet overrun by tourists⁸. It’s a perfect spot for families looking for peace and quiet. This beach stretches out for 5 miles⁸, with plenty of space for everyone to relax.

This area is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and calm waters. It’s a great choice for a family trip. You’ll find the perfect mix of relaxation and fun.

Kure Beach has a long and interesting history. It was founded in the late 1800s⁹. Even today, it keeps its laid-back vibe, inviting folks to enjoy simple beach living.

The town’s old Kure Beach Pier, since 1923, shows its deep ties to the sea⁹. It’s one of the oldest piers around. This spot is a must-see for its rich history.

There’s so much for families to do at Kure Beach. Activities include boating, fishing, and even searching for seashells⁹. If you’re up for an adventure, visit the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area nearby. It’s got trails and areas for kayaking and exploring¹⁰.

Don’t forget to visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. It’s a top destination for its big ocean exhibit. There, you can see sharks, eels, and rays up close¹⁰.

All year round, Kure Beach has lovely weather, attracting families from everywhere⁹. Summers are warm, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Spring and fall offer cooler but still nice days. Even in winter, Kure Beach stays cozy, averaging in the low 50s⁹.

Whether you want to relax by the ocean or learn about sea life, Kure Beach has something for everyone⁸⁹¹⁰. It’s a wonderful place for a family vacation, offering a unique and memorable experience for all ages.

Kure Beach Highlights	Details
Beach Length	5 miles of sandy shoreline⁸
Kure Beach Pier	One of the oldest piers on the East Coast, built in 1923⁹
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area	6 miles of undeveloped shoreline and 288 acres of land¹⁰
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher	Features a two-story open ocean exhibit with sharks, eels, and rays¹⁰
Seasonal Temperatures	Summer: 70s and 80s⁹ Spring: Highs in 60s, Lows in mid-50s⁹ Fall: Mid-60s to high 70s in September, 50s in October⁹ Winter: Highs in low 50s, Lows in upper 30s⁹

Wrightsville Beach: Top-Rated for Families

Wrightsville Beach sits on the beautiful North Carolina coast. It’s known as a favorite family spot in the state¹¹. The beach’s clear blue waters and clean shoreline draw families looking for a fun coastal trip.

Exploring Wrightsville Beach

At Wrightsville Beach, families can do many water activities. This includes swimming, surfing, and sailing¹¹. They have a place called The Loop, which is a 2.5-mile long path for walking, running, or biking¹¹. There are also cruise tours to enjoy sunsets, collect shells, or visit other islands¹¹.

If you prefer staying on shore, Wrightsville Beach Park is perfect. It has a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, plus concerts on summer Thursdays¹¹. Just a quick 20-minute drive away is Wilmington city, offering more fun and food to enjoy¹¹.

For where to stay, families love the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. It’s right by the ocean and has happy reviews from guests of all ages¹¹. For more options, Victory Beach Vacations has different kinds of rentals, including places with pools, hot tubs, and that welcome pets¹².

Wrightsville Beach is loved for its natural charm and activities for families, plus how it’s easy to get to from many places in North Carolina¹¹. It truly is an ideal spot for a family trip by the coast¹³.

Attraction	Description
Blockade Runner Beach Resort	Oceanfront location with great ratings from visitors of all age groups¹¹
The Loop	2.5-mile sidewalk path popular for walking, running, and biking¹¹
Wrightsville Beach Park	Features a modern playground, basketball court, volleyball courts, and hosts a summer concert series¹¹
Island Hopper Cruise	Offers opportunities for shell collection and swimming around Wrightsville Beach¹³
Victory Beach Vacations	Offers a variety of vacation rentals, including luxury oceanfront houses and pet-friendly properties¹²

¹¹¹²¹³

Emerald Isle: Miles of Pristine Beaches

Emerald Isle sits on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, making it a top pick for quiet beach trips. It stretches for miles with welcoming, white sands. People love it for having clear waters and ranking high in many beach contests. It’s been called the best in North Carolina by Reader’s Digest and the number two in the South by USA Today.

The place is not just pretty. It’s also packed with fun for families. You can swim, fish, or go birdwatching on the 12 miles of beach. There’s also boating and paddling, and you can hunt for shells. The Eastern Regional Access means there’s plenty of parking and facilities for a great beach day.

If you plan to visit, note that parking can cost up to $16 a day for non-residents from April 15 to September 17, 2023¹⁴. But, locals get 2 free park passes, and some others, like business owners or veterans, can also park for free.

Emerald Isle stands out for its calming vibe, beauty, and fun family options, as named by U.S. News and World Report. So, it’s great for a special¹⁴ emerald isle north carolina family vacation.

Destination	Miles of Beach	Key Attractions
Emerald Isle		Soft white-sand beaches Fishing, birding, boating, paddle boarding, hiking, and shelling Eastern Regional Access with parking, picnic gazebo, outdoor showers, and bathrooms
Cape Lookout National Seashore		Pristine barrier islands with over 100 feral horses Dark sky designation for stargazing
Jockey’s Ridge State Park	N/A	Tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast

Emerald Isle is perfect for¹⁴ emerald isle north carolina family trips. It’s a place where you can enjoy untouched beauty and many outdoor activities. Whether you want to find¹⁴ best beaches in emerald isle nc for your crew or¹⁴ things to do in emerald isle with kids, it’s all here¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶..

Ocracoke Island: Undeveloped and Uncrowded

Located off the North Carolina coast, Ocracoke Island is a rare find for families looking for a unique vacation. It’s known for its untouched 16-mile beaches, ideal for activities like sunbathing and shell collecting¹⁷. Ocracoke’s Lifeguarded Beach has been named the top beach in the USA by Dr. Beach, ensuring a safe visit for everyone¹⁷.

Camping and Outdoor Adventures

Ocracoke goes beyond beautiful beaches with its outdoor adventures. The island’s 0.8-mile nature trail at Springer’s Point Nature Preserve leads through forests, marshes, and grasslands¹⁷. You can also visit the village for shopping, dining, and seeing history. Howard’s Pub is a local favorite, serving seafood and American dishes for over 30 years¹⁷. Don’t miss Dajio Restaurant for a taste of Southern fusion.

The island is uniquely slow-paced, due to its 25 MPH speed limit and far-off location, perfect for a break from daily busyness¹⁸. Ocracoke Island offers both relaxation and adventure for a memorable family vacation¹⁸.

To maximize your Ocracoke adventure, stay with Ocracoke Island Realty for local insights and cozy rentals¹⁷. The island’s natural beauty, activities, and calm vibe make it a top choice for a North Carolina beach vacation¹⁸¹⁷¹⁹.

best beaches in north carolina for families

North Carolina’s coast is a gem for families. It has everything from fun boardwalks to calm Outer Banks shores. These beaches in north carolina for families are perfect for making memories²⁰.

Emerald Isle is a top choice for families²⁰. It has calm waters and soft sand perfect for swimming and building sandcastles²⁰. Just south, Topsail Island has three great family beaches: Topsail, North Topsail, and Surf City²⁰.

The Outer Banks up north has many family-friendly spots. Duck Beach is among America’s top 15 for families²⁰. Kitty Hawk Beach is great for dogs and fishing²⁰. And Cape Lookout offers fishing and tours for all²⁰.

Heading south, the family beaches are still impressive. Carolina Beach has a famous boardwalk and hosts a summer music fest²⁰. Nags Head is perfect for 4×4 driving and has a skatepark²⁰. Kure Beach has summer concerts and markets²⁰.

In the south, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a water sports haven²⁰. Not far, Bear Island has a quiet 4-mile beach, reachable by ferry²⁰.

North Carolina suits families looking for fun or peace at the beach²¹. With 300 miles of coast and family-friendly spots, it’s a perfect seaside escape²⁰²¹²².

South Carolina’s Family-Friendly Beach Destinations

North Carolina’s beaches may get more attention, but South Carolina has many family-friendly spots too²³. Places like Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach are perfect for families on the Hammock Coast²³. Hilton Head Island is a top choice for family vacations worldwide²³. It has lots of safe bike trails for families to enjoy together²⁴. Isle of Palms and Folly Beach, near Charleston, are known for their beautiful beaches near downtown.

Myrtle Beach: Amusement Parks and Activities

²³ Myrtle Beach is the go-to spot for fun in South Carolina. It’s great for families who want excitement²³. There, you’ll find big hotels, multiple pools, and plenty of fun like theme park rides and dinner shows²⁴. Barefoot Landing and Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s make South Carolina’s Grand Strand a fun place for families²⁵. Folly Beach is also loved, ranking fifth on the USA Today best beaches in the South list.

Myrtle Beach is perfect for families, with lots of places to stay and things to do. Whether it’s thrilling theme parks or calm coastal towns, South Carolina has beaches for every family to love²³²⁴²⁵.

Isle of Palms: A Relaxing Barrier Island

Looking for a chill beach trip? Isle of Palms, South Carolina, is perfect for families. It’s got 6 miles of beaches great for swimming, fishing, and fun in the water²⁶. This island sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, making it beautiful²⁶.

The island is home to two amazing golf courses at the Wild Dunes Resort. It opened in the 1970s and covers 1,500 acres at the north end of the island²⁷. Also, there are 17 tennis courts made of har-tru, a surface loved by tennis players²⁷. If you’re after nice sandy spots, check out the Isle of Palms County Park. It has everything you need, like chairs, umbrellas, and lifeguards. It’s perfect for the family²⁶.

There are many places to stay, from hotels on the beach to cozy vacation houses. This makes it great for all families visiting²⁶. And you won’t go hungry, with options for seafood, like at Islander 71 Fish House & Raw Bar, or pizza at Coastal Crust²⁶.

Isle of Palms is not just beaches and fun. It has a deep history, being around for at least 25,000 years. Wild Dunes Resort opened in the 1970s, bringing development²⁸. It’s a go-to spot for both Charleston locals and anyone needing a peaceful break²⁸.

Thinking of a family trip? Isle of Palms is ideal, offering fun for all. Enjoy the beaches, the wildlife, or a game of golf²⁶. It’s the place for a memorable family vacation1.

Folly Beach: Charleston’s Laid-Back Beach

Located just 10 miles from Charleston, Folly Beach is a serene spot²⁹. It’s perfect for families looking for a laid-back beach scene. We were thrilled to add it to our South Carolina trip²⁹.

Dubbed “The Edge of America,” Folly Beach captured our hearts³⁰. Its laid-back feel, calm waters, and many things to do made it ideal for us. It was both peaceful and filled with adventure²⁹³⁰.

One amazing thing about Folly Beach? Plenty of beach space²⁹. Even at the busiest times, there was room for us all. We enjoyed the sun, built sandcastles, found shells, and watched dolphins play²⁹.

Besides the beach, Folly Beach had a lot to offer families. A walk on the long fishing pier was great³⁰. The view of the coast and Morris Island Lighthouse was amazing. The lighthouse was a short walk away down a pretty path²⁹.

The food scene at Folly Beach was fantastic too. We tried Lowlife Bar for fun and BLU on Folly Beach for a special night³⁰. Bert’s Market was perfect for our daily food needs, offering fresh items round the clock²⁹.

No trip to Charleston is complete without visiting the city²⁹. We explored its historic sites, like the French Huguenot Church. And we loved the Yorktown at the Patriots Point Museum. Our stay at the Vendue Hotel was a highlight²⁹.

Folly Beach was a highlight of our trip²⁹. Its blend of calm and adventure, with Charleston’s culture nearby, was perfect. We intend to return²⁹³⁰.

Kiawah Island: Golfing and Beachcombing Paradise

Kiawah Island in South Carolina is a haven for families looking for fun. It has 10 miles of top-rated beaches³¹, perfect for a peaceful break. You can enjoy biking on over 30 miles of trails here³¹. These trails lead to exciting outdoor adventures.

The island’s beauty goes beyond its beaches and trails. It’s a paradise for bird lovers, with over 200 bird species³². You’ll see beautiful birds like brown pelicans and Carolina chickadees. Plus, there’s a rich sea life, from horseshoe crabs to bottlenose dolphins³².

Kiawah Island is packed with activities for families. Explore top-notch golf and tennis programs at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort³¹. Don’t miss the fun events at Freshfields Village and the Mingo Point Oyster Roast³¹. The island’s focus on nature³² ensures its beauty will be enjoyed for many years.