Suggestions for Relaxing NC Beach Retreat (in an area with little or no Kids) (Wilmington: rent)

[Riley14]

I am looking to take a beach trip this summer with my wife - no kids. We are looking for a nice quiet area that is not necessarily known as a family resort. We would probably prefer to take the trip during the week to avoid as many crowds as we can. Pretty much up for anything within a 4 or so hour drive from the Triangle area. We want peace and relaxation - think pina coladas and crashing waves. Any suggestions?

[lamishra]

I think all NC beaches are pretty "family friendly" but if you go during the weekdays before school is out for the summer, you're not likely to run into as many kids. Some of the the quieter beaches are up on the Outer Banks like Corolla. Figure 8 Island is pretty quiet and adult-ish too as is Yaupon Beach, Calabash and Oak Island in Brunswick County. At this point in the year, I think you could probably find what you are looking for on any beach in NC. If you go in summer I'd avoid Wrightsville and Carolina beaches and parts of Topsail.

[TuborgP]

Originally Posted by lamishra

I think all NC beaches are pretty "family friendly" but if you go during the weekdays before school is out for the summer, you're not likely to run into as many kids. Some of the the quieter beaches are up on the Outer Banks like Corolla. Figure 8 Island is pretty quiet and adult-ish too as is Yaupon Beach, Calabash and Oak Island in Brunswick County. At this point in the year, I think you could probably find what you are looking for on any beach in NC. If you go in summer I'd avoid Wrightsville and Carolina beaches and parts of Topsail.

That is very good advice on what to avoid.

[TheBigKahunaNC]

We vacation on Topsial at least once a year. We rent a house a mile or two outside of the "towns". It's not unusual to have 300-500ft of beach all to yourself. Sometimes more! The farther away you are from the Surf City pier, and the town of Topsail, where motels and hotels are, the better.

[cheapdad00]

First week of June and last week of August will increase your chances of making it child free as traditional calendar schools will be in session then. However, as the previous poster wrote, travel to a less densely populated beach (or skip staying at a large resort) and there will be far fewer children.

Why do you want to avoid children at the beach? The pounding of the surf is loud enough to drown out all but the loudest of children and typically, unless you had children with you the same age, a stranger's children are not going to want to have anything to do with you.

[DPPWUS]

Check out Ocean Isle which is close to Oak Island that someone already suggested. I've stayed at the Winds Resort which has an ocean front pool with a tiki bar and is right on the beach. The resort itself is made up of a few different buildings..ocean front and not ocean front. I stayed on the NOT ocean front side but within a minute walk, I was at pool and/or on the beach. The place is slightly dated but its' access to the beach in this cool island town makes it perfect and the location is far enough down the main road of the island to make it quiet yet you are still close to stores, bars, ice cream, etc.

There were some kids there when we stayed but not many...besides...you can get to the huge beach and isolate yourself with a cooler and some drinks near the "pounding surf". Ocean Isle has a couple of cool marina restaurants/bars that are right on the water with decks and docks, etc. Within very short driving distance are other restaurants, etc.

We did a little bit of everything there....spend a few solid days on beach, hung out at tiki bar and the pool (or both - quick ocean dip, back to tiki bar, etc) We also spent some afternoons/evenings at the marina bars - totally relaxed and left an open agenda.

Now I'm envious and want to book my own get-a-way!!!

[raleighjayne]

I like Emerald Isle. Rent a house that is not next to any large condo complexes and you'll be fine. The busiest times are still not that busy compared to Carolina Beach.

[DPPWUS]

I disagree this post should have been moved here..copied...fine...but this was a post asking TRIANGLE people where they should go with 3-4 hours. Just my two cents.

[movedtothecoast]

Bald head island or Figure 8.

imo the reason there might not be many people on Topsail is because the beach is so darn
narrow , espcially at hi tide.

[bgpeacock]

Agree Bald Head Island might be what you are looking for. Okracoke or Hatteras further up but does get touristy. Problem is all the beaches in the season are very family oriented. Probably Sunest or Ocean Isle south of Wilmington will be less crowded that the Crystal Coast area.