Topsail Beach or Sunset Beach? (Carolina Beach, Emerald Isle: where to stay, buying, restaurants)

[keloucks]

My boyfriend and I are in our 20's. We decided that this year, we're going to take a bunch of small trips (weekends or long weekends. No long week vacations) and I really want to have a nice, relaxing little vacation on a beach. I see a lot of people are talking about Sunset Beach and Topsail Island. These seem like good places because I'm not into big, ugly high rises and a bunch of tourists with their kids (not that I'm against seeing any kids at all but it seems like places such as Myrtle Beach cater towards kids and we don't need that). I just want something quiet and relaxing. Which beach is better for this and why do you think so? Help us decide. And if you have any advice on where to stay, where to eat (my boyfriend hates seafood but I love it!) what to do (besides lounging around on the beach. haha), I'll take it!

Thank you :-)

[mommiewrites]

Both are nice places.

We have kids and go to Carolina Beach/Atlantic Beach and are thinking of buying property on the outerbanks possibly.

You couldn't pay us to go to Myrtle Beach.

You're going to find families and kids pretty much everywhere, but not like MB.

[Oyster07]

I think you would enjoy either one. They are both beautiful beaches and pretty quiet. If I had to choose one, I'd probably go with Sunset Beach only because I've spent more time there. Have fun

[surferchick]

Hi there. Both beaches are quite quaint adn not as touristy. Sunset Beach has a lot of long term residents and private beaches. Lovely wide beaches and views and great to get away from the hub-bub. Topsail has a wee more to do, as far as fishing expeditions and such, as Topsail Island has Surf City and North Topsail Beach at the north end. If quiet time is what you would like, I would go with Sunset. I believe there is a winery just a few minutes away that give tours. Also, not as many restaurants there, but there is in Southport. I believe there is an Inn called Sunset Inn, which is quaint and nice. If you boyfriend likes to play golf, there are several courses at Sunset.

I am actually north of there, at Emerald Isle (which is nice place to visit), but I hope you have a great time when you come to visit us on the Coast of NC.