vacation to a beach in North Carolina - HELP :) (Raleigh: house, condo)

[karkeys]

My famiily is looking to vacation at a nice beach in North Carolina. The problem is that we don't know anything about which beach would be best. We have two kids 5 & 7 years old. We want to spend about 75% on the beach (in a house or condo), but have the option to do some touristy things such as shopping, aquariams, kid friendly things.

We are flying into Raleigh Durham at the end of June. We would GREATLY appreciate any advice on beaches and places to stay for a reasonable price.

Thanks!

[superk]

I really liked Ocean Isle Beach when we stayed there once.

[findinghope]

i really like Nag Head and there is a nice ocean front hotel--i hope its nice we booked it for this summer...and its about $800 for the week (3 queen beds) called the Surfside

[Major Minor]

I think you would find Emerald Isle would meet your needs. It is clean, very well maintained and close to shopping and entertainment.

[dsobotta]

I second Emerald Isle's nomination.

Here is my travel guide to Emerald Isle and a map of the area with services listed.

There's lots to do in the area including one of the NC Acquariums in Pine Knoll Shores. In nearby Beaufort there is even a wonderful Maritime Museum which my hard to please son liked.

It is about 2.5 hours from the Raleigh-Durham airport to Emerald Isle.

Most of the seafood eaten in the area restaurants is from local fishermen.

[Jondog]

ncvacations.com has the place you want to go. 150' water slide, 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, tennis, basketball court, ocean front units, no more than a football field length away from the beach from any unit. Game room, small store, outdoor kitchen...you get the picture.

[jmarquise]

go to carolina or kure beach. close to the aquarium and fort fisher. plus close enough to wilmington for shopping and such and a short ferry ride to historic southport.

[RDSLOTS]

You really can't go wrong, staying on any of NC's beaches. If you want more than a chaise parked on the strand, and a straw bag packed with books, and something to drink, you may want to look into some of the more tourist-y areas with things to do.

My idea of a vacation on the beach is a quiet cottage, fresh seafood, and reading while I enjoy the sunshine and the crashing of the waves. I would be absolutely miserable at a place like Myrtle Beach, SC, but others seem to tire of being out on the strand 24/7.