Outer Banks or Wilmington (Raleigh, Emerald Isle: oceanfront, house, restaurants)

[Jamerican]

I am still new to NC and have heard a lot of talk about the coastline of NC being a nice place to spend a weekend with the family. My question is where is better as far as having a beach filled weekend with good sea food restaurants and good family fun? I heard some folks saying that the Outer Banks is good and some will say that Wilmington is better and vice-versa. Therefore, as with anything else that I need to know, I decided to call upon my City-Data family for their feedback ... any thoughts on this guys and gals?

[DanielleNC]

I would say Outer Banks if you are just looking for peace and quiet, but still fun! If you are looking for more to do with city amenities and tour a great downtown, I would say Wilmington. You'll be dealing with a lot of traffic in Wilmington though. I don't think you could go wrong with either and both are worth checking out.

[daveraleigh]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Outer Banks and haven't spend much time in the Wilmington area other than Sunset Beach.
As far as the Outer Banks...its not a Va Beach/Myrtle Beach/insert name of beach that is built up and very touristy with tons of souvenir shops and theme parks. But you do have Jockey's Ridge and the Wright Memorial as well as the Hatteras Lighthouse. TONS of good seafood restaurants! *drool*
And the Lost Colony isn't too far (depending on where you stay)

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by Jamerican

I am still new to NC and have heard a lot of talk about the coastline of NC being a nice place to spend a weekend with the family. My question is where is better as far as having a beach filled weekend with good sea food restaurants and good family fun? I heard some folks saying that the Outer Banks is good and some will say that Wilmington is better and vice-versa.

Head to Wrightsville - adjacent to Wilmington - and have both.

[kelly237]

I still love Emerald Isle for great restaurants,
quaint swansboro town , the aquarium, lots of charter
fishing boats and near Morehead .

Wrightsville Beach at Wilmingtom has
good food and the USS ?? battleship.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by kelly237

Wrightsville Beach at Wilmingtom has good food and the USS ?? battleship.

What is "North Carolina?," Alex.

[ljd1010]

I'm also excited at the prospect of exploring the NC coast! We've rented an oceanfront house in Duck (OBX) for a week in July. The kids are coming down! Can't wait!

[chellemi808]

Personally, I love Topsail Island. I've been vacationing there (from Maryland) for the last four summers and even made an off-season trip between Christmas and New Year's 2008. In fact, it was one of my deciding factors in moving to the Raleigh area.

If you are looking for something "commercialized" with lots of fancy attractions, I'm afraid it will disappoint you. However, if you are looking for a quiet, family-oriented beach to hang out and enjoy time together, it's definitely worth checking out. The ocean and beach are lovely, there are three ocean fishing piers, the sun sets over the sound are absolutely incredible, and there are a few good seafood restaurants on the island.

Feel free to check out my photo album with pictures from my two 2008 trips (summer and winter). The sunset pictures are all over the sound, and the sunrise pictures (at the end) are all over the ocean. Picasa Web Albums - Michelle - North Topsail...

[uncletupelo]

There are many nice beaches in NC. I have a second home in Pine Knoll Shores which is located on the barrier island called Bogue Banks which includes Atlantic Beach, Indian Beach, Salter Path and Emerald Isle. Go to the coastal section of CD for tons of info on this area and many others. Good luck.

[boardmember10000]

If you are looking for just a weekend I would suggest the beaches on the Southern Coast (near Wilmington). The drive from the Triangle to Wilmington is a little over 2 hours but you are looking at a 4-5 hour drive to the Outerbanks.