I need help planning a Fourth of July beach getaway (Oak Island: live, best)

[kimballfamily]

Though I have lived here for almost four years now, I have only made my way to the coast once to visit the aquarium at Kure Beach. I'm looking to plan a short vacation with my two young chidren (three years, and three months). I've tried to gather as much information as I could from the beach websites but I want the opinions of people who have gone...not just the writeup that the town gives. Ideally, I want great fireworks and a quiet beach (I'm not looking to drag two kids through large crowds of people). Typically we go to the State Fairgrounds but it's just too hectic for us. Any thoughts on a nice, peaceful vacation spot where I will be able to lay on the beach and watch fireworks over the water??

[gonetocarolina]

Originally Posted by kimballfamily

Though I have lived here for almost four years now, I have only made my way to the coast once to visit the aquarium at Kure Beach. I'm looking to plan a short vacation with my two young chidren (three years, and three months). I've tried to gather as much information as I could from the beach websites but I want the opinions of people who have gone...not just the writeup that the town gives. Ideally, I want great fireworks and a quiet beach (I'm not looking to drag two kids through large crowds of people). Typically we go to the State Fairgrounds but it's just too hectic for us. Any thoughts on a nice, peaceful vacation spot where I will be able to lay on the beach and watch fireworks over the water??

Southport is a quaint little beach town which hosts the annual Fourth of July Festival. They have one of the best fireworks displays around. Oak Island is adjoining, and has very quiet beaches. There is a lot of hometown "Americana" charm going on around there. Southport does get quite crowded during the festival. However, if you are staying there, you don't have to worry about fighting the traffic to get back out. More than likely you can see the fireworks from the beach on Oak Island.

I tried to copy and paste a link for you, but it the link-making function wasn't working, and I'm computer illiterate to make my own. Try googling "Southport" and "4th of July Festival".