Closest beach (Raleigh, Cary, Garner: house, live in, safer)

[shellsd]

Can anyone tell me what the closest beach is that is good for a family with young kids? Don't need anything but sand and waves, but can't have a rocky beach or something. We live off of 64 close to Knightdale.

Thanks!!

[SFspiderman]

Wrightsville is about the closest and one of the more popular ones (for better or worse). Almost exactly two hours from my house in Cary.

[Vasily]

Another option from my (long-ago) days in the Triangle is Carolina Beach -- only about 10 miles further away. There's probably more to do at Carolina Beach but as I recall, Wrightsville Beach is more "upscale" than Carolina Beach. If it were me, I'd consider staying at Wrightsville and checking out Carolina for mini-golf etc. if the kids are into that sort of thing.

[RVAtoCNC]

Originally Posted by shellsd

Can anyone tell me what the closest beach is that is good for a family with young kids? Don't need anything but sand and waves, but can't have a rocky beach or something. We live off of 64 close to Knightdale.

Thanks!!

I live in Clayton (east side) so Atlantic Beach is a tad closer than Wrightsvile, but from Raleigh, on the interstate, Wrightsville may be a tiny bit closer. Have been to both - Wrightsville is good for the day trip - parking close to the beach (metered) if you get there early. But we stayed a few days at Atlantic Beach and really like it, plus could take the ferry to Cape Lookout, see the ponies, do the para-sailing thing, rummage around Morehead City, etc.

[GarnerMama]

Wrightsville may be a bit closer, but I love Kure beach, especially with the kids. The aquarium, Ft. Fisher, and the ferry are worth the extra 15 minutes. Plus you pass right by Britt's Doughnuts and Bowman's Seafood...yum!!

[andyselec]

If your looking for sand and water just go to one of our lakes, there safer for young kids anyway

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by andyselec

If your looking for sand and water just go to one of our lakes, there safer for young kids anyway

But for the toxic pollutants and occasional e coli contaminations.

[xiiixiixiiix]

Originally Posted by GarnerMama

Wrightsville may be a bit closer, but I love Kure beach, especially with the kids. The aquarium, Ft. Fisher, and the ferry are worth the extra 15 minutes. Plus you pass right by Britt's Doughnuts and Bowman's Seafood...yum!!

I agree. Kure is the place to go with kids. Plenty of parking, a few attractions right there, a picnic area, and convenient bathrooms.

[mike052082]

I like Ocean Isle myself for the peace and quiet. Not many attractions or what not but it sure gives you some space to "stretch out".

[shellsd]

Thanks so much all!