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We're looking for a good day-trip type (from Raleigh) of beach where we can drive out and back on a weekday, and actually park the car and hang out (not too packed)? Any suggestions?
We're looking for a good day-trip type (from Raleigh) of beach where we can drive out and back on a weekday, and actually park the car and hang out (not too packed)? Any suggestions?
On a weekday you shouldn't have too much trouble parking anywhere. Topsail, Carolina, Kure,Wrightsville even are probably the closest
Shouldn't be much of an issue on a weekday even in the busiest spots, particularly if you get there early. We went to Wrightsville yesterday...got there just after 9:30 and there were plenty of spots to be had just over the 76 causeway. Things were filling up by the time we went to lunch, but still a few public parking spots here and there.
We drove on down to the aquarium in the afternoon and Carolina and Kure didn't seem too crowded. Spent a few minutes at Fort Fisher beach around 5:30 before the nasty storm rolled in...things were pretty dead there, but to be expected late in the day at the more isolated location and with weather looming.
Wrightsville Beach is my go to spot for day trips to the beach from Raleigh. Parking on a weekday shouldn't be an issue. I like to grab lunch at the Oceanic right on the beach when I visit. Enjoy!
Topsail is my favorite day trip. Mile 12 beach access is my favorite on Topsail. I can usually find a space even on the weekend (to park and on the beach). It's halfway between the bridges. I get there in just about 2 hours from Cary. There are restrooms and a snack bar. There is sound side access where you can launch a kayak (and there are some for rent there in high season) in addition to the beach access. The parking is free and usually steps away. The beach and businesses at Wrightsville are nice but I rarely get a close spot and usually have to pay for it.
Been to Topsail twice so far this summer on Saturday day trips. We leave at 7AM and are on the beach by about 9:45 - we take 40 and get off at the Wallace exit follow some back roads to NC 50 and enjoy the scenery. There is a decent convenience store for a pit stop right off from 40 when you exit. After we arrive in Surf City, we follow the signs towards N Topsail and then turn right when we feel like it to hit up a parking lot. Broadway is a good choice for that right hand turn. You will find a small parking lot with restrooms, and a shower. Park, up the stairs and there it is! A beautiful, quiet, family friendly beach!!! Enjoy yourselves!
When you say "showers" do you mean real showers or "rinse stations"? I love day trips to the beach but...hate driving home gritty and greasy from sand and sunscreen.
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