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I was thinking about taking my kids (8 and 3) on a day trip to the beach this weekend. I have read through some of the threads about beach recommendations, but am wondering if someone can provide a little more info about them! I'll be taking them on my own, so would like to find a parking option that is as close to the beach as possible, since I'll be carrying all of our beach stuff on my own (maybe with some help from the 8 year old...). Also, public bathrooms in the vicinity of parking would be great. We would be driving from Chapel Hill and I don't want to drive more than 3-3.5 hours. Is it possible to find a good location based on this? Would love tips, not only on which beach, but if there are parking areas that you know of that fit the description I'm looking for. TIA!
well, Wilmington and Topsail are the closest beaches, driving time.
You can make it to Atlantic Beach, without a problem, within 3.5 hours from Chapel Hill. I can state affirmatively that if you go early to New Bern St on Atl Beach (east of the big Causeway intersection), then you not only get all-day parking for $1/hour but there's a bath/restroom facility between the lot and the beach. And 2 "on the causeway" shower heads for the and you've accumulated when you're done.
Here's a link showing Public Access Points (including those with bathroom facilities and showers) at Wrightsville Beach, which is about 2.5 hours from Garner. Public Access Points
You could just make it to Ft. Fisher in that time - I live in Durham right near Chapel Hill and it takes me about 2.75 hours, so depending on where you are in Chapel Hill it might be three hours for you. The good thing is that they have a bathroom and snack bar there, and outdoor showers, and free parking - there is also the aquarium right there.
The bad is that I find the beach to be pretty dirty, unfortunately. Not all of it, but the part near the parking area.
One nice thing about Wrightsville (and I assume others) is you can get the "pay by phone" app, and pay for meter parking via your smartphone. You can add time without going back to the car.
If you go to Ft. Fisher (very cool stuff, and a nice beach) I think you can park for free. There is a little museum there for the fort. If you are up for a walk (maybe a mile or so) the Ft. Fisher Hermit is a cool story. The 8 y.o. might appreciate it, the 3 yo will need a piggy back.
My daughter and I watched it together and then did the hike. She still remembers it (but she was probably 12 or 13 at the time...). May be too much for the younuns:
Here's a link showing Public Access Points (including those with bathroom facilities and showers) at Wrightsville Beach, which is about 2.5 hours from Garner. Public Access Points
This is where we always go. We like access #4. THe ability to hose off/shower off is pretty critical for a day trip with kids. I don't recommend #2, there is more walking to be done.
I have not tried 16 or 36, I wonder if 16 only has street parking???
I wouldn't recommend Wrightsville Beach. Parking fills up fast on weekends. By the time you get there from the Triangle you will have a very difficult time time finding parking.
I wouldn't recommend Wrightsville Beach. Parking fills up fast on weekends. By the time you get there form the Triangle you will have a very difficult time time finding parking.
Reminds me of the Yogi Berra quote... "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded."
If nobody goes there it would not be crowded. One of those fun Yoga Berra quotes that play with logic.
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