Closest Beach for Swimming from N.Raleigh (Durham, Cary: prices, gas)

[north_raleigh_spa_mom]

I need to get to the beach for some swimming. Which beach is closest to N. Raleigh (I'm near 540 if that makes a difference) I'm looking for a quick trip just to have some good swmmming. Thanks for your help.

[VickiR]

It takes me 2 hours and 40 min. from North Raleigh (Creedmoor Road area, near 540) to get to Southport. There, you have Oak Island and Cashwell Beaches.

It takes a bit less to get to Carolina Beach and Topsail but I prefer Oak Island.

Falls Lake does have a beach but I don't like the muddy water.

There is a place called "Silver Lake" that also is ok if you are desperate for swimming.

Tucker Lake, which is near Benson, isn't too bad either.

I know sometimes a lake just won't do when you need the ocean and the beach and the salt air!

Vicki

[scorp200]

Originally Posted by VickiR

I know sometimes a lake just won't do when you need the ocean and the beach and the salt air!

Vicki

Ain't it the truth! Grr, those dreaded gas prices ... I'd go once a month otherwise...

Ft. Fisher is my fave so far but it took me over 3 hours this past saturday (from Durham).

[cncracer]

I can get to WrightsvilleBeach in 2 hour 20 min from Cary. I think the water at WrightsvilleBeach is better for swimming. It seems cleaner or at least clear. I like the Brunswick Beaches for just going to the beach for the weekend. Better family beach environment.
I am not wild about the parking situation in Wrightsville, but not wild about driving in Wilmington also, and I am sure it is just some of their overflow that makes the traffic so bad at the beaches.