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Not sure which one to go to....we moved to the triangle last year but have never been to the beach here yet. Is it warm enough & if so which beach do you suggest for the day? Thank you!
We went to Charleston last weekend. Water temp was 70, and was plenty comfortable for the kids to get in the water. I'm seeing Wrightsville listed at 68, so I think you are good to go there, especially this weekend with air temps in the 80s. Water temps at Emerald Isle are 65...starting to get chilly for kids, but OK if they are thick skinned with the high air temps. Outer banks water temps are in the 50's still, too cold for kids.
Generally, the beaches north of Atlantic Beach (i.e. the Outer Banks) have significantly cooler water temps until late May/early June. Of course, those beaches are also the most scenic ones in the state. Despite cooler water, I prefer going to the OBX most times of the year...but I also don't mind jumping in for a swim with water temps in the 60s...and have been known to go in when they're in the 50s!
Since you're new here ... remember that Wilmington is much closer than the Outer Banks, especially for a weekend. Even Emerald Isle is much easier for a weekend getaway.
OBX isn't a great day trip, especially with kids...long drive. I'd head to Wrightsville or Kure for the day. The water should be warm enough for the kids to play in the surf.
Wrightsville Beach is a popular choice as is Kure Beach. If you go to Wrightsville, go early as the parking lots fill up quickly.
It's funny you mention this as my husband and I are planning on hitting the beach this weekend, too! It should be comfortable enough for sitting in the sun, the water being a bit on the cool side. We're bringing some layers in case we get cold under our umbrella.
Also, not sure where you're from originally (we're from CT), but the sun is very strong here - make sure to wear a high spf block or you'll turn into a red lobster!
If you just want to see the beach and walk on it, should be fine (I think it's going to be quite hot this weekend). But, the water is probably still too cold to swim, so don't get your hopes up too high for that. But being pre-season, it should be a nice time to go when it's not so crowded. My favorite is Atlantic Beach, but that's where I grew up going. It's about 3 hours, vs. 2 hours to the Wilmington beaches, but a more interesting drive though small-town NC (as opposed to boring I-40). Stop at the Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston, the halfway point from Raleigh--it's an NC tradition!
We went a couple weeks ago for an overnight and the water was chilly but nice to go barefoot up to ankles and just play on the (empty!) beach. We go to the beach close to Pine Knoll Shores aquarium because the kids love the aquarium. Even though it wasn't hot, (we were in light cotton long sleeves), my daughter got a sunburn on the back of her neck (she's 2 but no hair yet)! So listen to Tara and wear sunblock.
I'm going for the day on Monday for my birthday and I've decided that no matter how chilly the water is, I'm getting in.
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