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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.
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!
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.
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