You know if you can never find me, I am somewhere by the water. Doesn’t matter where but if I am near the ocean or at the beach, I am the happiest person alive. I have been going to the beach since I was a teeny tiny baby and it has had my heart ever since. It is difficult to get me out of the water as well! I live in a pretty perfect place too being so close to the coast of North Carolina where it will take me only 2 hours to get to a beach. I wanted to share some of my favorite family friendly beaches that we frequent or that have left a lasting impression on me.
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
You know I had to include Ocean Isle Beach on the list! This is my favorite beach because I’ve been going every summer since before I could walk. Ocean Isle is a small, family-friendly little island off the coast of North Carolina. Although it’s small, it’s PACKED with fun restaurants and things to do! If you want to relax, the beach is sooo peaceful and you can hang out there from sun-up to sundown. If you prefer activities, there’s an arcade, pier, beach yoga, mini golf, farmer’s market, museum, concerts, and even a huge play gym and splash pad for kids all right on the island. Check out this post for my Guide to Ocean Isle, which includes all of our favorite restaurants and things to do.
OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA
Hello my favorite beach! If y’all have been a follower of mine for quite some time, you know that we frequent the Outer Banks several times a year and it truly has become a home to us. A vacation to the Outer Banks can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you and your family want it to be. There is so much to do here such as climb one of the five lighthouses, hike the sand dunes at Jokey’s Ridge, or catch a glimpse of wild horses on the Corolla beaches. It’s also the perfect beach to slow down because it isn’t very populated and average summer highs are only in the 70s and 80s.
30A BEACHES, FLORIDA
I have never been to 30A, but I have been dying to go because of all the incredibleness that I have seen from others! I’ve heard AMAZING things about the beaches in 30A, and not only that, but the beaches boast beautiful, crystal clear ocean water! I’ve heard great things about Rosemary Beach and Seaside, with plenty of amazing eateries, coffee shops and happy hour spots, and a lot for kids to do as well. You can go for a bike ride, paddle across a coastal dune lake, head to Gulf World Marine Park, visit the Seaside Farmer’s Market, create pottery at Fired Up, or host a beach bonfire right on the beach. There are some beautiful house rentals on VRBO, just be sure to plan out your trip in advance, because they get rented quickly!
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
Another great family beach is Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. One thing I love most about Hilton Head is that the beaches as well as the town are so clean! When it is low tide you truly have so much beach that you can play on. There are plenty of beach front places to stay from family friendly resorts to more private house rentals. One thing you’ll notice about Hilton Head is the lush vegetation – there are palm trees and plants growing seemingly EVERYWHERE and it’s really a beautiful sight to behold, even just driving through town. And there are over 60-miles are bike trails that easily take you across the island. Hilton Head also has a lot of yummy restaurants and cute shops!
BALD HEAD ISLAND, NORTH CAROLINA
If you really want a peaceful vacation, Bald Head Island is the place to go. It is truly a quiet getaway, partly because cars are not allowed on the island! You can only get to the island by a ferry that you board in Southport, NC. Then once you are on the island, everyone gets around by riding a golf cart, biking and/or walking! Part of the island is a nature reserve and the other part is full of locally owned shops and restaurants (none of those big chain places in sight). A house rental is definitely the way to go if you choose Bald Head.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
Oh bring me home. I’ve been going every summer since before I could walk. I actually took my first steps here as a baby! It has gotten more popular since then but it is a true beach town with people biking or walking everywhere. I love that beach town feel where nobody has a care in the world. Food galore, beautiful sites, some good shopping, some of my favorite ice cream, and sidewalks for days that are some of my favorite to run on. No lie I ran my first half marathon there. Wrightsville is in the perfect position that it is not too far away from Downtown Wilmington that has more to do like the Battleship or walk down by the Riverfront.
What are your favorite beaches to go to? As always, thank y’all for stopping by and reading. I will see y’all back here next time.
