Atlantic Coast Beaches NC or SC...Help!

[MouseearsDeb]

Hi, I know this does not pertain to WDW or Orlando:lookaroun , but with the vast array of people here I am hoping for a suggestion . We are planning a trip to Gatlinburg, TN and want to go to the coast for a couple of days first. Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice, family friendly beach in that area of the East Coast? Any suggestions on where to stay at said beach? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[kodiak5bears]

Outer Banks, N.C. is very nice- but VERY CROWDED.

Topsail Beach, N.C. also VERY nice, more quaint, warmer water, LESS CROWDED beaches.

Have Fun!

 

[Interruption?]

Neither. Wildwood, New Jersey

 

[wannab@dis]

Gatlinburg is a lot of fun and I'm sure you'll like it. We get over there quite often! :wave:

As far as NC/SC beaches go, Carolina Beach is nice / quiet and is a relaxing area. Outer Banks is also a good area. For the "tourist" beach, Myrtle Beach is good. We stayed at the Dayton House (King Suite) last fall and really enjoyed it.

 

[PixyDust]

You're going to be closest to Myrtle Beach. Trust me - I grew up about 1.5 hours east of Gatlinburg, and I know. Now, even living in NC, Myrtle Beach is a shorter trip.
That said, we don't enjoy MB because it's so commercial. We go there when we just have a short weekend to hit the beach. Our pick is Emerald Isle, NC. Close to Morehead City if you want to go out to dinner, but not a lot on the island. Mostly houses for rent, but there are some hotels. And the aquarium at Salter Path, while not huge by any stretch, is very nice.

 

[MouseearsDeb]

Thanks for the replies. We go to Gatlinburg fairly often, but this year we are going to venture into NC. Definitely doing the Great Smoky Mtns. Railroad and maybe rafting and a little hiking. Looks like we're going to hold off on the ocean 'till our next trip to Florida. Hopefully, next year.

MouseearsDeb