Atlanta’s a great place to be for those who cherish the salt life. Within easy distance of Gulf and Atlantic dunes, you’ve got plenty of options. Looking toward the Carolinas for your next vacation? You’ll find lots ways to make memories in North and South Carolina beach communities, from fishing and water sports to golf and biking.
Topsail Beach, N.C.
Located off the southeastern coast of North Carolina on Topsail Island, Topsail Beach offers visitors swimming, surfing and fishing in a tranquil, small beach village atmosphere. Vistas stretch on for miles because there are no high-rises allowed in the area.
Once you're done with the beach for the day, head to the Jolly Roger Fishing Pier, located near the center of town (803 Ocean Blvd., Topsail Beach, N.C., 910-328-4616, thejollyroger.com) and extending 850 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque landmark is known for great fishing, offering full-service tackle and bait. Schedule inshore or offshore fishing excursions or stroll the pier and view wildlife like birds, dolphins and turtles. At night, stop by the pier (which is lighted in the evening) for a walk under the full moon to enjoy ocean breezes and salty air. Pier admission is just $1 daily for walkers/spectators and $14 a day for a fishing ticket that includes up to two rods per person.
Other diversions in the area include viewing the boats at the marina or checking out the Missiles and More Museum (720 Channel Blvd., Topsail Beach, N.C., 910-328-8663, missilesandmoremuseum.org) for a dose of WWII and Topsail history. Seven exhibits are currently on display, ranging from natural history and pirates to WWII's Camp Davis and Women Airforce Service Pilots. (Interesting tidbit: the museum itself is housed in the Historical Assembly Building, which was used to assemble missiles for a secret operation conducted on Topsail Island during the war.)
Or visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in nearby Surf City (302 Tortuga Lane, Surf City, N.C., 910-329-0222, seaturtlehospital.org) where sick and injured sea turtles are cared for and then released back into the ocean. Tours are offered from noon-4 p.m. every day except Wednesdays and Sundays.
Pet lovers will be happy to know that Topsail Beach is also dog-friendly (dogs must be on a leash May 15-Sept. 30; at other times dogs must be under voice command with no leash required). For more info on Topsail Beach or lodging, visit topsailbeach.org.
Outer Banks, N.C.
The Outer Banks (OBX) is a 130-mile stretch of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina. Quaint towns and fishing villages each offer their own individualized character with plenty to explore.
Enjoy shopping and restaurants on the northern beaches, an area known to be the site of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight, and which also boasts the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park (300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head, N.C., 252-441-7132, ncparks.gov/jockeys-ridge-state-park), a picture-perfect spot to fly kites or watch the sunset. Or head to the historical attractions of Roanoke Island (the site of the first English colony that would become America), or the unspoiled beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (nps.gov/caha), which protects parts of three barrier islands—Bodie Island, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island—and offers beach and sound access ramps, campgrounds, nature trails and lighthouses to explore. Be sure to visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States) and climb the 257 steps to the top balcony for unparalleled views. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (46379 Old Lighthouse Road, Buxton, N.C., nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm) is normally open from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. (Tickets are required; $8 for adults, $4 for kids).
Fishing enthusiasts will love to know that the Outer Banks offers top-notch angling, including surf and pier fishing, freshwater, fly and sound fishing, inshore and offshore charter fishing throughout the year.
Lodging options for every budget abound. Cozy up in a historic B&B, set up on a scenic campground, rent a beach home or check out one of the resorts or hotels. For tranquil oceanfront luxury, consider visiting Sanderling Resort (1461 Duck Road, Duck, N.C., 855-412-7866, sanderling-resort.com), offering multiple dune-side pools with fire pits and an award-winning spa. For more info, visit www.outerbanks.org.
Hilton Head, S.C.
Hilton Head Island's 12 miles of beaches may not look like the traditional picture-perfect postcard images you conjure up in your head (i.e. blindingly white sand and turquoise waters — after all, this is the Atlantic Ocean), but it makes up for it with shallow, calm waters where little ones can splash away and extra-wide and flat shores of compact sand perfect for long bike rides. In fact, biking is a huge part of a trip to Hilton Head — the bike-friendly island offers nearly 60 miles of public bike paths, plus another 50 miles of private paths. And don't worry about lugging your bike since the island boasts nearly 30 bicycle rental shops (hiltonheadisland.org/see-and-do/biking/sales-and-service).
Hilton Head is also a golfer's paradise. Swing away at more than 30 championship courses (hiltonheadisland.org/golf) designed by legendary golf architects, including Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. With both public and private options, Hilton Head's golf experience offers everything from oceanfront golf courses to traditional parkland courses and beyond.
Stay on one of the island's hotels or resorts, like the upscale Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa (Two Grasslawn Ave., Hilton Head Island, S.C., 843-681-4000, westinhhi.com), where each guestroom has a private balcony and golf and tennis fans get access to the nearby Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club (10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head Island, S.C., 843-681-1700, hiltonheadgolf.net/port-royal).
Need a little extra room? Consider the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort (23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head, S.C., 843-842-8000, omnihotels.com/hotels/hilton-head), located in the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort community, which has 323 recently renovated studio suites with mini kitchens and balconies. Or opt to rent a vacation home or condo that fits the whole family—another popular option. For more info on Hilton Head or lodging, visit hiltonheadisland.com.
Kiawah Island, S.C.
Only 21 miles from downtown Charleston, S.C., Kiawah Island offers 10 miles of beaches, as well as preserved maritime forests, sand dunes and marshes that serve as a home for an abundance of wildlife. Pack your clubs, because the island is also home to five championship golf courses—The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point and Cougar Point (kiawahresort.com/golf)—as well as 30 miles of bike paths. And did we mention how close it is to Charleston? Laze away on the beach in the morning, and then zip into town to do some shopping on Charleston's King Street in the afternoon before heading back to the restful respite of Kiawah for the evening.
Whether you're looking for a romantic beach escape or a family get-together, Kiawah Island offers plenty of amenities to fit each bill. Stay at the famous Kiawah Island Golf Resort to experience the ultimate in Southern hospitality (One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, S.C., 843-768-2121, kiawahresort.com), or check out the new boutique village hotel, the Andell Inn (300 Farm Lake View Road, Kiawah Island, S.C., 843-793-6050, andellinn.com), located within Freshfields Village. Vacation rentals are also available. For more info on Kiawah Island, other Charleston-area beaches (like Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Seabrook Island and Sullivan's Island) or lodging, visit charlestoncvb.com/beaches.
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