11 Small Town Getaways In North Carolina Perfect For Families
North Carolina has become a popular place to visit thanks to its many amazing towns and Instagrammable views. Families have realized how great the beaches are. One thing North Carolina beaches all have is pretty comfortable water temperatures. Going to the beach and relaxing is one of the nicest ways to have quality family time. These are the best small beach towns in North Carolina to take your family to.
Carolina Beach
Located in the southern part of the state, Carolina Beach is home to 6,575 people. There's a beautiful boardwalk over the ocean to bring the family to, and an art gallery to visit once you're done soaking up the sun. If you're still feeling like seeing some animals, you can make your way to the North Carolina Aquarium. There are tons of local restaurants with fresh sea food right from the source. The best time to go is the summer, when the weather and water are both at their warmest. Carolina Beach is the perfect place to start your family vacation and take in some sun.
Duck
Duck, North Carolina sits in the northern part of the state and has 750 people living there. There are tons of designated fishing and kayaking areas in the ocean to go to. Next to the beach is a beautiful park to play in and around with your family. You can find multiple shopping areas and restaurants at the Duck Commons, Village Square, and Scarborough Lane Shoppes. There's even a pier and dock you can look out at. Adding Duck, North Carolina to your list of get aways with your family is a must do.
Kill Devils Hill
Another great North Carolina town is Kill Devils Hill. Home to 7,777 people, Kill Devils Hill is located in the northern part of North Carolina also. One of the coolest attractions in the United States, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, is located in Kill Devils Hill. You'll be able to teach your kids and family about two of the most important people in the world. You can go to a fishing pier and a woods preserve in Kill Devils Hill as well. Kill Devils Hill has tons of fun for everyone and won't disappoint.
Nags Head
With a population of 3,182, Nags Head is located on an island just off the coast of North Carolina. Taking a trip to Nags Head means you'll be able to do things like hike sand dunes and go to Jockey's Ridge State Park. There's a lighthouse on the island named Bodie's Island Lighthouse to visit and explore. You can even climb to the top of it and lookout at either the ocean or the United States. These are just a few of the many things that make Nags Head an amazing family place to visit.
Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle is in the southern part of North Carolina and has a population of 3,891 people. This beach town has some of the best sailing in the world for families to do together. There's also surfing classes you can take and paddle board rentals. For those who want to not be in the water for too long, Emerald Isle offers some great walking and biking paths. There's also a forest area to explore and hang out in. Emerald Isle is another one of North Carolina's hidden gems.
Corolla
Home to around 500 people, Corolla is quickly becoming one of North Carolina's more popular destinations. Corolla is known for having a herd of mustangs along the beach that visitors can visit. Make sure if you go to see them, you stay at least 50 feet away. Another place you can visit with the family is Whalehead. This land used to be used for a rocket-fuel testing base. There are self-guided tours you can take. When you're done there, you can visit one of the many restaurants in the city of Corolla.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is the next stop you should make and has a total of 1,300 people living there currently. One of the most popular state parks in the United States, Fort Macon, is at Atlantic Beach and should be on your list to do. There's a beautiful boardwalk in the city to get ice cream at and make tons of memories. Next to the boardwalk is a volleyball court to play at with your family. If you're looking for nature, there's the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail to hike around.
Caswell Beach
400 people call Caswell Beach home, and for good reason. Some of the best boating weather is near Caswell Beach, a great activity to do with your family for the day. Another great thing to do with loved ones is the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Anytime you can add learning to a vacation, especially in a fun way, you should do it. If you're looking to try to really branch out, there are helicopter tours to take over the city and ocean.
Kure
The next town you should plan on bringing your family to is Kure, which is home to more than 2,100 people. Kure has built itself on having excellent beach activities, including fishing and body boarding. Kure is also home to outdoor concerts that are free for the public to attend. This is a great way to end the day after going to the beach. There are many beach-side restaurants that call Kure home. Kure has come on the scene as one of the best places to visit, and it's not shocking why.
Wrightsville
If you're looking for tons of family activities, look no further than the town of Wrightsville. This town is home to 2,250 people and has it all. There's a park next to the beach anyone would love to hang out at. You can also load up on the sunscreen and rent a sailboat for the day to tour around. After all is said and done, there's an interactive museum about the history of Wrightsville. Here, you can read messages left from those who have visited before you, and leave your own note for those in the future to see.
Bald Head Island
The smallest place to visit on our list is Bald Head Island. This town is home to only 260 people, but don't let that fool you. There's a beautiful conservancy to go to. This conservancy is home to countless local animal and plant species, which is fun for kids to see and learn about. There are also tours of the island to take and a museum teaching you about the history of this important town. Of course, there's also a beach to go and relax at during the day.
North Carolina is truly one of the most amazing places in the United States. There's amazing food, great culture, and perfect beaches to bring your family to. If you're in the market to bring the family to a smaller town in North Carolina, make sure to take a look at some of these places. You'll be impressed when you get there by the hospitality and what there is to do. It also feels good to support small towns and communities, they appreciate it in ways a lot of people don't know.
