If you’re looking forward to a vacation with your family that includes nothing more strenuous than carrying sunscreen to the beach, then Ocean Isle Beach in southern North Carolina fits the bill. With the Intercoastal Waterway on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the city offers fun and sun for miles. Spend your days walking the few feet from your beachfront condo to the ocean and collecting seashells. There are many Ocean Isle Beach vacation rentals to choose from but here are few locations to help you start your search.

1. Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Ocean Isle Beach is the ultimate laid back beach town that’s dedicated to relaxing and soaking up the sunshine. Schedule your stay for the annual Oyster Festival that offers the freshest seafood around and local vendors selling unique arts and crafts. You and your family can take an afternoon to visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina, where you learn more about the sea creatures you encounter on your daily beach walks and the natural world around you.

2. Calabash, North Carolina

Known as the Seafood Capital of the World, you and your family can enjoy the Calabash-style of preparing fresh seafood at most of the local restaurants when you make this small town your vacation destination. Spend your days fishing along the Calabash River or rent a bike and explore the town and surrounding area. You have the opportunity to schedule and ocean cruise so your family can catch sight of the friendly dolphins that call these shores their home.

3. Carolina Shores, North Carolina

Nestled on the southern tip of coastal North Carolina is the small community of Carolina Shores, where you and your family spend their days relaxing and enjoying a slower pace of life. Vacation rentals in the area consist of ocean front homes with views of the Atlantic Ocean from the balcony. You can spend your days building sandcastles with your kids, bike riding, and enjoying a scrumptious meal at one of the local eateries.

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4. Sunset Beach, North Carolina

Pristine beaches and stunning local sea life make Sunset Beach an amazing destination for your trip. From your vacation rental, take a few steps down to the beach for a sunset stroll or enjoy a cold drink watching the boats out on the water from your balcony. In July to October, loggerhead turtles trudge up the beach to lay their eggs offering your children the chance to enjoy a unique experience. In the evenings, take the family to gasp in pleasure at the Ingram Planetarium laser light show.

5. Little River, South Carolina

Settle into a small town where you drive along tree lined streets and take pictures of the towering oak trees. Little River offers comfortable vacation rentals where your family can enjoy grilling out on the deck each night or relaxing in a hot tub. Enjoy a vacation near fun times golfing, fishing, biking, and playing in the sand from your digs in Little River. In this small town, there are several festivals to check out depending on the time of year, including the Waterway Boat Parade and Shrimp, Jazz Festival, The Blue Crab Festival, and Oktoberfest.

6. Holden Beach, North Carolina

In this small coastal town, you and your family can catch sight of loggerhead turtles coming out of the ocean to build a nest and lay their eggs. If it’s not the right time of year, then spend your vacation biking around town or walking along the local pier. This town hosts several festivals. In the fall, your kids can take part in a hermit crab race at the North Carolina Festival by the Sea. When spring arrives, the Days at the Dock festival offers a family fun run, paddle box races, and local arts and crafts.

7. Shallotte, North Carolina

For a more active town for your beach vacation, Shallotte offers plenty of local shopping and fellow tourist to make new friends. At Mulberry Park, the warmer months bring SummerFest, where you can take your family for an evening of live music or a movie for families. Just pack a picnic dinner at your vacation rental and make a night of it.

8. Cherry Grove Beach, South Carolina

On the north side of Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Beach offers your group the best of both worlds with a laid back, slow pace just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach. Beach front condos line the shores here, and your family has the chance to have the ocean just a few feet away, where they can kayak or paddle board in the water. You can take an ocean cruise to see the dolphins or enjoy some saltwater fishing. Make sure to take a walk along the iconic boardwalk while in town.

9. North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

In North Myrtle Beach, your family has the chance to spend the days playing in the surf or bustling around town enjoying bike riding, amusement parks, shopping, almost any type of food, and museums of oddities. If anyone in your family is looking for some heart pounding thrills, plan a day at Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventure, where you can enjoy stunning views from a new angle.

10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a picture perfect coastal town with beaches, restaurants, piers, amusement parks, and non-stop activities around the clock. You can start your vacation with a segue tour to get your bearings and choose your next stop from the Hollywood Wax Museum to the Myrtle Waves Water Park. You have your choice of beach front condos or choose a family home close enough to ride your bike to the beach to save a little money and enjoy a little more space.


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