Talk about a beach lover’s paradise. It is not just how long of a beach season we have but the variety available that is so unique to this region. There are those where the throngs go to show off their tans, others where families tend to flock, still others where the surfers roam and those where the fisherman set up. The main strand of Wrightsville Beach runs from Johnny Mercers pier to the Oceanic pier and attracts the younger crowd. Music thumping and drinks in their hands while primping and checking out others walking by. Walk in either direction for a few blocks and it is slower pace with more families. A few volleyball nets are scattered around and you can find public showers to rinse off before getting back in your car. Fisherman should not feel left out; they just need to read my other blog on fishing in the region. Surfers, I am working on gathering info but you can get surf forecasts on the local news web sites like WECT and WWAY. Now lets get back to the beach itself.

Moving out a bit to Carolina Beach you have a variety along the strand from the north end that people can drive on (passes required), to more private spots along the way south until you hit the boardwalk and pier where you can lay out, get food and drink, eat one of the worlds best donuts at Britts, hit some rides, maybe watch a great live band, and once a year a fun pet contest! You never know what could happen near the boardwalk, which is why it draws some of the bigger crowds. Hit the riverside at the Carolina Beach State Park for more variety since CB is an island. If you want a slower pace… head further south (east really if you look at a map) on the strand to Kure Beach. There are family homes and condos but you will find public parking in a few spots and access to the beach. This area is great for picnics and family stuff because the crowds are not overwhelming. Plus, there is a pier there too and several places to get food and drink. Push further south/east and you make it to Fort Fisher. Lots of people camp out there for the night or weekend in designated areas. There are coves to explore on this end, plenty of surfers and fishermen too. Not to mention the Aquarium, the actual Fort that served to protect our port during the Civil War and the Southport Ferry are within a quick drive or bike ride. Those are only some of the beaches. If I started talking about Topsail, Surf City, Southport and Caswell and add the Islands like Bald Head and Oak Island and so on…this little beach blog would be a dissertation!