By this point, most of the student body has either gone back to class already or is deeply-depressed watching the last few days of their Spring Break slip away from them. They’re like a small child who lets go of his balloon. Still, there are plenty more with Spring Break yet to come.
Judging by our poll, Spring Break beach vacations are the hands down favorite, so I thought we’d return to our series with something a little different. Consider, won’t you, the beaches of North Carolina.
Name recognition they have not, but buzz they do have, especially in the late Spring Break season when the weather tends to be warmer. The beaches along North Carolina’s Atlantic coast, especially in the Cape Fear region that we like so much, offer miles to explore and are perfect for those who think beaches are for more than music videos. You might be surprised to find vibrant beachfront communities to rival many more famous destinations.

Cape Fear has three major beaches, each of which can do a Spring Break vacation justice:
- Kure Beach – Your best bet if you expect relaxation on the itinerary. Kure Beach is all about the casual atmosphere and tends to stay the least crowded in the area. If you’ve got anglers in the group, Kure Beach Fishing Pier is a major attraction.
- Carolina Beach – Despite its proximity to Kure, Carolina Beach takes the experience in a whole other direction. This bustling, resort-style destination mixes top-notch beach entertainment like surfing and scuba diving with an old-school boardwalk attitude. Personality abounds.
- Wrightsville Beach – Probably my favorite, Wrightsville is known for the quality of the coastline and the quaint village atmosphere, which isn’t to say quiet or unassuming. This can be the place for big entertainment. Sailing is a major draw to Wrightsville.
All three of these beaches are within 18 miles of historic Wilmington, North Carolina, a USA Travel Guide favorite, so as per our usual MO, I’ll pull my hotel recommendations from there:
Two choices in Wilmington: the Hilton Wilmington Riverside is located on the Cape Fear riverfront, providing an affordable choice at a great location. It’s right near downtown, too. The Hilton’s sister property, the Riverview Suites at Water Street Center, is built for extended-stays, ideal for spending the full week. Both properties are offering competitive rates for both Spring Breakers and the fast-approaching Easter weekend, so take advantage of them!
You’re running out of time to inspire us with your brilliance. If you have a great Spring Break 2009 suggestion, let us know in the comments section, or visit the Spring Break 2009 Ideas Center for more of ours.
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2 Comments
I enjoyed your Spring Break piece on NC beaches. Just one thing I would add. For more information on Wilmington & North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast (Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach), check out the website http://www.gocapefearcoast.com. To request a free visitors guide, call 1-866-266-9690 (toll-free) or email visit@capefearcoast.com.
Thanks!
Connie Nelson, PR Director, Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
Thanks, Connie.
I’m sure our readers will appreciate the additional information.
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