Our days of lying (or playing) on the beach are so close we can almost smell the saltwater now. But which beach is the best for you and your family/golfing buddies/gal pals? No matter what you’re looking for, both Carolinas offer some top-notch beaches within a relatively short drive. While we all wish these hot spots were at least 2 hours closer, there is a beautiful beach within reach for every QC resident. We’ve compiled some of the best beaches to soak up some sun this summer along with where to stay during your trip.
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FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Litchfield/Pawley’s Island
Drive time: About 4 hours from Charlotte
Rentals: Litchfield Inn, Sea View Inn
The relatively secluded beaches of Pawley’s Island and Litchfield Beach make it ideal for families — especially families with small children who love to run around. When everyone gets cranky from too much sun, pack up the kiddos and head to nearby Brookgreen Gardens, which features gorgeous gardens and even a zoo. Also close by is a 17,000-acre wildlife preserve called Hobcaw Barony, where families can learn fishing techniques like throwing a cast net and using a cane pole. After the kids are in bed, mom and dad can hire a sitter and head to the Hammock Shops Village, an adorable shopping and dining enclave under a bunch of picturesque Pawley’s oak trees.
Sunset Beach
Drive time: About 3.5 hours from Charlotte
Rentals: Sunset Properties
Quiet and quaint compared to nearby Myrtle Beach, Sunset Beach has been beloved by families for generations because of its relaxed atmosphere, tranquil stretches of soft sand and proximity to fun things to do. On a rainy day, check out a laser light show at the Ingram Planetarium. Do your kids love feathered friends? They can check out unique birds in their natural habitats at Sunset Beach, which is a member of the North Carolina Birding Trail . Every Thursday, Sunset’s Waterfront Market features fresh produce, jewelry, original art, homemade spices, soaps, cutting boards, essential oils, homemade baked goods, jams, jellies and more.
BEST GOLF & RESORT LIFE
Kiawah Island
Drive time: About 3 hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte
Rentals: Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Golf enthusiasts of all skill levels flock to Kiawah for its mild climate and pristine greens. Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers five championship courses (that’s 90 holes!), including The Ocean Course, which is one of only four courses in the country to have hosted every major PGA event. If swinging’s not your thing, check out the resort’s five-star Sanctuary Spa. Try one of the spa’s “body fusions,” which combine skin treatments with full body massage.
Hilton Head Island
Drive time: about 4 hours from Charlotte
Rentals: HiltonHeadRentals.com, Sonesta
Known by some as “Golf Island,” Hilton Head has some legendary links.
HIGH-END HIDEAWAYS
DeBordieu
Drive time: About 4 hours from Charlotte
Rentals: DeBordieuRentals.com
Expect to shell out some serious cash for a beachfront rental in this 2,700-acre gated golf community near Myrtle Beach and Pawley’s Island, but the payoff is worth it. You’ll have miles of secluded beach to explore and enjoy, plus you’ll be close to the dining and other amenities of Georgetown and Pawley’s Island. If you’re into golf or tennis, you’ll want to check out the The DeBordieu Club. It’s a private country club, but guests are allowed to temporarily assume club privileges held by the owner of the house they’re renting. The club also features oceanfront restaurants, a pool and a gazebo bar.
Bald Head Island
Drive time: 4 hours and 41 minutes from Charlotte (including ferry)
Rentals: BaldHeadIslandRentals.com
The ultimate in exclusivity, Bald Head Island is only accessible by passenger ferry or private boat. That means you won’t find any crowded beaches (or even cars) on the island. You will, however, find 14 miles of beaches, tons of rare birds and dozens of bikes and golf carts. Bring your wickets, stakes and balls because croquet is hugely popular on the island and people come from all over the world to play there. The island has several restaurants, like the open-air Eb & Flo’s Steambar and Grill in the Harbour Pavilion, which specializes in seafood and live music.
CLOSE-est AND QUICK
Isle of Palms
Drive time: 3.5 hours from Charlotte
Rentals: IslandRealty.com
Clocking in at less than four hours (and Interstate all the way), Isle of Palms is one of the closest beaches to the Charlotte area. Six miles of sandy beaches are in close proximity to both Charleston and the famous Wild Dunes resort. Kids will love learning about new hatchlings from the island’s Turtle Team, and mom and dad will love the newly designed front beach area as well as the tons of restaurant options.
FAR YET FABULOUS
Outer Banks
Drive time: At least 6 hours from Charlotte
Rentals: Outer Banks vacation rentals
All that time spent on the road is worth it as soon as you step out of the car and breathe in the fresh air in the OBX. There are so many choices on where to stay and what to do there (you can plan your trip here), but there’s truly something for everyone from the history buff (lighthouses, shipwrecks and pirate lore abound in OBX) to the oenophile (taste some divine local wine in the birthplace of flight at Trio in Kitty Hawk).
Do you have a favorite among these? Or another that’s worth the drive? Please share in the comments below!
