Ready to feel the salty breeze in your hair and the sand between your toes? It’s time to escape to the coast for fun and relaxation, but which beach is the best for your vacation style? Whether you’re planning a family trip or a getaway with the girls, both Carolinas offer some top-notch beaches within a relatively short drive. We’ve compiled some of the best beaches to soak up some sun this summer along with where to stay during your trip.
Family-Friendly Beaches
Wrightsville Beach NC
Drive time: About 4 hours from Charlotte
Stay: Intracoastal Vacation Rentals
This laid-back beach town near Wilmington has everything you need for the ultimate summer vacation. There are plenty of options to stay oceanfront from the new upscale Trailborn Surf & Sound hotel (formerly the historic Blockade Runner) to the laid back Surf Suites. Learn how to ride the waves with a surfing lesson and end the day with a sunset cruise on the waterway. Make sure to grab a hot dog at the famous Trolley Stop stand and dine on fresh seafood overlooking the waves at the Oceanic. and shop for beach gear and souvenirs at longtime favorite Redix.
Litchfield/Pawley’s Island SC
Drive time: About 4 hours from Charlotte
Stay: Litchfield Inn, Sea View Inn, Litchfield Real Estate
The serene beaches of Pawley’s Island and Litchfield Beach are ideal for families, offering scenic views and plenty of space for kids to run around. When you need a break from the sun, head to nearby Brookgreen Gardens, which features gorgeous gardens and even a low country zoo. Also close by is a 17,000-acre wildlife preserve called Hobcaw Barony, check out their calendar for fun kids’ events like Wild Wednesday (reservations required). Enjoy southern-inspired cuisine at the Hammock Shops, a charming shopping and dining enclave under Pawley’s picturesque oak trees.
Sunset Beach NC
Drive time: About 3.5 hours from Charlotte
Stay: Sunset Properties
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. Watch for boats and dolphins as you stroll down the 900-foot pier or rent fishing gear at the tackle shop and cast a line. Visit Bird Island Reserve to observe nature and wildlife like nesting loggerhead turtles on a coastal preserve. On a rainy day, check out a laser light show at the Ingram Planetarium. Every Thursday, Sunset Beach’s summer market features fresh produce, homemade baked goods, jewelry, original art, and more.
Best Resort & Golf Beach Areas
Kiawah Island SC
Drive time: About 3 hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte
Stay: Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Find paradise in the low country on Kiawah Island, known for its pristine beaches and scenic golf courses. Kiawah Island Resort offers five championship courses (that’s 90 holes!), including The Ocean Course, which has hosted many iconic tournaments. The resort offers plenty of activities for families from art classes to dolphin tours, or book at treatment at 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 SC
Drive time: about 4 hours from Charlotte
Stay: HiltonHeadRentals.com, Omni, Sea Pines Resort
Golf Digest ranked Hilton Head Island the #10 golf destination in the world, but the charming island has lots more to offer. Beachfront resorts like the Omni, Sonesta and Westin are one-stop paradises featuring multiple pools, decadent restaurants and sweeping ocean views. Rent bikes and explore the island on paths that weave through scenic landscapes for over 60 miles. Head to Harbour Town at Sea Pines Resort to shop locally owned stores, dine at waterfront restaurants and try watersports like jetskiing and stand-up paddleboarding.
High-End Hideaways
DeBordieu SC
Drive time: About 4 hours from Charlotte
Stay: 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 NC
Drive time: 4 hours and 41 minutes from Charlotte (including ferry)
Stay: 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 plenty 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 such as Cozumel and Jailhouse Provisions, and you can stock up on groceries and wine at the Maritime Market.
Sea Island GA
Drive time: about 5 hours from Charlotte
Stay: https://www.seaisland.com/
Relax in 5-star luxury on Sea Island, an exclusive retreat on the Georgia coast known for its private beaches and Southern hospitality. Stay at the iconic Cloister Hotel or elegant Lodge, or rent a private home (from a cozy cottage to a spacious mansion), and enjoy everything the resort has to offer. Try activities from horse rides on the beach to golf cart birding tours, or reserve a beach daybed as your own private retreat. Bring the kids to Bingo night at the Cloister and join the Turtle Team to patrol for nests and hatchlings on the beach.
