Carolina Beach/Ft. Fisher. Go straight down I40 until you hit water. However, I've heard they now charge fees to use the beach in those areas. I'd do a little internet research before you show up. I also know the Park Service is closing off much more beach area for sea turtles and shorebirds after they were sued by an environmental group. I just came back from a week at Ocracoke and the beach driving area has been reduced.
I'm sure someone with recent Carolina Beach info will respond.
I was not sure about beach closures on the southern beaches, I know the OBX's Beaches are getting hit hard. We are heading to Frisco for 2 weeks in July and hope we have beaches close to us for parking on.