reviews on Oak Island? Bald Head Island? area for vacation 7/25-7/28

marty79

marty79

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2013
Location
Newton, NC
Planning our beach vacation for end of july and was looking into Oak Island Area/Holden Beach/or Bald Head Island. Anyone been here.
Looking for family friendly, quiet beach to chill on without all the busy summer crazy crowds lol. I know it's gonna be busy everywhere in July but Oak Island area seems to be lot less crowded from some research.
Atlantic Beach? any better
Price they all seem to be about the same so I guess mainly focused on the quietness and such.

and if anyone happens to have a rental at a beach somewhere for end of july, shoot me a pm and happy to give the business to you! thanks for input
 
maulcruiser said:
They're all overrun with FIFO's and yankees trying to live the coastal life and validate their "Salt Life" stickers during the summer. Staying weekdays are best, but you've chosen your dates already. The water is clearer above Wilmington, i.e. Topsail Beach, Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach.
Click to expand...
I prefer the weekdays but can't miss that much work lol. Topsail Beach/Emerald Isle was next on our list so you agree that is the better place to go then
 
July/August is prolly the worse time to be @ the beach in N.C., Hot sand that will burn your feet on a sunny day, the surf is like a hot bath and not refreshing at all. No good fishing except maybe some nights. Crowds on the roads,the beaches and at the restaurants breakfast,lunch and dinner AND the prices are jacked up. Much better to go in May/ June or September/October. Less crowds, better weather/temps (unless a Hurricane comes along) and the prices for most all rentals are lower. Weekend rentals are always more money, and 2 days @ the beach are just enough to make you mad you can't stay longer.Better to go Mon-Fri. Check in @ 12 mon and out before noon on fri. It costs more, but it's worth it.
 
Last edited:
Oak Island and Holden are both very family friendly beaches. Not overrun with things to do, so they are good to chill on the beach. We have a place at Atlantic Beach and love it. It's about the same. I agree w/ @mommucked on the price of things and the fishing. If you want to relax, buy all your groceries to stay in for the time you are there. Then you won't fight the hustle and bustle. All will be crowded that time of year.
 
That show is terrible. I really don't think it's the spot for kids either. Those brothers will probably give you a shovel and tell you to hit the Money Hole until you strike gold.
 
How well do you get along with white trash and dumb, arrogant Yankees?
 
Personally, I’d go to EI or AB for good clear water and something not built up with some civilization. Topsail is fun too. Never spent much time in Holden but I hear it’s nice. Corolla is great as well.

But, to answer your original question...
I’d chose Bald Head over Oak Island.

Bald head requires a ferry to get there and doesn’t allow cars other than electric golf carts on the entire island (well, it used to be an island until recent storms filled in the inlet between it and Ft Fisher). If you want to get away from civilization and crowds, BHI is the place. There are a couple good restaurants at the ferry/marina and at the golf course. But for the most part, it’s pretty laid back and quiet. Bring everything you need with you as stores and supplies are very limited and can be pricey. But the seclusion is pretty nice.

If you can find a rental with golf club membership included, you can use that facility too. Otherwise I think there is a hefty fee to use the amenities at the golf course.
 
Last edited:
I was never a beach guy until someone here recommended Oregon Inlet. Now I'm only a beach guy in the Oregon Inlet/Manteo/Nags Head/Duck/Corolla area...anywhere else feels too crowded and commercialized to me. Even then 6/1-8/31 I refuse to be a beach person.
 
UTfball68 said:
I was never a beach guy until someone here recommended Oregon Inlet. Now I'm only a beach guy in the Oregon Inlet/Manteo/Nags Head/Duck/Corolla area...anywhere else feels too crowded and commercialized to me. Even then 6/1-8/31 I refuse to be a beach person.
Click to expand...


That’s why Bald Head Island is so nice. Zero traffic jambs. Zero traffic. Nice and peaceful. Only electric golf carts are allowed on the island unless you are a contractor doing work on a house and at that it’s very very limited.
 
I like Oak Island area..pretty uncrowded
 
All I know is you need to eat at The Provision Company and try the grilled tuna steak.

Can be found at Holden and South Port (close to Oak island)
 
thanks for all the info and reviews guys. sorry been so busy, late to respond. Ended up finding a beach house in Surf City, pet friendly (must have), right on the beach for stupid good affordable fuller type a price HAHA. So looks like that's our destination this year.
@UTfball68 Oregon Inlet is awesome. Used to go there all the time in high school camping and fishing every summer. Love it, hopefully later in the fall maybe early spring take a nice camping trip out that way.
Thanks everyone for the reviews.:beer:
 
We've been going to Ocean Isle for a while now. It's about 30/45 mins above Myrtle Beach hell, but it's not really commercialized or anything. Laid back, fishing charters, stuff like that. But if you have kids, or an ol'lady that likes to shop or whatever, about 30 mins south it's there.
 
Drunktaco said:
ol'lady that likes to shop
Click to expand...
lol don't we all haha. My wife likes shopping but when we go vacation, which is only once every couple years, we just enjoy the time together on the beach with our long walks, little fishing maybe, coffee on the beach and just a break from life. A little gift to bring home and maybe one meal at some local restaurant and we are good to go.
 
Back
Top