Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Retiring in about 3 yrs and want to be "near" the coast. Right now we have it narrowed down to from Harkers Island to Oak Island (LOL) and we are spending much time exploring all areas in between (MHC, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, Hampstead, Leland, etc...so not too far from the coast (15-20 mins?) but obviously well priced out of the near beach homes. Most familiar with EI (have vacationed there for many years) and am aware that public parking can be problematic during the peak months. My question is - when you do decide to have some beach time, where do you go and where do you park? We'd obviously avoid summer weekends and holidays, and it would be an afternoon here or there, once or twice a week. I'm aware of beach driving permits on EI (Sept-Apr) so that's definitely an option off season. Do other beaches do this as well?
Most of the towns have instituted paid parking. I have not been there yet, but North Topsail Beach has some credit card terminals. The price is supposed to be 20-25 per day, unless you are a town resident. It also has a limited free area owned by the state. The justification is the high cost of sand replenishment. Good luck with your search, but be prepared to pay in the high season.
BTW, it might be cheaper to buy an annual pass, which is $100 from NTB. You can also drive on the beach in the off-season. That requires another permit. The winter is a good time for beach walks. There are stretches of undeveloped property where you might get away with parking, but I suspect the police give tickets.
Some friends do turtle nest sitting during the summer, and they handle parking by finding co-operative land owners.
Virtually every beach has instituted paid parking. Wrightsville Beach is impossible on summer weekends. Oak Island is one of the better places to try. Parking at a shopping center and taking an Uber is a smart play in my book, regardless of which beach you want to go to.
Virtually every beach has instituted paid parking. Wrightsville Beach is impossible on summer weekends. Oak Island is one of the better places to try. Parking at a shopping center and taking an Uber is a smart play in my book, regardless of which beach you want to go to.
Actually even Wrightsville can be accessed during peak season if you go at the right times. Get there before 830AM or at 7PM (it stays light until 9) you can find a spot. The problem typically is that people expect to go wherever they want and not to where there is a spot.
Actually even Wrightsville can be accessed during peak season if you go at the right times. Get there before 830AM or at 7PM (it stays light until 9) you can find a spot. The problem typically is that people expect to go wherever they want and not to where there is a spot.
Lol, yes, parking is not an issue during times when no one is at the beach. Very astute.
This topic warrants a thread all it's own. Or is there one?
How far... to/from.. by Uber... for how much...
and how much of a PITA is it to secure the return trip later?
Most people with a modicum of common sense can figure it out. YMMV.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
