Where is a good place to go to the beach in NC that's not too crowded or expensive?

Question

l'm a college student and I live in the Raleigh area. Gas prices are ridiculous and paying for college is..yea! I've been working my tale off (job, classes, organizations, etc) and I'd love to take a much needed break. I'd like to plan something nice for my boyfriend and I because I feel we both deserve a little something for the summer. I haven't been to the beach in ages and I'd love to find one that's not too, too far or expensive as far as lodging and food. I'm hoping to find something in NC to save on gas and find a place that's not too populated so we can enjoy ourselves. Any advice??

Thanks a bunch!

= )

Answer 1

Generally, most Raleigh folks consider Wrightsville Beach (next to Wilmington) to be the fastest beach to get to.  (Just go down I-40.)  However because of that it can be crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays.  Maybe better on weekdays to try.  And I wouldn't necessarily call it cheap either, although you could find a motel in nearby Wilmington probably for less and then just drive to the beach.  (Bring quarters for the parking meters if you do that, though.)    But it's certainly the closest beach to Raleigh.

Answer 2

Corolla, NC is very nice.

Answer 3

Cape Hatteras is so nice.