One of the loveliest coastal areas in the United States is located in North Carolina. From the far reaches of the Outer Banks to the protected inland marshes along the Intracoastal Waterway, the raw beauty of the area attracts visitors from around the world.

Pleasure Island, the appropriately-named stretch of beach that includes Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Fort Fisher, is located a scant 20 minutes away from downtown

photo courtesy KCBCC

Wilmington. The Jubilee Amusement Park, The North Carolina Aquarium, charter fishing boats, several fishing piers, tons of shopping and dining venues are all close at hand.

If you want to take the family and spend some time there, the area offers an incredible selection of lodging options. Multi-bedroom beachfront homes are available for weekly rental, inexpensive motel rooms can be rented for a night or two, bed and breakfast inns can create a romantic getaway. The possibilities are nearly unlimited.