For me, the beach is the perfect vacation destination. Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing other regions as well, but when summer starts I can feel the sun in my hair and the sand on my feet. As a family, we like to take a special vacation each year, so we try to alternate between the coast and the hills.

Every year, we start planning our coastal vacation and explore the different coastlines we need to see. It’s a great place to see the neighborhoods in Charlotte, even for us, it feels like coming home, especially as we push along the road and get closer to each of the recognizable landmarks we love so much.

Not Visiting the Sound Side

On the other side is the ocean and on the other side is the sound. You can’t miss the sound. There are no waves to speak of and the water is clear too. From hermit crabs to animals on the beach, it’s a treasure for young and old alike.

Staying in Kitty Hawk

OK, this suggestion may lead to some debate, because this is an area where many men and women stay but look at the small villages in the southern part of the area, along Route 12. Villages like Avon, Waves, Frisco, Hatteras, and Ocracoke have great vacation homes, but it’s almost like another planet. Sure, it takes longer to get there, but it’s worth it.

Visiting During the Height of Tourist Season

This mistake is hard to avoid when you have kids, and frankly, we moved in the summer with everyone else because our son is still in school. It’s amazing how cheap house rentals are, and also how empty it is before summer is in full swing and after it starts to end. The weather is ideal unless there’s a hurricane on the horizon, the prices are fair, and the crowds are almost non-existent.