These two New Hanover beach towns are 'more than just sand and surf'

Looking for a coastal vacation with more to do than just go to the beach. One travel website said two New Hanover County beaches have you covered. FamiliesGo!, a travel website oriented towards parents, recently posed this question: What makes a beach trip fun for families other than the beach itsel

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What is the story about?

Looking for a coastal vacation with more to do than just go to the beach. One travel website said two New Hanover County beaches have you covered.

FamiliesGo!, a travel website oriented towards parents, recently posed this question: What makes a beach trip fun for families other than the beach itself? The result was a list of 15 U.S. beach towns “with more than just sand and surf.”

The list includes coastal towns that add vibrant histories, rich food scenes, and plenty of activities on top of their beautiful oceanfronts. The Wilmington area shined under these criteria, as FamiliesGo! included both Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach on the list.

Boardwalks and flytraps

Carolina Beach was one of

the three North Carolina beaches included, and there is perhaps nowhere that better embodies the spirit of the list. The town is just as known for its boardwalk as its beachfront -- if not more so.

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is home to restaurants, bars, shops, arcades and so much more. If that’s not enough, there’s also an amusement park with over a dozen rides and attractions.

For a slower pace, the Wilmington area’s local state park is just a short drive away. Carolina Beach State Park is one of the best places in the world to see the area’s native Venus' flytrap with trails that have some boardwalks of their own -- albeit smaller ones. The state park also offers hiking, camping and water access.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation that offers more than just swimming and suntanning, Carolina Beach is one of the best destinations for you.

Island roots

Wrightsville Beach was the other Wilmington-area spot included on the list. While Wrightsville doesn’t have a boardwalk like Carolina Beach, the island still offers what feels like a quintessential beach experience.

Wrightsville Beach has a long history as a tourist destination, and some of those old spots are still around today, such as Roberts Grocery and Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier. FamiliesGo! highlighted the Wrightsville Beach History Museum as a spot for visitors to learn more about the island.

As for play and recreation, Wrightsville Beach offers great access to the Intracoastal Waterway. A popular place for boating, you can also take kayaks and paddleboards out into the waterway, making it a great option if you’re tired of the beach itself.

Beach towns with lots to do

The full list included 15 beaches from all over the country, including three in North Carolina. Nags Head, located in the Outer Banks, also made the cut.