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I'm trying to plan next years vacation. I am debating between the Outer Banks somewhere or Topsail Island. I know someone who vacationed to Topsail this year and loved it. I'm just not sure if I want to go based on one person's opinion. Outer Banks seems to have more information. My family likes to swim in the ocean, go fishing, visit parks and do all the nature stuff. We don't like it to be overly crowded, yet, we don't want to be completely isolated either. We also want something directly on the beach (oceanfront)...any suggestions?
I have not been to the OBX during the season, but I think it can be quite crowded then. When we were there (November) it was quite peaceful and there was a lot to do, but too cold for swimming in the ocean. Our condo which was ocean front had a heated pool, and we could walk on the beach but I wouldn't swim there.
I love the Outer Banks, but I've never been to Topsail. OB offers the outdoors"y" things you like to do, and is not too crowded compared to other beaches in the US. If you end up going to the OB/Kitty Hawk area, don't forget to visit the Wright Brothers memorial. And of course, visit the wonderful ice cream shop in town (sorry I forgot the name). North Carolinians are some of the most genuine people I've met in the US.
The further you go into OBX the less crowded it will be. It's a beautiful place and there's a lot of beach to be had, much of which is undeveloped. Although I haven't been to Topsail either.
