Family Vacation in 2010...what island to stay on?

I am trying to start planning our family vacation for Summer 2010 (probably July after the 4th). I have never been to the OB or NC, so I am not really sure what island would be the best to stay on. There will be 8 of us (my husband%26#39;s parents and then his siblings/spouses...the six of us are in our mid-late 20s) and we would like to rent a house on the beach with a private pool. Any suggestions on what island would be good and the best website to find rentals would be great!

Family Vacation in 2010...what island to stay on?

Well in the outer banks there is only one island-Ocracoke, the rest of the areas are small towns.

Starts up north near the VA border in Corova, Corolla, Duck Southern Shores, Nag%26#39;s Head area (which includes Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, South Nag%26#39;s Head), then on down south to the quieter section of the banks: Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, and Hatteras. Ocracoke is a 40 minute ferry ride from Hatteras.

The Corolla/Duck area is more upscale with not a lot of nightlife or entertainment-still crowded.

Nag%26#39;s Head area has the variety of restaurants, stores, entertainment-typical mini golf etc...

Southern OBX is quieter with less entertainment, slower, but still has restaurants etc...

Ocracoke is a really beautiful island, very laid back, but no oceanfront accomodations.

What other activities are you interested in, nightlife, kids?

Family Vacation in 2010...what island to stay on?

There are many reputable real estate companies from which to rent. A few that we%26#39;ve used and have been happy with are Elan Vacations, Brindley Beach (formerly Resort Quest), Southern Shores Realty, and Twiddy.

I would suggest an oceanfront house if you can swing it financially. IMO there is simply nothing like staying right on the beach.

We prefer the Duck area - it%26#39;s not too far from stuff but still feels not too hectic. (Specifically we like the Sanderling Subdivision - not to be confused with the Sanderling Inn.) But everybody has their preference for area. My guess is that you%26#39;ll like wherever you stay though.

You%26#39;ll probably want a pretty big house with that many couples so you might find the best selection in Duck or Corolla.

Have fun.

LynnVB-

Thanks for correcting me...cities not islands. And are there really no beach front properties? I find that hard to believe.... We are mostly just interested in lounging on the beach and maybe going out to dinner or for drinks a few nights.

Carmen57-

Thanks for the references, I will check those out!

No beachfront on Ocracoke-all other areas you will have many beachfronts to choose from.

The Outer Banks aren%26#39;t the only option in NC. There are beautiful beaches all the way down the coast that you can consider.

(I know-I just made this a little more complicated. Sorry!)

Key will be what pace do you want, and how much do you want to spend.

Of all the NC beaches I have ';tried on';, I like Topsail Island north of Wilmington the best.

Lynne the entire OBX is islands....barrier islands. On those islands exist towns. And Ocracoke isn%26#39;t the only ';island'; island...you also have Roanoke Island.

If there%26#39;s 8 of you in mixed ages the main drag (Kitty Hawk, KDH, Nags Head) may be your best bet. That%26#39;s where the highest concentration of restaurants, attractions, nightlife and shopping is.

If you want a bit more subdued than I%26#39;d look to the Northern section (Southern Shores, Duck, Corolla).

If you%26#39;re looking to park the car, firmly plant yourself on a beach, and not have to touch the car again than somewhere along Hattaras or Ocracoke is your best bet.

Technically a barrier island, yes I know-I was explaining from the perspective that you can access all the areas by car except for Ocracoke.

Lynn VB has given a very accurate summary. Last month my husband and I spent a few days on Ocracoke Island, a couple of days in Corolla, and several days in Nags Head/ Kill Devil Hills (for our son%26#39;s weddding). The three areas are quite different, but each has its merits.