Family Travel
North and South Carolina’s coastal cities and natural wonders, from golden beaches to vast woodlands, are perfect for multigenerational groups to explore together.
North Carolina
The Outer Banks, a 200-miles stretch of barrier islands about 82 miles north of Norfolk and 192 miles west of the Raleigh-Durham area, has many coastal adventures for visitors with kids in tow. Must-sees include the Wright Brothers National Memorial near Kitty Hawk—where aviation’s most famous siblings took to the skies in the early 1900s—and Jockey’s Ridge State Park, a popular spot to admire the sunset and fly kites. Or go swimming, surfing and sunbathing at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Buxton, home to North America’s tallest brick lighthouse. Emerald Isle, a town on the southernmost end of the Outer Banks, has great fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the calm waters of Bogue Sound.
While Durham—about 25 miles northwest of Raleigh, the state capital—is most recognized as the headquarters of Duke University, it also has many family-friendly activities. Take the crew to a game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, where Major League Baseball’s Durham Bulls and college baseball’s Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Central Eagles play. Or let the little ones tackle climbing webs, balance logs and rope walks at Gateway Park at Museum of Life + Science, where you can also see insects, bears and other creatures and check out hands-on exhibits on aerospace, wind and other topics.
About 22 miles from Durham, Cary is an ideal stop for nature-loving families. Walk along the pine tree–lined trails at 310-acre Fred G. Bond Metro Park, whose lake is a haven for paddle boating, kayaking and canoeing. Don’t miss the Lazy Daze Playground and the snow cones and ice cream at Bond Park Boathouse. Also stroll the boardwalks and trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, a hangout for many species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
South Carolina
The Grand Stand—a 60-mile stretch of beaches along South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast—encompasses Myrtle Beach. Spend your days building sandcastles by the turquoise waters, make memories posing with celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum and ride the Ferris wheel. Or venture to Hilton Head Island, a 12-mile-long barrier isle along South Carolina’s southeastern coast. There, pint-size travelers love stops such as the Sandbox Children's Museum and Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, while visitors of all ages enjoy sinking their toes in sand at Fish Haul Beach Park and climbing the steps at the picturesque Harbour Town Lighthouse.
Charleston, about 95 miles south of Myrtle Beach, is a beautiful port city known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored row houses and rich history. Encourage the kids to step into the shoes of a news anchor or shop at a replica grocery store at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, or delve into the area’s maritime past together at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum and Fort Sumner National Historic Park. Then share platters of peel-and-eat shrimp and freshly shucked oysters at Charleston’s many seafood shacks and waterfront restaurants.
Where to Stay in the Carolinas
No matter how many family members are in your crew, the affordable rates at Best Western Hotels & Resorts in North and South Carolina make it easier to book multiple rooms. That ensures that everyone in your group has their own space—including dogs and cats, who are welcome at the chain’s many pet-friendly properties.