If you're looking for a quiet place to take the family on vacation, Oak Island is it! Located just 45 minutes south east of Wilmington, Oak Island is a great spot to relax and play. There are all sorts of things to do on the Island: enjoy the water and sand, fish, eat seafood, ride the ferry, explore the inlet, shop, watch movies, putt putt, golf, kayak, and bike (to name a few).
Our family has been going to Oak Island's Caswell beach for 30 years. We typically rent a condo on Caswell Beach Rd for 7 days during the summer. (Oak Island Villas is managed by Margaret Rudd Realtors) When we go, we take all sorts of recreational equipment: swimsuits, floats, sun screen, fishing rods, fishing license (you must have one to fish in NC), beach chairs, and canopy. We spend the whole week visiting with family, playing games, laying by the sea, watching movies, cooking, watching the sea turtles, and relaxing.
During the off season, the rates are cheaper and the island is more quiet. I like going any time whether it be on or off season.
My favorite places to visit while there are: The light house, Fort Caswell, the Croc store (across from the Food lion on the Island), Historic Southport, The Provision Company restaraunt, and I especially enjoy the Ferry Ride to Fort Fisher where there's a nice aquarium you can tour.
The next time you're looking for a good, family friendly, quiet place to take the family, consider taking a trip to Oak Island. You won't be disappointed.