Shore Bets in and Around Sunset Beach
To learn about area wildlife, take a tour with the Bird Island Preservation Society (weekly in summer; 910-579-9754).
Ingram Planetarium on the mainland offers great diversions on a rainy day
(910-575-0033; www.ingramplanetarium.org).
For an easy picnic, stop by the deli at the Sunset Beach Island Market (910-579-0815).
Crabby Oddwaters on the mainland is our favorite spot for a first-night feast. We can't pass up the crab cakes, but crab legs are always the highlight (910-579-6372).
The Calabash Seafood Hut in nearby Calabash is known for its giant seafood platters (910-579-6723).
Accommodations on the island are pretty basic. A good bet for families: Continental Condo, which has modest two-bedroom apartments and a small pool (nightly rates start at $104; 910-579-6772; www.continentalcondo.com).
For more luxurious digs on the mainland, Sea Trail Golf Resort has three pools, a spa, children's activities, and beach shuttles (nightly room rates start at $197; 910-287-1100; www.seatrail.com).
Rental houses are the best option for stays of a week or more. Starting rates usually range from $900 to $1,200 for 7 nights, depending on the Realtor. We like the following agencies: Sunset Properties (888-339-2670; www.sunsetbeachnc.com) and Sunset Vacations (800-331-6428; www.sunsetvacations.com).
