South of Camp Lejeune, US-17 runs through the lushly forested lowlands around Holly Ridge, while Hwy-210 cuts across a series of narrow barrier islands. The waterfront is mostly private, backed by beach house after beach house with a few parking areas in between. One of the few commercial areas along here is Surf City, where the inviting Sea Star Motel ($90; 910/328-5191) snuggles up against the sands. The clean strands and clear blue waters continue through sleepy Topsail Beach, which is home to the nation’s only hospital for injured loggerhead turtles. The 20-odd “patients” are cared for by volunteers at 822 Carolina Boulevard downtown, across from the water tower.
Most of this stretch of coastline is dedicated to low-key, by-the-week family vacations, but the town of Wrightsville Beach has a bit more going on. Located 10 miles east of US-17 via US-74 or US-76, it’s not all that different from dozens of other coastal vacation communities, but proximity to the lively city of Wilmington makes it a great place to stop. Places to stay along the beach include the comfortable Blockade Runner Resort ($99–300; 910/256-2251) at 275 Waynick Boulevard, which has a good restaurant, two bars, and bicycle rentals.
The Outer Banks
