North Carolina beaches from Nags Head to Cape Fear provide wild beautiful views and a perfect getaway for singles, couples and families.
Hotels and resorts in the area tend to get booked fast and during the peak season (April to September) prices for lodging can be expensive.
Look for alternatives and you'll soon be enjoying the beauty of North Carolina beaches.
Hotels and resorts that are a short drive from the beach are an alternative for vacationers in North Carolina. Though, prices are still higher, for example $159 in June versus $79 in October, hotels that are inland are a bit more affordable if you don't mind driving.
If you are not tied to vacationing in the spring and summer months, off-season rates at beach hotels and resorts also can be a bargain--about 50 percent less from September to March at some chain hotels.
Check for package travel deals if you're flying in or renting a car. Oftentimes, airlines and car rental companies can get you a better rate for a three-day stay at a hotel that partners with them.
Campgrounds provide an affordable alternative for lodging on North Carolina beaches. You can bring a tent or an RV to most campsites, which have water, power and often provide restroom and shower accommodations (usually cold showers.)
Prices average about $20 a night for use of the campground sites and power. Some campgrounds have other amenities such as volleyball courts, swimming pools or beach gear rentals.
One of the most affordable lodging alternatives are the cabins, condos and beach houses around the North Carolina coast.
During the off-season, a three-bedroom house within walking distance of the beach can rent for as low as $425 a week -- that's just a little more than $60 a night for a whole family or group of friends.Even during the peak season, houses range in price from $725 to $2,000 a week, making the longer-term rentals more affordable than a per-day hotel rate.
Renting a house, condo or cabin also gives you the opportunity to cook your own meals, helping you save even more.
The beach rentals usually include amenities such as televisions and DVD players, some have swimming pools and even hot tubs.
Keep in mind that North Carolina's temperatures still allow for plenty of time on the beach in Fall and early Spring.
