Vacation Location with multiple good surf &/or pier options

[Elrod]

Well, we're heading back to the Carolinas again. We'll be hitting Hilton Head in a couple weeks, but we're going to be booking a trip to the North Carolina Coast very soon (next couple days) for a week in the summer (July/August). We'll be staying at a condo somewhere. I'm looking for a good location that might have good surf and pier fishing options.

I'll need a beach area that is kid friendly (kids can play in sand & shells & my wife can enjoy the sun) & maybe some local attractions (not into carnival atmosphere). I've been to Topsail for a day and that was nice, but I wouldn't mind going somewhere else. We've requested Wrightsville Beach (how is the surf fishing here?) because it is close to Wilmington and I've heard it's nice, but our 2nd option is up the coast...maybe Outer Banks.

Any suggestions on a good area?

Thanks!