[sundrop]

I guess my parents wouldnt like the term "elderly" but it fits. Mom has COPD and my Dad is just worn out, bad knees, not very strong anymore but mobile. They want to go to the beach and do some surf fishing, and get their feet wet, shell hunt etc. Where is a good place to go that will not walk them to death ( nor kill my wife and I ) carrying the gear and where we can find a hotel for a night. Anywhere on the NC coast is fine, my folks live just North of Raleigh and I will drive my Yukon. We will do this before Memorial day weekend. They arent crazy about piers because they want to play in the water/sand. Well, Mom does, Dad would rather stay in the room and watch TV.. I haven't surf fished in 20yrs and the rules and parking change so fast anymore, so I have no clue.

 

[trigger22]

Radio Island isn't exactly ocean beach but can be pretty good fishing at times, is handicap accessible and has nice calm water as opposed to rough surf. This time of year you will pick up mullet, bait stealers, an occasional drum and flounder. Fort Macon is another option. It can be a relatively long walk , but most of it is on hard packed sand. Drop your folks and gear off at the gate that takes you to the rock jetty and park your vehicle and go meet them. If you are looking to drive on the beach other than the OBX I can't really help you. Maybe Topsail or a Wilmington Beach allows that this time of year. I do know that I camped on a beach in Wilmington 7-8 years ago that allowed us to drive on the beach at that was July 4th.

 

[RouseD]

Topsail Island has some beach accesses that look like they would not be difficult, but I have only ridden by them, and not used them. Someone else will know. I know of one beach access that is on the sound side of the island if that would suit you better. Could be more than that.

 

[rogerbynum]

As RouseD said, Topsail/Surf City/North Topsail has excellent beach access and some of them are handicap-accessable. The handicap ramps make getting your gear to the beach much easier. Parking is usually no problem. There are some motels that are beach front and others are close to the beach. There are no motel chains on the island.

 

[dbeam]

What about Fort Fisher?? Not sure myself anymore but you used to be able to drive out to the beach http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fofi/activities.php

Darrell

 

[Drum Runner]

Fort Fisher on a day pass.
Or the north end of Carolina Beach if you want you want to mingle in the party.

Step right out of the vehicle onto the beach.

 

[Scott Hobbs]

Surf fishing on Topsail, several locations to chose...Sea Vista on the south end is right on the beach. Also a good location to walk out to the beach and search for shells or surf fish.

http://www.seavistamotel.com/index.php

 

[sundrop]

Thanks everyone for the good info!!

 

[Fishin Technician]

If steps are a problem crossing over the dunes- Topsail beach has 1 crossover with NO steps. Its at GREY street and that is an easy an access as I have found there.

 

[ecufisherman]

The North end of Topsail. Drive right out to New River Inlet and set the chairs up right beside the car.

 

[sundrop]

good info sure ddint know you could drive in those places!