Hello hskee77, Some stops worth considering on the "coast route" would include Carolina Beach State Park, located some 10 miles down
US 421 from US 17 at Wilmington. The park has a nice campground, marina, trails, and is just a mile or so from the oceanfront of Carolina Beach. The NC state park system now accepts reservations, too, so be sure to book ahead. The CBSP can also be accessed ...