First Time Surf City w/ 2 kids, need help :)

We%26#39;re looking at renting an oceanfront home in Surf City for this summer%26#39;s vacation. We know nothing about the area. We%26#39;ve only rented oceanfront homes in Hilton Head so we have no idea what to expect. Our family includes 2 small boys, 2 %26amp; 5. Please help us learn more about this area. Places to eat (we LOVE to eat out)? Things to do besides the beach? What kind of area is it, touristy, crowded, relaxed, empty? I assume the area is still warm at te end of August %26amp; the ocean is still comfortable for playing in.

Thanks for your help!!

First Time Surf City w/ 2 kids, need help :)

I will answer what I can. Have never been to Hilton Head, so I can%26#39;t compare.

YES, it will still be quite warm at the end of August. (That is when we go too.) The water will be very warm.

It is very relaxed; you should find the beaches very quiet. NC kids are back in school at end of August, so things clear out. (Not that Topsail Island is ever crowded.)

There are some typical beach kitsch shops.

Do a search in this forum on things to do and restaurants. One of the DEs for this forum has done a local restaurant review thread with 20+ posts. That will make an ideal primer for you on eating on and around Surf City/TI.