The least-crowded NC beaches to visit during Fourth of July

I grew up in Brunswick County, and while I may be biased, I think many of these beaches are much more fun to explore than Wrightsville or Myrtle Beach.

The best part about going to Oak Island is that there is plenty of free parking. There are fewer parking spots than a larger beach like Carolina or Wrightsville, but if you take a minute to look around, you'll be able to find a spot.

There are a few portable restrooms at certain beach accesses.

Dogs are allowed year-round on Oak Island but have to be on a leash. Oak Island has no ordinances against drinking or smoking on the beach.

Probably the most popular spot to visit in Oak Island beach is near the pier for Fourth of July, so if you're looking for a less-popular area, I would avoid the pier.

Kitty Hawk is the least populated of three central Outer Banks beach towns, according to Outer Banks Visitors Guide.

During the summer, there are lifeguards on patrol. You can also visit the Kitty Hawk private fishing pier for a small fee.

Dogs are allowed on the beach-year round though they have to be on a leash. Beer is allowed on the beach, but wine and liquor is not.

There is one public restroom on the beach and several public parking places.

Holden Beach is also in a small-town community and offers a nice get away. Holden Beach was named "one of the best family beaches in the country" by National Geographic traveler, according to Brunswick County's Tourism Development Authority.

Parking costs $3 per hour for up to four hours or $15 per day for any duration greater than four hours.

Pets are not allowed on the beach right now, except between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. daily. They must be on a leash at all times. You can also visit the Holden Beach Pier along Ocean Boulevard.

"With 9 miles of oceanfront, Holden Beach is the longest and the largest of the three islands in the group known as the South Brunswick Islands," according to Holden Beach Vacation and Planning Coastal Living Guide.

There are no lifeguards in Holden Beach.

If you were planning a trip to Wrightsville or Carolina beaches on Fourth of July, I'd recommend instead driving up to North Topsail Beach. You may skip some of the crowds and get more privacy to enjoy the beaches. You may still hit some of the Wrightsville Beach traffic, however, while on your way to North Topsail Beach.

General parking in North Topsail Beach costs $5 each hour and $25 a day. There are some areas along the beach that also have free parking. The water is typically warmer at North Topsail Beach, which makes it a popular spot for fishing.

Public beach accesses at North Topsail Beach have restrooms and showers. There are no lifeguards on North Topsail beach.

Dogs are allowed on the beach during the summer, but they have to be kept on a leash.

Emerald Isle is a great day trip if you want to skip out on the traffic of someone like Wrightsville or Myrtle beach. It's on the western end of Bogue Banks and the southern-most end of the Outer Banks.

Emerald Isle is located in a small-town and is usually not very crowded. The isle also has two sides — a sound side and an ocean side. Parking costs $2 to $4 an hour, with the maximum paid per day being $16.

The town of Emerald Isle has lifeguards stationed at some beach access during the summer. There are also some lifeguards that roam the town's 12-mile beach strand.

Dogs are allowed on the beach of Emerald Isle year-round, but they must be kept on a leash.

While in Emerald Isle, you can visit the Bogue Inlet Pier or go paddle boarding or kayaking in the sound.

As I said earlier, I may be a bit partial to Brunswick County beaches ... so there may be a few extra on this list. Feel free to send me suggestions if you think there's another beach that is a relaxing addition to our list (especially in the Outer Banks, because I'm not an expert in that area!) My email is mbrown@wral.com

And wherever you do go -- get out there early, pick up all your trash, and don't climb on the dunes!