When our kids were little, we met other families at Topsail Island, NC, a little out of the way town not far from Wilmington. My beach philosophy was (still is, really)–just give me the ocean, some sand and the people I love. The whole boardwalk thing just didn’t work for me and wanted my kids to enjoy the ocean/beach, their cousins and close family friends. We did crafts and the kids played on the beach. Always had beachfront houses; more affordable there. The dads took kids to a movie one afternoon which was, at that time, a bit of a drive but they always had a great time and, occasionally, got to see a movie the moms would have nixed!! We moms went shopping that day. Only went out to eat a time or two during our week there because we pooled resources and took turns cooking, etc. Created the best beach memories for our kids!! Worked for us; might not work for others…