This Beautiful Family-Friendly North Carolina Gem Is Known As The Nation's Safest Beach

When you think of family vacation destinations, finding the perfect white sandy beach is at the top of many families' lists. Many families visit Ocean City, New Jersey or Maryland, but further south in North Carolina lies a hidden gem that is safe, easily accessible, has plenty of fun for the whole family, and is topped off with crystal white sands — and no undertow! Best of all, you don't have to worry about being at some of the most shark-infested beaches like nearby Myrtle Beach or Emerald Isle Beach.

Bladen County, in Southeastern North Carolina, is home to White Lake, one of the United States' best-kept secret family vacation spots. Located about an hour's drive from Fayetteville and Wilmington (the closest airports) and about 90 minutes from Raleigh, the small community of White Lake has been active for over 120 years. Native American communities had been visiting the lake as early as the 1700s, but commercial development didn't start until 1901. White Lake's pure sands have earned it the title of the "Nation's Safest Beach" since the 1960s, and surround a natural, artesian spring-fed lake with a white sandy bottom, making the water clean and crystal clear. With a shallow depth of no more than 10 feet, the cleanest lake in North Carolina is a safe place for your kids to have the time of their lives in or on the water.

White Lake has plenty to do to keep you (or the kids) busy. The calm, glass-like waters are a perfect place to rent a pontoon and have a delicious barbeque while taking in the breathtaking scenery, sunsets, and maybe even a wild otter or a bald eagle! While you're out there, throw out a line and catch your fill of yellow perch, bluegill, or bass, all of which are well-supported by the lake's healthy ecosystem and clean water. 

If your family is into action sports, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding are also popular pastimes at White Lake. Local marinas rent out everything you could need for a day (or more) on the water that you'll never forget, including water skis, surfboards, canoes, and towables, though it would be wise to reserve early. About 200,000 visitors vacation here during the peak summer season. 

The gorgeous white-sand lakeshore is privately owned, and public access is limited to certain beaches. The most prominent of these beaches, Goldston's Beach at the Grand Regal Resort, charges a $5 public access fee per person. At Goldston's parents can sit and relax in the shade as their kids can swim nearby in the tranquil waters. And, if they get bored of the water, the resort is covered in family-friendly activities such as putt-putt golf, classic arcade games, a small water park, and shopping. White Lake Water Park on the west side of the lake has a 5,000-square-foot wading pool, a 100,000-gallon beach pool, a lazy river, slides for all ages, and tiki huts to stay out of the sun. To fully dry off, hop on one of the go-carts at the water park's track for a few laps. 

Unlike many other beach areas, you won't find major hotel or restaurant chains at White Lake. Smaller family-owned hotels, campgrounds, and resorts such as White Lake Holiday Resort provide cottages and bungalows. Many have direct access to a private beach on-site. The laidback family atmosphere of the area means that there is accommodation for all budgets, from campsites at the lake to RV hookups. If you'd rather not beach camp, Singletary Lake State Park is tucked away a few miles down the road and has dorm-style group camp cabins, and one multi-bedroom family cabin that can sleep up to 11 people.

When you get hungry, there are delicious dining options surrounding White Lake, including barbeque and seafood restaurants. Don't miss local favorites like Ski Burger, Rondaveu Pizza, and the San Jose Mexican Grill & Cantina at the Grand Regal Resort. Moreover, there are several local vineyards with family-friendly venues including Cape Fear that offers grape juice tastings for kids, and Lu Mil with an onsite petting zoo. Even though White Lake doesn't quite have the adrenaline rush of major family-friendly amusement parks, North Carolina's enjoyable and family-first atmosphere is the perfect place for a stress-free beach getaway.