Latest news with #HoldenBeach
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Peaceful Southern Spot Was Just Named the Calmest Beach in the U.S.
There are many ways to judge a beach: the softness of its sand, the clarity of its water, the quality of the surf, or nearby activities and dining. But for those seeking a peaceful escape, free from crowds and rogue volleyballs, tranquility is key. And when it comes to calm and quiet, one lesser-known U.S. beach stands out. Holden Beach in North Carolina has been named the calmest beach in the U.S., according to a study by McLuck, a social casino platform. The team analyzed approximately 250,000 TripAdvisor reviews from 158 beaches nationwide, tracking how often words like 'calm,' 'quiet,' and 'relax' appeared. Based on the percentage of reviews that mentioned these terms, Holden Beach emerged as the most serene destination of them all. Holden Beach is a quiet seaside town between North Carolina's more popular coastal destinations of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. The town has just over 500 people and is primarily a residential community with a small commercial area. For that reason, beachgoers are treated to plenty of open space, natural beauty, and a welcome lack of buzzy beachfront boardwalks. In fact, in the study, over 38 percent of the Holden Beach reviews mentioned calmness. In its findings, the study noted that at Holden Beach, 'uncrowded sands, small-town charm, and strict limits on commercial development may explain why so many people find it a peaceful haven. It's a classic Carolina beach town where time seems to slow down with the tide.' Following Holden Beach on the list was Lewes Beach in Delaware. Like Holden Beach, the town of Lewes has a small population (just over 3,000 people) and is known for being quiet and void of party crowds. Beaches in Virginia came in at No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5, making it the dominant state in the top 10 list. There were no West Coast states in the top 10 ranking and only one beach in the upper Northeast—Goose Rocks Beach in Maine (No. 10). The full ranking is below: 1. Holden Beach, North Carolina Serenity score: 38.46% 2. Lewes Beach, Delaware Serenity score: 34.5% 3. Cape Charles Beach, Virginia Serenity score: 32.78% 4. Chic's Beach, Virginia Serenity score: 28.63% 5. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Serenity score: 28.22% 6. Oak Island Beach, North Carolina Serenity score: 26.64% 7. Sullivan's Island Beach, South Carolina Serenity score: 25.45% 8. Bethany Beach, Delaware Serenity score: 24.92% 9. St. Andrews Beach, Georgia Serenity score: 24.31% 10. Goose Rocks Beach, MaineSerenity score: 24.11%
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
4 rescued from rip currents at North Carolina coast; 2 taken to hospital
HOLDEN BEACH, N.C. (WNCN) — Four people were saved from rip currents at the North Carolina coast on Saturday, with two taken to a hospital following the rescue. The incident was reported Saturday around 5:55 p.m. at the East end of Holden Beach, an island in Brunswick County along the southern coast, officials said. The Holden Beach Police Department said two people — a man and a teen girl — were swimming near The Point of the island. The area is an inlet that cuts between Holden Beach to the west and Oak Island to the east — and connects the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. RELATED: 13 rip current rescues at NC coast week before Memorial Day The National Weather Service said the rip current risk was low Saturday, but with the currents at The Point, the first two swimmers were quickly fighting for their lives, a Holden Beach police shift commander told CBS 17 Saturday night. Two bystanders, both men, jumped into the ocean, trying to save the man and teen girl — but soon those two rescuers also needed saving, police said. The Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department's ocean rescue team was called. The Point area is beyond the last public beach access point — and is difficult to reach, Holden Beach police said. Once crews were able to deploy jet skis, they rescued the man and teen, police said. The pair were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation but were released by Saturday night, according to police. The two men were also rescued but did not go to a hospital. 'Guys, you've got to be safe (and) stay together. If the water is moving, please, please do not get in there without checking the currents — and stay together,' Holden Beach surf instructor Timothy Turner said in a social media video, adding that he helped with the rescue Saturday. Two weeks ago, 13 people were rescued from rip currents at Emerald Isle beaches in Carteret County, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate rip currents were forecast for the surf that day. Turner recorded two videos on Saturday in which he spoke about running to the rescue scene and warning people about rip currents — especially at the inlet. PREVIOUS: NC teen girl dies in rip currents at Ocean Isle Beach 'I can not stress enough of not letting your families get into the water — if you hear water and see water moving and there is white wash and waves going everywhere,' Turner said about what to avoid. Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department has three stations and serves Holden Beach, Varnamtown, and areas of Brunswick County southeast of Shallotte. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
