Ferget all that take the next beach down from Emerald Isle and Holden Beach and go to Sunset Beach. Last beach town before N. Mrytle about 20 mi. away. Cross the quaint one way bridge and stay ‘right’ [southerly heading actually] where the house end and pure beach begins. No one is out there and its pristine beach. Walk to to Bird Island which give use another mile of beach front; now a nature preserve. You can stay right off the causeway at SeaTrail a nice resort with plenty of Condos for rent.
CA beaches are beautiful; but I do admit, for the first time in my life I've become a beach addict -- North Carolina.