Bethany Beach, DE or Outer Banks, NC??

I am trying to plan a family reunion for next summer, there are alot of us..over 30 adults plus kids. Right now we are not sure how many could go, we will most likely need 2 houses close to each other or hopefully next to each other.

Two suggestions have come up -

Bethany Beach, DE

Outer Banks, NC

Anyone have any experience with either? We would like some place good for families and adults. I am not familiar with the towns in either. I did give a cursory look at the rental homes in both and saw that alot of home in NC have a pool, which is nice and the ones in Bethany Beach don't. There is golfing at both, which was a request, so that's covered.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Bethany Beach, DE or Outer Banks, NC??

I have only been to Outer Banks, but my brother & his family go to Bethany Beach every summer. I LOVED Outer Banks. we rented an amazing house for a resonable price. The only thing I did not like was that it's a PIA to get to from LI. It was a long drive. Some of our friends flew, but the airport they flew into was still a long drive from the house. If I were you, I would consider where everyone is traveling from and decide based on that. My brother raves about Delaware.

Re: Bethany Beach, DE or Outer Banks, NC??

I agree with the PP. the drive to the Outer banks is about 10 hrs whereas to DE its about 5. Both are great places and DE is very close to Ocean City MD...a great place to vacation.

Re: Bethany Beach, DE or Outer Banks, NC??

I love DE and go several times a year (my parents have a beach place there). Bethany is great bc you are right on the ocean and have lots to do. Just down the road is Rehoboth Beach which has a great town to walk around in, lots of restaurants and a boardwalk with rides/games for kids. Also in Rehoboth on the Tanger Outlets!! There are 3 huge centers to go to. You can also take a ferry from Cape May, NJ to Lewis, DE. It doesn't really save time but is a nice ride and break up the travel. There are also dolphin boat tours, jet-skis, mini-gold, smaller water slide parks. I tell everyone to visit there :)

Re: Bethany Beach, DE or Outer Banks, NC??

My family has a house in Bethany. It's so nice there. Very family friendly. Like PP said Rehobeth and Ocean City are very close. These are better for teens, but Bethany has great beaches, dining and shopping. Also they have free concerts on the bandstand and at Freeman park.