Stayed at Carolina Beach and had a good time. Good walkable beach, and you can drive on it if 4x4 which is cool. Also let's you take your cooler and all your shit for all day. Also had very decent shelling if you/your party are into that. Not a ton of other attractions nearby, but several good restaurants and bars.
Specifically Google the fat pelican, which has a full size refrigerated semi truck trailer attached to the bar which you can walk in and choose your next beer and an interesting vibe overall. I'd go back if I wanted a short trip/relatively cheap but solid beach trip.