Wilmington Beach recs?

soup4u

(I posted this on The Nest as well....)

 Hi ladies!  

My family is hoping to take a mini-vacation to Wilmington.  We've never been there, but are super excited to visit!  I've been reading a bit on the visitors site about Carolina, Wrightsville and Kure, but what do you recommend?  Its myself, my husband, and our toddler, and we will probably go down for a few days mid-week.  What beach is the most family friendly, low key, yet not too crowded?   Also, what hotels do you like?  I was looking into the Hampton Inn in Wrightsville and was bummed to find out its 2 miles from the beach and from what I hear its pretty expensive to park at the beach... 

 Thanks!