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With miles of pristine coastline, it’s no wonder North Carolina is one of the nation’s top beach destinations. From quiet barrier islands to lively coastal cities and family-friendly destinations , North Carolina’s beaches are perfect for your next summer vacation though its sandy stretches are beautiful at any time of year. These spots offer stunning white-sand beaches, of course, but they’re also home to historic sites, diverse wildlife, beautiful golf courses , and exciting water sports.
With 56 miles of beach across several barrier islands, Cape Lookout National Seashore has a ton to offer visitors. Shackleford Banks is ideal for swimming and lounging on the beach, and the island is home to over feral horses. During the summer, visitors can climb the diamond-painted Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
Take a ranger-guided tour, explore the islands from the water on a canoe or kayak, or go birding to learn a little more about Cape Lookout and its wildlife. Plan an overnight stay at one of the park’s beachfront cabins or campgrounds to soak up even more of this seashore’s undeveloped, natural beauty.
Located in the central Outer Banks north of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Nags Head offers a range of unique experiences that everyone will love. This area is perhaps best known for the Jockey’s Ridge State Park , which has the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast.
Here, you can walk along a boardwalk, go hang gliding, and explore a nature trail. Nags Head is also very close to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, where the famous aviators took off for the first successful airplane flight. Of course, Nags Head also offers beautiful beaches bordered by hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, too. Located on the northern stretch of North Carolina’s barrier islands, Duck offers something for everyone. You can book a stay at Sanderling Resort and enjoy family-friendly activities, multiple pools, and a spa, or take a day trip to nearby Corolla to ride on the beach in a four-wheel drive for a chance to see a wild horse or two.
Nearby golf courses and water sports make this an ideal destination for visitors who want to get out and enjoy nature. Like a few other barrier island destinations, Hammocks Beach State Park ‘s Bear Island is accessible only by ferry or boat, so it’s perfect for people looking for a quiet, relaxing beach. You won’t find rows of restaurants or beachfront bars along this largely undeveloped beach, which is exactly why people love it. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the marshes, Bear Island, and Huggins Island, or take time to learn about the park’s wildlife.
Bear Island hosts a number of campsites, too, so you can extend your stay at this state park. Just a minute drive from historic Wilmington, you’ll find the popular Carolina Beach , with its family-friendly beaches, boardwalk, and other attractions. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a classic American promenade featuring bars, restaurants, arcades, and places to rent bikes and surfboards.
Nearby Carolina Beach State Park offers more outdoor recreation, with plenty of hiking trails like the Flytrap Trail, where you can spot the native Venus flytrap plant. If you’re staying in Wilmington, this is a perfect day trip destination. Otherwise, book a room at one of the hotels or rent a beach house and enjoy your oceanfront escape. Spend your days lounging on 16 miles of white-sand beaches or fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing. Rent a boat or golf cart to explore the island, or check out one of the trails for a peaceful nature walk.
At the end of the day, take in the sunset over Silver Lake Harbor — there are a number of shops, restaurants, and inns located along this harbor. Whether you want to build sandcastles on the beach or go for a chartered fishing trip, there’s an outdoor activity for you.
Atlantic Beach is also a popular destination for sea turtles looking for a place to nest — every year, from May through October, sea turtles lay their eggs in this area. You can learn more about the region’s marine life at the nearby North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores , located a minute drive away from Atlantic Beach.
Find a mix of surfing, shopping, dining, and nightlife in and around Wrightsville Beach. Located just a short drive from Wilmington, this is a great destination for people hoping to explore the area during their beach vacation.
Adventure seekers will want to scuba dive and visit one of the sunken ships located off the coast, or take surfing lessons to learn how to catch some waves. Discover why this spot got its name while visiting the south-facing beaches — from late fall through early spring, you can actually see the sun rise and set over the water, making for a uniquely picturesque experience. Nearby Bird Island has beautiful beaches, too, but it’s best known for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, where people write their wishes, prayers, thoughts, and dreams.
No cars are allowed on Bald Head Island , which can be accessed by ferry from nearby Southport. Instead, get around this peaceful island via golf cart, bicycle, or foot. Go for a round of golf or try your hand at croquet at the Bald Head Island Club. Of course, with 14 miles of beautiful beaches, you’ll also want to spend some time soaking in the sand and surf or looking for seashells.
The area is a haven for fishermen, who can enjoy one of Emerald Isle’s many boat charters or cast a line off the Bogue Inlet Pier, which closes at the end of each year and reopens in the spring. Of course, Emerald Isle also offers 12 miles of gorgeous shoreline, a rich dining scene including beachside options!
This less-crowded, mile stretch of sand can be found just south of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Animal lovers will rejoice as from mid-May through August, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs along Topsail’s coast. Relax on the beach or enjoy surfing, boating, fishing, or jet skiing out on the waves. You might search for pirates’ treasure, if you’re feeling lucky — legend has it, the island’s name comes from the fact that the area was once a popular place for pirates, whose “top sails” were a warning to any approaching ships.
This family-friendly destination is known for its quaint, nostalgic charm. Enjoy the area’s shoreline, fishing piers, marina, and watersports.
If you’re looking to get out of the sun, there are plenty of local shopping and dining options nearby. There’s also the Oak Island Nature Center, featuring local wildlife and fossil exhibits. If you’re staying overnight, check in to one of the classic hotels, motels, or vacation rentals in the area. Located in the northern Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk might be most well known as the cited place of the Wright brother’s famous flight. Though anyone who’s visited the area will know that honor actually goes to the nearby Kill Devil Hills.
There’s much fun to be had on Kitty Hawk’s shores and streets. Explore the wooded dunes and soundside marshes, or try kayaking or paddleboarding in the waters of the Sound. Be on the lookout for any local otters and turtles nesting nearby. Stay at one of the nearby hotels, motels, or oceanfront rental homes, or find one of the area’s RV-friendly campgrounds.
Drive 30 minutes south of Wilmington and you’ll find the small, seaside retreat of Kure Beach. Kure offers an array of local attractions and natural wonders on its sunny shores. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to fish off the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast. A nearby seasonal concession stand offers ice cream, arcade games, and souvenirs.
If you’re staying overnight, lodging includes relaxed options like beach cottages, vintage motels, and side street inns. With plenty of small-town charm and less-crowded venues, Holden Beach is the perfect respite for vacationers looking for a summer escape. Take in views of the Intracoastal Waterway over lunch at one of the beach’s many maritime restaurants. While away the day fishing, golfing, birding, or biking surrounded by the natural North Carolina wonder.
Visit one of the many equipment rentals for all your kayaking, jet skiing, or surfing needs. Stay at one of Holden Beach’s colorful vacation rentals, many within walking distance of the area’s attractions. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests.
You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Trip Ideas Beach Vacations. By Elizabeth Rhodes. Elizabeth Rhodes. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. Share Tweet Pin Email. More beach vacation ideas. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Newsletter Sign Up.
Most beautiful beaches in nc.13 Breathtaking North Carolina Beaches You Need to Visit
This two-day event usually happens in late October and features a variety of entertainment and children-focused activities. The whole atmosphere at Calabash beach feels like you have stepped into a painting of a traditional fishing village, complete with a fish market and harbor houses. This quaint town seems almost fictional with how fun the locals are, how jaw-dropping the ocean views are, and with how lively the beach life is.
This twenty-six-mile barrier island is the model of southern hospitality. While this was once the site of a top-secret rocket launch mission, Topsail beach seems to be one of the quieter beaches in North Carolina. Even during peak season in the summer, this beach rarely reaches capacity and is a great place to chill out if you are wanting to enjoy a comfortable beach read, or soak up the sun without people tripping over you.
If you stop by Topsail beach on your vacation get-a-way, a great place to visit would be the Kenneth D. Batts Family Park. The views from this park are incredible! With areas to enjoy an intimate picnic with loved ones and a boardwalk that extends for miles over the local marshes, it is hard not to pass up this beautiful stop. Caswell beach offers both a fun beach and rich marsh surrounded by many vacation homes and rentals. Built around , this foot urethral goliath stands and watches over some thirty miles of coastline.
Although the Oak Island Lighthouse is still active, you can go for a tour inside of it. Tours for the lighthouse must be made at least two weeks in advance and directly through the Oak Island Lighthouse website. Shallotte beach is, of all the beaches on this list, going to feel the most like home-away-from-home. There is plenty of space to walk the coast and gaze out over the scenic Atlantic Ocean. When you are ready for a change of pace, there are over thirty championship golf courses for you to take a swing at.
The courses range from beginner to advanced, and if you have never played before not to worry! Most of these golf locations offer lessons, some with discounts if you are staying at an affiliate hotel. Some big names in PGA like Arnold, Byrd, and Kate have created courses here, so you have a chance to play like the pros!
Outer Banks beaches are a collection of villages and beaches that are spread out over miles alongside an extended two-lane highway. While you are at it, check out some of the best things you can do in the Outer Banks that everyone will love! If you are looking for some of the best vacation places in North Carolina, then these beaches are for you!
When planning your next trip, be sure to check out some of our other posts featuring this gorgeous state! Menu Skip to right header navigation Skip to main content Skip to secondary navigation Skip to primary sidebar. Atlantic beach Located on one of the barrier islands, Atlantic beach is one of the beaches in North Carolina with a hint of southern charm. Please stop advertising how great our beaches are. You are helpingto destroy them. Greed of local politicians has givenway to a crumbling infrastructure that cant handle the influx.
Enough is enough! Wow, a lot of complaining and hostility! How about taking some personal responsibility?? Voted them in unlikely; close-knit communities are generally untrusting of outsiders , or B.
Furthermore, housing affordability has skyrocketed everywhere; the Carolina coast is not special in that regard. Oh, and the guy wishing for hurricanes to wipe out the ppl he hates but whose money he loves — you need serious mental help.
All NC beaches are overcrowded. South Carolina here we come. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
NativeDaughter says: Too bad our beaches in NC are being destroyed by greed, tourism and transplants from the north taking over local government!! July 19, at pm Reply. Megan Starr says: I totally understand — I really hope that people can take this into consideration when planning trips.
July 21, at pm Reply. October 26, at pm Reply. Megan Starr says: I know, right? October 28, at am Reply. March 12, at pm Reply. Sandra Torres says: Oh are you Native American? August 6, at pm Reply. August 12, at am Reply.
Raleigh C Byrd says: Gotta have sunset beach included in there for sure. August 8, at pm Reply. Beth Smith says: Would love to find out some rental houses in Carolina Beach and Topsail inland thank you. August 21, at pm Reply. September 4, at am Reply. Megan Starr says: Wrightsville is perfection! Love it! September 5, at am Reply. September 10, at am Reply. November 14, at pm Reply. Lisa says: I agree! Been traveling to Holden since I was a teen and now my parents live there!
January 22, at pm Reply. Joyce Noah says: Absolutely, not a beach but Calabash is also great visit. Wonderful seafood fresh off the boat! July 25, at pm Reply. Linda Wishon says: Sunset beach. November 29, at pm Reply. December 5, at pm Reply.
December 17, at pm Reply. January 19, at pm Reply. Jeanne Miller says: I love Holden Beach! January 28, at am Reply. March 9, at pm Reply. March 10, at am Reply. None Busines says: Totally agree. March 28, at pm Reply. Topsailis being ruined! Lori Davis says: Sunset Beach!! June 16, at am Reply. Aram Vardanyan says: Thank you for your suggestions! June 17, at am Reply. Debby Berteotti says: The prices for rental beach houses in Topsail is ridiculous. To further explore the state park, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards and make your way through the nearby marshes or even venture over to the neighboring islands.
One of those is Bear Island, where you can camp under the stars. Thirty miles from Wilmington, Oak Island Beach is a sleepy beach town that offers plenty of nostalgia. There are over 60 access points along the 10 miles of powdery sand. Along the shoreline are two marinas, multiple fishing piers and boat ramps. This makes it easy to cast a reel from the shore or venture out on your boat.
To enjoy a break from the sun, you can explore the lighthouse, nature center or visit Southport where numerous Hollywood flicks were filmed. Facing south, Atlantic Beach is sheltered from the effects of the Atlantic Ocean. The peaceful water and lack of wind have helped it become one of the most popular beaches in the state. Despite the crowds that often converge on Atlantic Beach, the wide expanse of sand leaves plenty of room for everyone.
After some swimming, head to the beachfront restaurants that range from laid back affairs to upscale dining. If at any point you want to stretch your legs and explore the area around Atlantic Beach, then walk along any of the four Walk Atlantic Beach loops. This will guide you from the beach to all parts of town. With the Atlantic on one side and the Currituck Sound on the other, the town of Corolla is neatly tucked away on the northern end of the Outer Banks. Because of this, Currituck Beach is a must-visit.
The 20 miles of shoreline has multiple access points where you can park and walk to the beach. Or, if you have a 4WD, continue driving. After, park the car and go about your beach day or climb to the top of the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse. On Brunswick Islands, Holden Beach is a great spot for families. The water is welcoming, the shelling is exciting and the morning strolls on the sand are memorable.
With no highrises, Holden Beach has a natural, small town charm.
– Most beautiful beaches in nc
You can learn more about the region’s marine life at the nearby North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores , located a minute drive away from Atlantic Beach. Find a mix of surfing, shopping, dining, and nightlife in and around Wrightsville Beach.
Located just a short drive from Wilmington, this is a great destination for people hoping to explore the area during their beach vacation. Adventure seekers will want to scuba dive and visit one of the sunken ships located off the coast, or take surfing lessons to learn how to catch some waves. Discover why this spot got its name while visiting the south-facing beaches — from late fall through early spring, you can actually see the sun rise and set over the water, making for a uniquely picturesque experience.
Nearby Bird Island has beautiful beaches, too, but it’s best known for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, where people write their wishes, prayers, thoughts, and dreams. No cars are allowed on Bald Head Island , which can be accessed by ferry from nearby Southport. Instead, get around this peaceful island via golf cart, bicycle, or foot. Go for a round of golf or try your hand at croquet at the Bald Head Island Club.
Of course, with 14 miles of beautiful beaches, you’ll also want to spend some time soaking in the sand and surf or looking for seashells. The area is a haven for fishermen, who can enjoy one of Emerald Isle’s many boat charters or cast a line off the Bogue Inlet Pier, which closes at the end of each year and reopens in the spring. Of course, Emerald Isle also offers 12 miles of gorgeous shoreline, a rich dining scene including beachside options!
This less-crowded, mile stretch of sand can be found just south of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Animal lovers will rejoice as from mid-May through August, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs along Topsail’s coast. Relax on the beach or enjoy surfing, boating, fishing, or jet skiing out on the waves.
You might search for pirates’ treasure, if you’re feeling lucky — legend has it, the island’s name comes from the fact that the area was once a popular place for pirates, whose “top sails” were a warning to any approaching ships.
Topsail Area This tranquil beach destination located on our southern coast is a haven for anglers, boaters, campers and visitors looking to unwind. Brunswick Islands On our southernmost shores you can enjoy 35 golf courses, Calabash seafood and family-friendly beaches boasting sunrise and sunset views. Sunscreen Sprays. Lip Balm. Sport Sunscreens. After-Sun Skin Care. Sunscreen Packs. Men’s Hats. Make sure to stock up on food and essentials, as there are also no large supermarkets here.
The actual beaches are extremely clean and the water is warm, especially during the summer season. Carolina Beach is located in New Hanover County and features a white-sand shoreline that is just perfect for fishing and surfing. The kids love this place with its variety of rides and games on the boardwalk. The boardwalk also features live music performances, as well as other events throughout the year.
If you get bored of sitting in the sun, make sure to check out the nearby Carolina Beach State Park that offers a number of amenities including a marina, several campsites, and hiking trails. There are rare plants to see such as the venus flytrap located in the wetlands area of the park.
A couple of restaurants, an ice cream store, and a delicious donut shop are situated on the small strip. Surf City, North Topsail Beach, and Topsail Beach stretch along 26 miles of coastline and the lack of commercialization provides a peaceful environment. The temperature is mild year-round and the waters are relatively warm, even after the summer season. Thanks to the lack of steep cliffs and drop-offs, the beaches are great for families with children.
Expect to find many seashells from the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy water sports like boating and kayaking along the Intercoastal Waterway.
You might also have the chance to meet the popular Loggerhead Sea Turtles that come close to the dunes to lay their eggs. Emerald Isle is located in Carteret County at the end of Bogue Banks, offering 12 miles of spectacular shoreline. I live in Europe currently and so many places are suffering from overtourism and transplants Portugal comes to mind. Thanks for the comment!
Oh are you Native American? Or a descendant of the slaves that built that part and many other parts of America? I doubt it, so sit the f down. Tourism keep you afloat. Gotta have sunset beach included in there for sure. With a bird and nature sanctuary, family friendly, and relaxing atmosphere like nowhere else. Sunset beach. Beach is clean and pristine. Close to restaurants and shops. Kindred spirit mailbox in Nicholas sparks book. On the other hand Kure and Carolina beach I would recommend to everyone.
They r close to restaurants and shopping. Will return again, my family and I love Carolina and Kure beach. We have a rental at Pine island, between Duck and Corolla. One of the only spots where you are oceanfront, and sound side with no other houses blocking your view. Truly an amazing gift from God. Absolutely beautiful beach and cozy family vacation spot! My family loves it and we plan on retiring there someway.
Totally agree. Not anymore. It is now overbuilt overcrowded. Out of state people moving and visiting have ruined this town. No more rentals for locals. Price of housing skyrocketing. Taking down all the island vegetation for greed. No dune. Next hurricane will be bad here. Sunset Beach!! Gotta add this beach to the list!! To me, there is no other beach like it!! The prices for rental beach houses in Topsail is ridiculous. What a shame we have been going there for 15 yrs.
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