Ad
related to: are the beaches on a tour of north carolina beachIf it's worth doing, we've got it. Find the best tours and activities for your trip. Spend your trip making memories, not missing out while you're waiting in line.
Search results
Apr 16, 2024 · In this guide, we’ll walk you through 33 stunning beaches along the NC coast—complete with recommendations on things to do and places to stay—to help you decide which North Carolina beach is the best for your next vacation. Photo courtesy of VisitNC.com.
- Atlantic Beach. Best beach for day trip from Raleigh. Just 150 miles southeast of Raleigh on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Atlantic Beach is an easy drive from the state capital, and it can draw a crowd in the peak summer months.
- Emerald Isle. Best beach for upscale crowds. Not 15 miles west of Atlantic Beach is Emerald Isle, a bit sleepier than its neighbor, with fewer hotels and more condos, cottages and houses.
- Bald Head Island. Best beach to escape the crowds. A secluded, car-free retreat between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Bald Head Island can only be reached by ferry or private yacht.
- Ocracoke Island. Best beach for shelling. Once a hideout for the infamous pirate Blackbeard and the site of his death in 1718, Ocracoke Island is known today for its natural beauty and low-key vibe.
- The state's northernmost beach town is the perfect choice for travelers looking to get away from it all. Featuring 12 miles of sandy shoreline dotted with beautiful vacation rentals, Carova Beach is an alluring destination thanks to its tranquil atmosphere and off-the-beaten-path location.
- Situated along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, Cape Lookout National Seashore is one of the state's most underrated beach destinations.
- Not to be confused with Hatteras Village, the nearly 70-mile Cape Hatteras is known for its unspoiled beaches that comprise Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its iconic black-and-white-striped lighthouse, one of the tallest in the United States.
- Families return to Emerald Isle year after year for its 12 miles of clean beaches, relaxed atmosphere and popular fishing pier.
- Cape Lookout National Seashore
- Nags Head
- Duck
- Hammocks Beach State Park
- Carolina Beach
- Ocracoke
- Atlantic Beach
- Wrightsville Beach
- Sunset Beach
- Bald Head Island
Cape Lookout National Seashore offers visitors 56 miles of beach across several barrier islands. Shackleford Banks is ideal for swimming and lounging on the beach, and the island is home to more than 100 feral horses. The diamond-painted Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a star along this coast, standing 163 feet high and still flashing every 15 seconds. ...
Nags Head offers a range of unique experiences in the central Outer Banks, north of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The area is perhaps best known for Jockey's Ridge State Park, which has the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast (it's "alive" because it continues to change in shape and size). Here, you can walk along a boardwalk, go ...
Located on the northern stretch of North Carolina's barrier islands, Duck offers something for everyone. You can book a stay at Sanderling Resortand enjoy family-friendly activities, two pools, and a spa, or take a day trip to Corolla to ride on the beach in a four-wheel drive. You might even spot a wild horse or two. Nearby golf courses and water ...
Like a few other barrier island destinations, Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Parkis accessible only by seasonal ferry or private boat. The remote location makes it perfect for quiet relaxation. You won't find rows of restaurants or beachfront bars here, but you can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the marshes, Bear Island, and H...
Just a 20-minute drive from historic Wilmington, you'll find the town of Carolina Beach, with its family-friendly beaches, sought-after fishing spots, 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 Parkoffe...
Hop on a ferry from Hatteras, Swan Quarter, or Cedar Island and head to this quiet island. 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 Si...
Located on North Carolina's Crystal Coast across the causeway from Morehead City, Atlantic Beach is perfect for families. Whether you want to build sandcastles or go on a chartered fishing trip, there's an outdoor activity for you. This beach is also known for its nesting sea turtles, which lay their eggs in the sand from May through October. You c...
Find a mix of water sports, shopping, dining, and nightlife in and around Wrightsville Beach. A short drive from Wilmington, it makes a great home base for those who want to explore the area during their beach vacation. Adventure seekers can take surfing lessons or book a scuba diving excursion to explore one of the sunken ships located off the coa...
Sunset Beach is on North Carolina's south-facing shore, close to the South Carolina border. Discover why this spot got its name from late fall through early spring, when you can actually see the sun rise and set over the water — a rare experience. Nearby Bird Island has beautiful beaches, too, but it's best known for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, whe...
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. Play 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 probably want to spend some time lounging on the...
- 1 min
Apr 18, 2024 · From easy-to-reach Masonboro Island, to Surf City on Topsail, and even a town simply called Duck, these are the very best beaches in North Carolina.
- Abbe Baker
Apr 17, 2024 · We've narrowed our list of the best beaches to visit in North Carolina to these few incredible spots you need to add to your bucket list. You'll want to sit back and enjoy the sunset at these sandy spots all year long.
Plan your trip to North Carolina's 300 miles of barrier-island beaches. Visit Wilmington's three beaches, Corolla, Emerald Isle, North Topsail Beach, the Outer Banks and more.
