Summary
With its vibrant cities and remarkable mountain towns, North Carolina offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. The state boasts over 300 miles of coastline and a multitude of waterfront vacation rentals.
If you are seeking a tranquil setting for your next summer coastal retreat, North Carolina should undoubtedly be considered. The beaches range from stunningly picturesque to those accessible solely by boat, contributing to the unique allure of the state’s shores.
Let us explore the 15 premier beaches in North Carolina:
1. Atlantic Beach
Located on Bogue Banks, one of the barrier islands in North Carolina, Atlantic Beach is part of the renowned Crystal Coast. The region features clear waters, making it an ideal location for family vacations.
Atlantic Beach provides a diverse selection of dining options, catering to all preferences. You can find everything from ice cream parlors and fast-food outlets to upscale restaurants with multi-course menus. For shopping, there are a few surf shops and various beach boutiques.
After a day at the beach, consider visiting the North Carolina Aquarium situated in the center of the island, which is among the most popular attractions.
While Atlantic Beach does not host many luxurious resorts or hotels, private homes are available for rent at reasonable rates.
2. Wrightsville Beach
Renowned for its expansive sandy shores and deep blue waters, Wrightsville Beach ranks among the top beaches in North Carolina, drawing travelers from across the United States.
With 44 public access points, visitors to Wrightsville Beach can enjoy a less crowded experience as they spread out along the shoreline.
The beach is also a popular destination for kiteboarders and surfers. Beginners can practice their skills as the summer waves tend to be gentle, and the waters relatively shallow. However, it is important to note that surfing is not permitted in front of the lifeguard stations.
3. Nags Head
Nags Head embodies the classic Outer Banks atmosphere and is an excellent location for beach enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a blend of beach activities and nearby amusements, such as mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks for children, and an abundance of ice cream shops. This pet-friendly destination also attracts vacationers interested in horseback riding.
Once you have savored enough beach time, consider patronizing popular local attractions such as Jockey’s Ridge State Park, noted for its scenic hikes, Jeannette’s Pier, or the Bodie Island Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
A variety of dining options can also be found in the vicinity, featuring BBQ specialties and exquisite seafood dishes.
4. Carova
Carova is one of the most secluded beaches in North Carolina, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers seeking to escape the urban hustle and crowded shores.
The isolation of Carova is largely due to the limited paved road access; the beach is only reachable via 4-wheel drive, and there are no dining options or gas stations in proximity. It is advisable to bring along food and essentials, as there are also no large supermarkets available.
The pristine beaches are remarkably clean, with warm waters, particularly in the summer. While Carova Beach may not be ideal for families with young children due to the absence of amenities and lifeguard services, it certainly appeals to those who value privacy and wildlife encounters.
Accommodation consists exclusively of privately rented homes.
5. Carolina Beach
Situated in New Hanover County, Carolina Beach showcases a sandy shoreline that is ideal for fishing and surfing. Children are particularly fond of this location due to its assortment of rides and games along the boardwalk, which also hosts live music performances and various events throughout the year.
For those wishing to escape the sun for a while, the nearby Carolina Beach State Park offers numerous amenities, including a marina, several campsites, and hiking trails featuring rare species like the Venus flytrap found in the wetlands.
A few dining establishments, an ice cream shop, and a popular donut shop enhance the local charm.
6. Topsail Island
Home to only 500 residents, Topsail Island is a quaint destination that has managed to maintain its natural beauty while featuring three delightful beach communities: Surf City, North Topsail Beach, and Topsail Beach, which extend for 26 miles along the coastline. The area’s minimal commercialization fosters a peaceful atmosphere.
Initially accessible only by boat, Topsail Island now connects via two functioning bridges.
Temperatures remain mild throughout the year, and waters are relatively warm, even post-summer. The absence of steep cliffs makes the beaches suitable for families with children.
Visitors can wander the beaches in search of seashells from the Atlantic Ocean and participate in water sports such as boating and kayaking along the Intercoastal Waterway. Notably, Loggerhead Sea Turtles frequently visit the dunes to lay their eggs.
7. Emerald Isle
Located in Carteret County at the end of Bogue Banks, Emerald Isle boasts 12 miles of stunning shoreline. There is a singular oceanfront hotel called the Islander Hotel & Resort, complemented by numerous private rentals and condos.
The family-friendly atmosphere allows visitors to spot dolphins occasionally. Emerald Isle is cherished for its unspoiled ambiance, catering to tourists seeking a relaxing getaway without high-end amenities.
Those seeking culinary delights can explore various restaurants in the area. Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q is renowned for its shrimp burgers, while Jackie’s American Grille is an upscale Italian establishment known for its exceptional pasta.
8. Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island, situated near Wilmington in Brunswick County, is exclusively accessible via ferry from Southport and is abundant in sea turtle nests. The coastline along Cape Fear offers an exceptional locale for vacationers.
The island has a minimal presence of cars, with residents primarily using golf carts for transportation between beaches.
There are three principal beaches on the island. North Beach, the largest, is ideal for relaxation during low tide. Popular water sports such as paddleboarding and kiteboarding are frequently enjoyed here, though strong currents may prevail during high tide.
For breathtaking vistas, West Beach is recommended, although swimming is often inadvisable due to rip currents.
South Beach is particularly favored by families for its warm water, refreshing breeze, and easy water access.
In addition to stunning beaches, Bald Head Island houses one of the oldest lighthouses in the state, known as Old Baldy.
9. Lake Lure Beach
Located on the Broad River, Lake Lure Beach is a man-made destination surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. Covering an area of 700 acres with over 20 miles of shoreline, the beach provides opportunities to relax in the sun, swim in tranquil waters, or enjoy a picnic on the sandy shore.
This beach is excellent for families, featuring a water park with large slides. Additionally, visitors can access a beach house for various necessities, including towels, drinks, beach toys, and sunscreen for an enjoyable day at Lake Lure Beach.
10. Kitty Hawk
The historical coastal town of Kitty Hawk invites exploration of its marine forest reserve and stunning beach. Characterized by low-rise structures, the town retains its rustic charm and distinctive character.
A variety of rental companies offer competitive rates for accommodations, facilitating a delightful coastal retreat. Dining options are abundant, featuring scrumptious BBQ fare, homemade ice creams, and fresh seafood specialties at localized restaurants.
The town’s unique name is tied to its Native American heritage, with one of the key attractions being the memorial site commemorating the Wright Brothers’ first flight.
11. Kure Beach
Sitting on Bogue Banks, Kure Beach is distinguished by its serene atmosphere, beautiful environment, and diverse marine life. It is also well-suited for various water activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and surfing.
For those desiring alternative activities beyond beach relaxation, visiting the Civil War site of Fort Fisher or observing marine life such as alligators, stingrays, seahorses, sea turtles, and sharks at the Kure Beach Aquarium is recommended.
Kure Beach features one of the oldest fishing piers along the Atlantic coast and offers a number of local dining establishments that serve popular specialties. Visitors may also engage in a round of golf or take leisurely walks along various hiking trails.
12. Salvo Beach
Among the Outer Banks, Salvo Beach is recognized as one of the most enchanting beaches in the region. Although the small town has limited shopping and attractions, its pristine beach is sufficient to draw visitors from afar.
While other beaches in the Outer Banks may provide more amenities and facilities, the sandy stretches of Salvo Beach and the easy access to aquatic activities render it a top choice.
Travelers intending to stay here should be aware that accommodations consist exclusively of privately-owned rental homes. Kiteboarders may frequent the Salvo Day Use Area to showcase their skills.
For those preferring calmer waters or vacationing with children, Pamlico Sound presents an appealing option.
13. Frisco Beach
Frisco Beach, located on Hatteras Island, is an ideal swimming destination due to its gentle entry. If relaxation and quality beach time are your aims, this is the perfect choice.
Nearby restaurants and convenience stores ensure you won’t go hungry. For lodging, travelers can choose from campgrounds, such as Frisco Woods Campground and the National Park Service Campground, as well as a variety of rental homes available during peak season.
Enjoy activities like go-karting, mini-golf, or consider booking a private flight tour of the island!
14. Canadian Hole
Known as one of the most popular beaches on the Pamlico Sound, Canadian Hole, located on Hatteras Island, provides excellent conditions for water sports year-round, including kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
The calm and warm waters make Canadian Hole a favorite among families. The waters remain relatively flat between summer and autumn, and stunning views of the Hatteras Lighthouse at sunset are a highlight.
Accommodation options include private rentals available at economical prices.
15. Harkers Island
For those seeking white-sand beaches and nature trails for hiking, Harkers Island is an ideal destination for a summer coastal adventure. Renowned for its boat building, duck hunting, and waterfowl decoy crafting, the small town offers ideal conditions for sunbathing and features areas with direct access for swimmers.
Be sure to visit the Cape Lookout lighthouse and take in the stunning sunset views. Interestingly, the island has been relatively isolated from the rest of the Outer Banks for nearly 300 years, and the residents speak a unique dialect!
