As a result of its barrier-island beaches (North Carolina beaches) that stretch for 300 miles and its many coastal villages that are just waiting to be discovered, the coastline of North Carolina consistently draws in millions of tourists each year. It is not difficult to see why this is the case.
There is something for everyone to do in this location, from getting away for a romantic getaway to going on family holidays that are kid-friendly, from going on exciting activities to just lounging about in the sun. The following is a list of the top Fourteen beaches in the state of North Carolina Beaches.
Atlantic Beach
As a day excursion from Raleigh, the best beach to visit is.
In the United States of America, the town of Atlantic Beach is located in Carteret County, North Carolina. Bogue Banks is home to five different settlements, and this one is one of them. At the time of the census in the year 2020, the population was 1,364.
Atlantic Beach, which is located on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina and is just 150 miles southeast of Raleigh, is also an easy trip from the state capital, and during the peak summer months, it may attract a large number of visitors.
The fact that it is the first stop off the causeway from Highway 70 and is situated on Bogue Banks, a tiny barrier island that is hidden between Bogue Sound and the ocean, makes it an ideal alternative for a weekend trip or a longer retreat.
It should come as no surprise that the location in question attracts a great deal of interest given that it has a fishing pier, a boardwalk, expansive sandy beaches, and offshore sports such as parasailing, kiteboarding, jet skiing, and kayaking. To add insult to injury, let’s not overlook the abundance of eateries and quaint souvenir stores.
Fort Macon State Park is located at the most eastern tip of the island, and the fort that holds the park’s name was a participant in the Civil War. The beach is a magnificent length of sand that has a bathhouse, concessions, wheelchair-accessible sections, and lifeguards who are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. After enjoying the tour of the grounds, you may then lay down on the beach.
Bear Island
This beach is ideal for bird viewing and beachcombing excursions. Bear Island is located in the middle of Hammocks Beach State Park and is only accessible by ferry and private boat. It has primitive campsites and a beach that is completely undeveloped. It is a tranquil and quiet escape from the crowds of people that visit beaches in the contemporary day.
The four-mile barrier island is a paradise for beachcombers and birdwatchers since it is home to a variety of shore birds and tidal pools that are bursting with life. There are paddling paths that allow you to explore marshes using kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, all of which are available for hire throughout the season.
Considering that the seaside campsites are available throughout the whole year, you are able to sleep next to the sand dunes and under the stars at almost any moment of the day or night.
Bald Head Island (North Carolina Beaches)
The best beach to leave the masses behind. Bald Head Island is a private island that is located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a very quiet and car-free getaway that can only be accessed by boat or private yacht. Once you get to the location, the only modes of transportation available to you are golf carts and bicycles.
Because of this, the most part of the island’s 12,000 acres, which includes salt marshes, maritime forests, and beaches that stretch for 14 miles, have been preserved in its natural state and have not been altered in any way. It is difficult to find a more ideal location for a private getaway for two than this one.
In addition to being an excellent location for birding, the Bald Head Woods Coastal Reserve is home to the Kent Mitchell Nature Trail, which has trails that are accessible to people of varying abilities. Biking tours, tidal pool investigations, and birding excursions are some of the activities that are offered by the Bald Head Island Conservancy. Here, during the months of June and August, sea turtles, mostly loggerheads, nest. Particularly at times of low tide, the beaches are excellent places to go shelling.
Corolla Beach
One of the best beaches for families with small children. Between Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, the community of Corolla may be found on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Corolla, which is pronounced “kuh-RAH-luh,” is a beach that is located on the Outer Banks, just below the Virginia line. It is a popular destination for families with small children because of its warm, white sand and calm waves.
All year long, four-wheel vehicles are permitted right onto the beach in Corolla, and there is no price associated with doing so. However, if you wish to park, you will need to get a permit.
Wild horses are the most well-known attraction in Corolla, and they can be seen on the 4×4 beaches, which is an interesting fact. Over the course of many hundred years, these horses, who are descended from Spanish Mustangs, have been in complete control of the environment. There are a few tour companies that can get you near enough to the horses for a picture opportunity, despite the fact that it is against the law to go within fifty feet of them (North Carolina Beaches).
Carolina Beach
At the beach with the most fantastic boardwalks. On the coast of North Carolina is where you’ll find the town of Carolina Beach. Fishing locations and the Flytrap Trail, which gets its name from the carnivorous plants that can be found along its course, can be found in Carolina Beach State Park, which is located along the Cape Fear River. A variety of stores, restaurants, and amusement attractions can be found along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Campsites, sand dunes, and sea grass may be found at Freeman Park, which is located on the Atlantic Ocean. The displays of the Federal Point History Center are focused on the culture of the area.
The appropriately called Pleasure Island, which is located between Wrightsville Beach and Bald Head Island on the Atlantic coast, is home to the vibrant community of Carolina Beach, which is a hub of family-friendly activities.
Many people consider its boardwalk to be among the greatest in the United States. Along with rides and arcade games, bike rentals, restaurants and concessions, and weekly fireworks displays throughout the summer, it lives up to the hype that has been spreading about it.
The nature trails, campgrounds, and beach that can be found at Carolina Beach State Park span a total area of 761 acres and are located on the Cape Fear side of the island. Additionally, the Venus flytrap may be found in its natural environment. The half-mile Flytrap circle, which is accessible to wheelchair users, offers visitors a glimpse of carnivorous plants in their natural habitat.
Duck
Beach that is ideal for families with teenagers. Duck, a tourist hamlet located approximately 15 miles south of Corolla, has a total population of just 500 permanent inhabitants; however, during the summer months, the number of people increases significantly. When it comes to families, particularly those with teenagers, it is a very well-liked resort.
Located on the eastern side of town that faces the coast, a route that is six miles long and has walkways and bike lanes is surrounded by a cluster of various stores and eateries (North Carolina Beaches).
Duck Town Park is located on the western side of the structure and has 11 acres of green space. It features a playground, a public canoe and kayak launch, and a boardwalk that is one mile long and goes along the Currituck Sound. An annual jazz festival is held in the town, which normally takes place on the second weekend of October. Additionally, the town’s beaches are preserved in pristine condition and are private.
Emerald Isle
The beach that attracts the most affluent visitors. On Bogue Banks Island, which is located along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, there is a community known as Emerald Isle. In addition to providing views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bogue Inlet Pier is a well-known choice for fishing. There are public entrance points to the beach, which is a hotspot for water sports, and they are located at the Western and Eastern Ocean Regional Accesses. Emerald Isle Woods Park has a dock, a disc golf course, and coastal and woodland paths, including a portion of the North Carolina Birding Trail.
Additionally, the park is home to a pier.
Emerald Isle is located around 15 miles west of Atlantic Beach. It is a little more tranquil than its neighbor, with fewer hotels and a greater number of condominiums, cottages, and residences. There are art galleries, shops, and fine-casual eating establishments throughout the town, which gives it a more upmarket feel.
Emerald Isle may be on the quieter side, but there is plenty of things to do on and off the 12 miles of beach, particularly for children. These activities include anything from putt-putt and disc golf to paddleboarding, surf lessons, and fishing off the pier. Additionally, it is simple to get there from Raleigh, since it has its own causeway that assists cars in avoiding the gridlock that occurs across the island (North Carolina Beaches).
Kure Beach
The most popular beach for tourists. Each and every tourist will find something to their liking at Kure Beach, from those who are interested in history to those who are passionate about nature.
This well-known beach offers a wide variety of activities, including seeing the exhibits at Fort Fisher, gazing in awe at the marine life at the aquarium, and fishing along the pier. One of the most popular places for scuba divers to visit is Kure Beach, which is home to the wreckage of more than 200 ships, including the Condor, a blockade runner that dates back to the time of the Civil War and is in excellent condition.
Over the course of the year, the Ocean Front Park & Pavilion and the Hi-Tech Arcade provide a variety of kid-friendly activities and events that are sure to keep family entertained.
Lake Lure
The best beach for activities related to dirty dancing. The coast of North Carolina is a beachy paradise, but there are other choices available for individuals who would rather go on adventures in freshwater. Lake Lure, which is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is less than 30 miles away from Asheville, is the most prominent tourist destination.
The man-made lake and the surrounding landscape were used as a background for the film Dirty Dancing, which was a classic from the 1980s and starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. You may relive some of your favorite scenes from the movie by staying in a cabin with a predetermined theme or by having a photoshoot at one of the outdoor locations from the movie. Superfans should go to the Dirty Dancing Festival in September, which takes place in September.
You may still enjoy the time of your life by fishing, boating, and swimming in Lake Lure, or you can go rock climbing and hiking at Chimney Rock State Park, which is located nearby. If that is not your idea of fun, you can still come here.
Nags Head
A beach that is ideal for hang gliding. on addition to being one of the most well-known communities on the Outer Banks, Nags Head is a popular vacation spot for many families that include members of many generations. To those who are interested in aviation, the fact that it is situated on Bodie Island, only a few miles south of Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers National Memorial, makes it an attractive destination.
As a result of the fact that it might get quite busy during the summer, it is virtually preferable to go during the off-season. Fishing from the pier and hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, a state park that has the highest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States, are both activities that are more likely to become available when there are less people around.
Because the average temperature does not often fall below fifty degrees Fahrenheit (ten degrees Celsius), going for a walk on the beach during the winter would not be too unpleasant either.
Ocracoke Island
Beach that is ideal for shells. As a result of the fact that the majority of Ocracoke Island is a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the island’s astounding natural beauty, unspoiled beaches with fewer tourists, and abundant wildlife will remain wild and untouched for the rest of time.
Ocracoke Island is well-known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, despite the fact that it was once a haven for the notorious pirate Blackbeard and the location where he met his demise in the year 1718.
A significant portion of the island is included in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is a protected area that is managed by the National Park Service. The island is situated near the southernmost point of the Outer Banks. Shells like as conchs, sand dollars, and Scotch bonnets are often discovered by beachcombers on the sandy shores of this region, making it an ideal location for shell hunters.
Because of the Gulf Stream that is located off the coast, the water temperature is higher here than it is farther north, despite the fact that the waves may be rather violent when they are thus near to Cape Hatteras.
Topsail Island
Which beach is the best for seeing sea turtles?
The Topsail, which is 26 miles long and is pronounced TOP-sul, was once another known refuge for the notorious pirate Blackbeard. It is located in Onslow County, which is located north of Wrightsville. At the present day, its beaches are laid-back and welcoming to families, and the seas beside them are suitable for fishing at any time of the year.
Nearly 3,500 people live in Surf City throughout the year, making it the island’s business center. The beaches in Surf City are maintained in good condition. To the north lies the tranquil village of North Topsail Beach and Ocean City, which was founded in 1949 as the first beach resort on the Atlantic where people of African descent were permitted to purchase property. To the south is the town of Topsail Beach, which has around 400 inhabitants who live there year-round and does not permit the construction of any high-rise residential buildings.
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center provides educational programs and public releases of the loggerhead turtles that its team has nursed back to health. Due to the island’s favorable conditions for breeding sea turtles, the center is able to provide these opportunities.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
What is the best beach in the wilderness?
This area of the Southern Outer Banks, also known as the Crystal Coast, in North Carolina, United States, is preserved by Cape Lookout National Seashore. It stretches from Ocracoke Inlet, which is located in the northeast, to Beaufort Inlet, which is located in the southwest on the coast.
Cape Lookout National Seashore is the ideal location to take in the breathtaking natural scenery of the Carolina coast, as it has 56 miles of coastline that may be explored along a series of barrier islands that have not been overdeveloped.
At the park, tourists may enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, shelling, touring the famous lighthouse, and observing the local animals. The park is accessible by a short boat journey. Swimming, sunbathing, and viewing the wild horses that reside on the island are all activities that are perfect for Shackleford Banks guests.
Adventuresome tourists have the option of seeing the shoreline in a kayak or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). An overnight stay at one of the year-round basic camp sites or seasonal rustic cottages offered by the park, which has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, provides travelers with the opportunity to see breathtaking astronomy spectacles.
The cabin spaces and ferry landings have a limited number of amenities available to passengers. Leave no trace policies are enforced by the park for beachgoers who visit during the day as well as those who stay overnight.
Wrightsville Beach
The best beach to visit at any time of the year. Wrightsville Beach, which is located on the other side of the Cape Fear River from the port city of Wilmington, is a good choice of vacation destination throughout the year since it offers a winning blend of urban attractions and outdoor activities.
While activities such as surf camp, sailing school, and diving programs keep people busy both on and off the sea, the moderate weather and expansive dunes draw families, retirees, and college groups. It is also a popular destination for college students.
You should get up early in order to see the sunrise over the ocean, go for a walk along the Oceanic Pier during the magic hour, and at some point during the summer, you should go to the park to see an outdoor music. The Thalian Hall is a theater that dates back to the 19th century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After dinner at one of the city’s most well regarded restaurants, you may then spend the remainder of your evening at the Thalian Hall, which is a historic theater.
FAQ
Which North Carolina beach is best?
One of the most popular choices for the finest beach in North Carolina is Topsail Island, which is known for its well-maintained beaches, absence of high-rises, and plenty of activities both on land and in the water. This particular beach offers everything that is necessary for a beach vacation that will live long in the memory, from sea turtles and Surf City to pirates and promenades.
Which NC beach had the purest water?
It is well recognized for its crystal clear water and brilliant blue-green colors, which is shown by the fact that Emerald Isle is located along the Crystal Coast because of its name. It is because of the lack of storms and the gentle breezes that blow off the coast that the water is the cleanest in the state. This is because the circumstances are ideal for silt to settle to the ocean bottom (North Carolina Beaches).
Which North Carolina Beaches is lowest crowded?
Bald Head Island is one of the beaches in the state that has the least amount of people on it because of its isolated position, which can only be reached by ferry or private boat. A tranquil and expansive escape is provided by the unspoiled preserve and the charming communities, which together cover a total area of 12,000 acres.
Which North Carolina beaches is cheapest?
Sunset Beach, located in North Carolina, is a great place for a beach vacation that is within one’s budget since it offers lodgings that are modest and a large number of activities that are either inexpensive or free. Spend your time taking leisurely strolls along the coast, swimming in the waves, perusing the local markets, fishing from the pier, or participating in a free event.
Which North Carolina beaches is best for families?
Preferences for the Outer Banks In addition to having natural and artificial attractions, watersports, and land activities that are suitable for people of all ages, Corolla and Duck are also wonderful destinations for families to visit since they have waves that are not too rough and shorelines that are rather vast. Along with a stunning coastline and tranquil natural surroundings, the Carolina and Kure beaches in the Wrightsville region are among the most family-friendly beaches in the state. These beaches have delightful boardwalks and arcades.
When should you travel North Carolina beaches?
The months of March through October are generally regarded to be the ideal time to visit North Carolina beaches, despite the fact that many of the state’s most beautiful beaches are considered to be wonderful locations throughout the whole year. If you want to avoid crowds, the ideal times to go are early spring and late autumn. From the end of spring to the middle of autumn, those who like sunbathing and swimming may take advantage of the warm water and comfortable weather.
