Top 10 Must-Visit Beaches in North Carolina | Click Travel Tips
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Best Beaches in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina's stunning beaches, where vibrant coastal towns meet serene shores, offering a perfect blend of a...
Jul 1, 2022
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North Carolina, without a doubt, has some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, and even in all of the United States. While the Carolina coastline isn’t as long as Florida or California, the jaw-dropping views and relaxation make up for it. North Carolina boasts lively coastal cities, secluded barrier islands, and plenty of fun for any type of traveler.
Visitors come to North Carolina to enjoy the laid-back approach to life and the 300 miles of pristine coastline. The quaint seaside towns and unique vibe the region offers keep visitors falling in love and coming back for more year after year. While there are dozens of beaches in North Carolina to choose from, these are some of the most popular.
Nags Head
Known for having the largest and most natural sand dunes on the East Coast, Nags Head is one of the most attractive beaches in the state of North Carolina. It is located in the heart of the Outer Banks and has become a family-friendly go-to destination for years.
Situated on the coastal stretch called the Outer Banks, Nags Head is a quaint coastal town near Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
Nags Head may be small in size, but it is loaded with things to see and do. Visitors can explore:
Beautiful beach houses and hotels with ocean views
Surf shops and local boutiques
Exceptional seafood restaurants
The area has something for visitors of all ages and is filled with local legends and a lot of history just waiting to be discovered.
Wrightsville Beach
Located right outside of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach has been named one of the South’s best beaches for many years. It’s known for its clean and well-kept beaches, along with gorgeous ocean views, especially at sunrise.
With crystal blue waters and miles of sandy coastline, it’s perfect for enjoying an active island lifestyle.
Wrightsville is ideal for visitors who lead a healthy and active lifestyle. It features:
Some of the best surfing spots in the country
An easily walkable island
An unmatched variety of water sports
The town has everything a quaint beach town needs, including local markets, surf shops, cafes, and open-air villages. Additionally, the nightlife scene in Wrightsville shouldn't be missed. With an abundance of taverns and seafood bars, the town truly comes alive when the sun goes down.
Emerald Isle
Looking for a slice of tranquility? Emerald Isle is the perfect place. With miles of uncrowded beaches and a wealth of marine life, it is even known for being a hot spot for nesting sea turtles.
Emerald Isle is famous for its gorgeous emerald and turquoise green waters and some of the best fishing opportunities in the state.
The island is rich in history, as Native Americans settled here for thousands of years before fishermen, pirates, and whalers took over the area. Now, Emerald Isle offers endless possibilities for travelers, including:
Abundant fishing opportunities
Miles of sandy beaches
Various outdoor parks
Dozens of seafood cuisine options
A water park for those who need a break from the sand
Topsail Island
Topsail Island boasts some of the least crowded beaches in the state and is home to incredible scenic views. Legend has it that Blackbeard the pirate buried the remaining portion of his treasure somewhere on the island.
Known for its abundance of nature and as a sanctuary for sea turtles, Topsail Island is the perfect place for a slow-paced and relaxing family holiday at the beach.
The island consists of three small coastal towns, close in proximity, and one main road. Restaurants, shops, and cafes are scattered throughout the area, but the further north you go on the island, the fewer people you will see.
Topsail is the place to be if you are looking for a secluded and peaceful beach trip; it’s perfect for solo travelers and those who want to live the island life at a slow pace.
Oak Island
Dive into the world of Nicholas Sparks at Oak Island. This smaller island on Brunswick Island offers great fishing opportunities, white sandy beaches, and unique natural wonders. It is the perfect picturesque place for a nostalgic beach holiday.
Since the 1930s, Oak Island has had a lot to offer visitors. The shoreline is filled with stunning shells brought in from the ocean, available in all different shapes and sizes on both sides of the island.
The beach is a great spot to:
Listen to waves crashing
Take a long breezy walk
Sit back and relax while taking in the views
The island is very family-friendly, with various shops and restaurants, and is filled with happy and kind locals ready to help show off their island.
Cape Hatteras
Welcome to the end of the world, Cape Hatteras. While not literally, it could easily feel like it, as it is a magnet for peace, tranquility, and ocean views as far as the eye can see.
Cape Hatteras is known for its lively nautical scene, offshore fishing, and great surfing opportunities.
It is home to the tallest brick lighthouse in the country, which is also the tallest of any lighthouse in North Carolina. Its distinctive black and white striped pattern makes it a unique landmark for the state.
The seashore of Cape Hatteras is preserved and protected by the National Park Service on North Carolina's Outer Banks, offering a lot to discover. There are natural, cultural, and historical opportunities for any type of traveler, making it one of the best places in the country to catch a sunrise.
So, it’s clear to see that North Carolina is not short on beaches. While there are countless beaches and coastal towns to choose from, these are some of the old local favorites. Whatever destination is chosen, it is guaranteed to be packed with some of the best activities one can discover in the beautiful state of North Carolina.
