The 9 Best Beaches in North Carolina

1. Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head embodies the quintessential Outer Banks charm, making it an ideal destination for beach enthusiasts. This coastal town offers a perfect blend of on-the-beach relaxation and off-the-beach amusements. Visitors can enjoy pet-friendly beaches

2. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Just east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is a haven for watersports enthusiasts. Comprising two small islands connected by Shell Road, this coastal town is renowned for its rich maritime history, home to the second oldest Yacht Club in America.

3. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Kitty Hawk is a historical coastal town known for its charming village, beachfront community, and the expansive maritime forest reserve, Kitty Hawk Woods. The town retains its rustic, nature-loving charm with traditional coastal low-rise buildings.

4. Topsail Island, North Carolina

Topsail Island, a 26-mile-long barrier island, consists of the communities of Topsail Beach, Surf City, and North Topsail Beach. With a small population and no high-rise developments, the island maintains its natural beauty.

5. Oak Island, North Carolina

Oak Island is a bustling summer destination on the southern tip of North Carolina, rebuilt after a 1950s hurricane. This family-friendly beach town offers miles of sandy beaches, fishing piers, boating ramps, and various water activities.

6. Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Located on the western end of Bogue Banks, Emerald Isle boasts 12 miles of shoreline along the Crystal Coast. The town's only oceanfront hotel, the Islander Hotel & Resort, and various quaint rentals and condos provide ideal accommodations

7. Jacksonville, North Carolina

Jacksonville, adjacent to the Southern Outer Banks, is home to the largest Marine Corps base on the eastern seaboard. This patriotic coastal town offers various events, from Winterfest in December to a Jazz Festival in February.

8. Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Accessible only by ferry from Southport, Bald Head Island prohibits cars, favoring golf carts and bikes. With 12,000 acres largely undeveloped except for rental residences and a renowned golf course, the island offers a peaceful retreat

9. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, spanning 70 miles, is famous for its pristine beaches and the iconic black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S. Currently undergoing renovations.

10 Easy Weekend Getaways From NYC