Discover the Best Beaches in North Carolina

With 300 miles of barrier-island beaches and countless coastal towns ready to be explored, North Carolina’s shoreline attracts millions of visitors each year. From romantic getaways to family vacations, and thrill-seeking adventures to leisurely days on the sand, this region offers something for everyone. Here are a dozen of the best beaches in North Carolina.

Outer Banks

Corolla Beach

Best beach for families with young kids

Located just below the Virginia border on the Outer Banks, Corolla is an ideal destination for families with young kids, thanks to its gentle waves and 24 miles of wide, white sand. It is the only area in the region that permits four-wheel-drives directly onto the beach year-round without any fees (though parking permits are required).

Moreover, the 4×4 beaches are home to Corolla’s most famous residents: wild horses. These wild Mustangs have roamed the area for centuries. While there is a legal distance to maintain from the horses, several tour operators can help you get a good photograph.

Duck

Best beach for families with teens

Only 15 miles south of Corolla, Duck is a cozy resort town with about 500 permanent residents that swells with visitors in the summer. This location is especially popular with families that have teenagers.

The eastern side of town features a six-mile-long trail dotted with shops and restaurants, while the western side boasts Duck Town Park—a beautiful 11-acre green space featuring a playground, public canoe and kayak launch, and a picturesque boardwalk along the Currituck Sound. Additionally, Duck hosts an annual jazz festival in October, and its pristine beaches add to its allure.

Nags Head

Best beach for hang-gliding

Nags Head is one of the most recognized towns in the Outer Banks, attracting both spring-breakers and families. Located on Bodie Island and just a few miles from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, it is also a hotspot for aviation enthusiasts.

This location can be crowded during the summer months, making the off-season a preferable time to visit. With fewer crowds, visitors can enjoy fishing off the pier or hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, which features the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States.

Ocracoke Island

Best beach for shelling

Historically known as a hideout for the notorious pirate Blackbeard, Ocracoke Island is recognized today for its natural allure and laid-back environment. Situated at the southern end of the Outer Banks, most of the island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a protected area managed by the National Park Service. Its scenic beaches are ideal for shelling, with beachcombers frequently finding treasures like conchs and sand dollars.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Best remote beach

With 56 miles of beaches to explore across numerous undeveloped barrier islands, Cape Lookout National Seashore offers visitors a chance to enjoy the splendid natural beauty of the Carolina coast. A short ferry ride transports visitors to a park with diverse activities such as swimming, shelling, and wildlife observation.

Crystal Coast

Atlantic Beach

Best beach for a day trip from Raleigh

Located 150 miles southeast of Raleigh, Atlantic Beach is an easy drive from the state capital and attracts many visitors during peak summer months. This charming beach is part of Bogue Banks, a small barrier island nestled between Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Emerald Isle

Best beach for upscale crowds

Just 15 miles west of Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle offers a more tranquil vibe with an array of condos, cottages, and houses, making it perfect for families. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including putt-putt golf, paddleboarding, surf lessons, and fishing.

Bear Island

Best beach for beachcombing and bird watching

Accessible only by ferry and private boats, Bear Island is the heart of Hammocks Beach State Park—a peaceful oasis that allows for primitive camping and pristine beach enjoyment. This area is teeming with shorebirds and tidal pools, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Topsail

Topsail Island

Best beach to observe sea turtles

Located north of Wrightsville, Topsail Island features family-friendly beaches and is ideal for fishing. The island’s Surf City offers well-maintained beaches, and its forthcoming developments keep the essence of a traditional seaside destination intact.

Wilmington

Wrightsville Beach

Best beach to visit all year round

Wrightsville Beach is a year-round destination located across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington. The pleasant weather, expansive sands, and variety of activities make it appealing to families, retirees, and college students alike.

Carolina Beach

Best beach for boardwalk fun

Carolina Beach is known for its bustling boardwalk that features rides, arcade games, and seasonal events including fireworks. It also features the natural beauty of Carolina Beach State Park, providing a blend of adventure and relaxation.

Kure Beach

Best crowd-pleasing beach

Kure Beach is full of activities for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can explore exhibits at Fort Fisher, marvel at marine life in the aquarium, or fish along the pier.

Brunswick

Bald Head Island

Best beach to escape the crowds

Bald Head Island is a secluded retreat that can only be accessed by ferry or private yacht, making it a car-free paradise. With immense natural beauty, visitors can enjoy birdwatching, long walks along pristine beaches, and an array of outdoor activities.

Sunset Beach

Best winter beach

Sunset Beach is particularly enchanting between late fall and early spring, allowing visitors to appreciate both sunrise and sunset over the water. The Kindred Spirits Mailbox provides a special experience for guests to reflect and write their thoughts.

Oak Island

Best nostalgic beach

Oak Island embodies the classic beach vacation spirit, featuring ice cream parlors, mini-golf, and fishing piers. This family-friendly beach is great for activities such as kayaking, swimming, and exploring along bike trails.

Inland

Lake Lure

Best beach for Dirty Dancing recreations

For those interested in freshwater retreats, Lake Lure is located less than 30 miles from Asheville in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is famed for its role in the movie Dirty Dancing, with themed cabins and various outdoor activities available, including fishing and hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nicest beach in North Carolina?

Topsail Island is often praised for its well-maintained beaches and lack of high-rises, making it a standout for beach lovers seeking an unforgettable getaway.

What beach has the clearest water in North Carolina?

Emerald Isle, located along the Crystal Coast, is renowned for its clear blue-green waters thanks to favorable conditions that allow sediment to settle.

What is the least crowded beach in North Carolina?

Bald Head Island, accessible only by ferry or private boat, remains one of the least crowded beaches, perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

What is the most affordable beach in North Carolina?

Sunset Beach offers budget-friendly accommodations and activities, along with options for free entertainment, making it ideal for affordable beach vacations.

What are the top family-friendly beaches in North Carolina?

Corolla and Duck in the Outer Banks, along with Carolina and Kure beaches near Wrightsville, provide ample activities and natural beauty, keeping families happily engaged during their visits.

When is the best time to visit North Carolina Beaches?

While North Carolina’s beaches are enjoyable year-round, the optimal travel window is from March to October, with early spring and late fall being ideal for avoiding crowds.