Beaches in North Carolina: Hidden Gems & Popular Spots

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, one of the best NC beaches, is a portion of the Outer Banks that is preserved by the U.S. National Park Service.

The more than 70 miles of protected seashore runs from Ocracoke Island to Bodie Island. There are three visitor centers that provide information, programming, and gift shops.

The visitor center closest to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse includes the Museum of the Sea.

This museum displays exhibits related to maritime history, the Outer Banks, the lighthouse, as well as the keeper’s quarters.

The museum also displays artifacts from the many shipwrecks that lie off the coast. Four campgrounds are located along the seashore for visitors who are interested in spending the night.

Wrightsville Beach is made up of two islands easily accessible from North Carolina’s mainland. The islands offer everything you need for a relaxing vacation, including plenty of accommodation options ranging from full service resorts to more budget-friendly hotels.

Activities on the water include kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and fishing. Several boat companies offer evening harbor cruises.

Beyond the beaches, visitors can bike the Wrightsville Beach Loop Trail or explore the town on foot. Shopping options include surf shops, open-air villages, and boutiques.

Wrightsville Beach is home to the annual PPD Ironman NC, which is one of the top-rated triathlons in the world.

Nags Head is one of the more developed areas on the Outer Banks. Here, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Outer Banks yet still have easy access to amenities such as restaurants, mini golf, and shopping. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is not far from Nags Head, and visitors can climb to the top during the summer.

The historical Jennette’s Pier is located nearby as well. The pier offers a good location to fish as well as a small, kid-friendly museum. One of the most popular attractions in Nags Head is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is a popular place for hang-gliding, sand-castle-building contests, and scenic hikes. Keep reading for more vacation ideas on the North Carolina coast.

Topsail Beach NCstretches from the town limits of Surf City to the southern end of the island. The well-known Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is located at Topsail. The center cares for sea turtles who have been injured or who are sick. The Missiles & More Museum contains exhibits related to the history of the island, including exhibits on pirates and military history.

The island has many beach houses for rent and retains the laid-back feel that is common in the Outer Banks and barrier islands. Boat rentals are available as well as numerous beach access points.

Kure Beach is a beach on the Bogue Banks that features a beautiful setting, a relaxed atmosphere, and just the right amount of development to provide visitors with a comfortable vacation. The oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast juts out into the ocean and is a popular attraction in itself, whether you are walking along the pier to take in the sights or hoping to reel in a big catch.

The North Carolina Aquarium is located nearby, as are many restaurants and shops. During the holidays, Kure Beach and the Bogue Banks are home to the Island of Lights Festival, which features a Christmas Flotilla and a tour of the area’s beautiful homes.

Currituck Beach is clean, quiet, and serene but is still close enough to town to offer plenty of things to do. The area is famous for being home to wild Spanish mustangs, and several companies offer wild horse tours for visitors who would like to ride and see the horses in person.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla is an interesting, Gothic Revival lighthouse and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can tour the lighthouse seasonally, and the property contains a museum store. The nearby Currituck Banks Reserve is a preserved natural area where visitors can hike, fish, hunt, and more. Keep reading for more vacation spots on the North Carolina coast.

Carova Beach is a remote stretch of shoreline in the northernmost part of the Outer Banks. The beach is only accessible by boat or 4WD vehicle along a paved road from Corolla. Wild horses can be spotted roaming freely on the beaches here. There are no shops, restaurants, or any other attractions; development is limited to beach homes and a rescue station.

Popular ways to spend time at Carova Beach include sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The area is also a popular spot for fishing. The nearby town of Corolla offers restaurants, shops, and attractions such as the Corolla Wild Horse Museum. This museum is located in a historical schoolhouse that features informative and interactive exhibits about wild horses. Keep reading for more North Carolina beaches and find the closest beach near me.

Ocracoke Island is home to 16 miles of undeveloped ‘wild’ beaches. The entire shore is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Ocracoke attracts visitors who are looking for relaxing, wide-open spaces to enjoy such activities as surfing, flying kites, sunbathing, boogie-boarding, and building sandcastles. The beach and surrounding areas are home to many birds, fish, turtles, and other wildlife.

Birdwatchers come to see the more than 400 species of birds that can be found on Ocracoke. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions on the island. The lighthouse is still active and visitors can tour the grounds. Ocracoke Island is accessible by ferry, and several ferries make the trip daily.

Oak Island is a family-friendly beach destination in the Brunswick Islands. The laid-back barrier island provides the perfect mix of an easy-going, peaceful time at the beach and amenities such as marinas, mini golf, and bike rentals. Access the beach at more than 60 public access points or take a chance at reeling in a big one at one of the area’s fishing piers. Guests can get out on the water at Oak Island’s two marinas and three public boat and canoe ramps. The 10-mile stretch of sand is perfect for unwinding and enjoying everything one expects from a North Carolina beach.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, aptly named because of its small size, is a protected wildlife refuge located on a barrier island in the Outer Banks. The refuge exists to protect and provide a habitat for migratory birds.

Animals that can be seen in the park include the greater snow goose and many other waterfowl, wading birds, raptors as well as endangered species such as the loggerhead sea turtle. The refuge’s visitor center is located on Roanoke Island and features exhibits related to local wildlife, birds, and more. There are several trails in the refuge that can be used by visitors for birdwatching, hiking, wildlife photography, and fishing.

Address: 100 Conservation Way, Manteo, NC 27954, Phone: 252-473-1131