Best Beaches in North Carolina
Searching for the best beaches in North Carolina for your next day trip or a relaxing 48 hour weekend getaway? Well, you are in the right place! North Carolina’s shores welcome everyone, from families seeking calm sandy stretches to nature lovers exploring dunes and lighthouses. After years of returning and dedicating two weeks to exploring the best beaches in North Carolina, these are the places I easily recommend for a beautiful vacation, grouped into two main areas: around Outer Banks and beaches around Wilmington, NC.
Best Outer Banks, NC Beaches
For me, exploring the Outer Banks is such a joy, a slender ribbon of barrier islands stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound. I think that in May, the islands are at their most magical, just before the summer crowds arrive, the sun is softer and wildflowers bloom among the sea oats! Here are my favorite Outer Banks beaches that I hope you will love too.
1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
This Outer Banks gem completely swept me off my feet with its beauty, miles of soft sand along the Atlantic, and the cool black-and-white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
After driving a little over 3 hours from Raleigh where we started this road trip, Chris, my son and I reached Cape Hatteras National Seashore and settled into our affordable room at Outer Banks Motor Lodge with a kitchenette, blackout drapes and a wonderful location just steps from the beach.
Once there, I spent the day beachcombing for shells, wading in the water, swimming, we explored the salt marshes, followed a peaceful boardwalk trail, and visited the lighthouse for breathtaking 360° views of the sea.
What I loved best:
My absolute favorite thing was waking up with beach views and a coffee, and that's something I can't wait to go back for.
2. Nags Head
Nags Head is one of the most unique and historic beaches in the Outer Banks, and it’s easily one of my favorite places for a classic North Carolina coastal getaway.
First settled in the early 1800s and later known for its weathered cottages and rich maritime history, Nags Head stands out as more than just a beach—it’s a place where tradition, culture, and natural beauty meet along the shoreline.
May was perfect for a peaceful escape to Nags Head because dunes dusted with blooming wildflowers, we enjoyed mild ocean breezes, and light spring crowds made it ideal for biking along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway and spotting herons and egrets around Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. I loved the laid-back coastal charm and even caught the annual OBX Shred Fest celebrating local art, music, and surf culture.
I stayed in a Standard Kind Room right on the ocean at 3-star Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront (around $121/night) for three days, and biked through the maritime forests of Nags Head Woods Preserve, climber on the sweeping sand slopes of Jockey’s Ridge (the tallest on the East Coast!), toured the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse, browsed the galleries in nearby Manteo, and ended with a lazy sunset picnic on the wide sands of South Beach.
For lunch, we headed to Blue Moon Beach Grill for great Southern comfort food. In the evenings, getting to know nearby Manteo's culinary scene was a delight, especially fresh seafood at Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar and burgers at Lost Colony Tavern.
What I loved best:
Wandering through local shops in Manteo and along the beach road was such a delight where I especially loved Seaside Art Gallery for its marine-themed prints and I bought one of their hand-blown glass sea turtles for my mom that perfectly capture the ocean spirit of the Outer Banks.
3. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
I adored Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1938 as a sanctuary for migratory birds and wildlife, and I thought it's one of the most unique and pristine places in the Outer Banks, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for connecting with untouched coastal nature in North Carolina. To reach Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, drive south from Nags Head about 25 minutes on Cape Hatteras National Park Rd and then onwards on North Carolina Hwy 12 S.
Pea Island beach itself is raw and natural, with miles of undeveloped shoreline, windswept dunes, and abundant birdlife so it’s perfect for long, peaceful walks, birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the solitude of the Outer Banks in its purest form.
4. Currituck Beach
If you want to get away from it all (and have a 4x4 vehicle!), drive about 50 minutes north from Nags Head to Currituck Beach, a wonderful beach that had such a serene, unhurried feel that I thought that it was one of the best North Carolina beaches for a secluded beach day!
Known for its wild horses that roam freely along the dunes and beaches, Currituck's a place where nature, history, and beauty come together in a truly remarkable way. The best time to go for horse sightings on Currituck Beach is early mornings!
Local tip: Since there are no paved roads beyond Corolla, you will need a 4WD vehicle and a permit and also keep in mind there's no food here, so be sure to bring your own food and water.
What I loved best:
I loved visiting Currituck Beach Lighthouse, my personal hightlight.
5. Carova Beach
If you are craving even more remoteness and seclusion, drive even further north from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse area to Carova Beach, but you will need to drive in a 4x4 vehicle on the sandy beach, as there are no paved roads leading directly to Carova.
A permit is required for parking in designated areas around Carova Beach during the high-use season (late April to early October) and the drive took us about an hour.
Located at the northernmost tip of the Outer Banks, right up against the Virginia border, Carova Beach delivers one of the best and most unique beach experiences in North Carolina and it's where I enjoyed one of our quietest fishing days ever!
6. Ocracoke Beach
Ocracoke Beach is one of the most unique and unspoiled beaches in the Outer Banks, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for a peaceful, nature-filled island getaway in North Carolina.
Part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and only accessible by ferry, private plane, or boat, Ocracoke stands out as more than just a beach because it's steeped in history and I thought that it was an amazing, affordable island day trip. Ocracoke Express is a seasonal service that costs $7.50 per passenger each way (free for ages under 3) and you can book online.
Ocracoke Beach is vast and pristine, with soft sand, rolling dunes, and some of the cleanest, clearest water on the East Coast. The untouched beauty of Ocracoke Beach makes it perfect for swimming, fishing, beachcombing, or simply soaking up the quiet.
7. Topsail Beach
Beaches Near Wilmington (North to South Route)
If you are driving from the north (Raleigh, Durham, or the Outer Banks), start your beach road trip at Topsail Beach, continue down the coast to Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, Oak Island Beach, and end your trip in Wilmington (3 hour driving time without stopping).
Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach is one of the most unique and peaceful beaches on the North Carolina coast, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for a laid-back seaside escape. We drove 3 hours from Durham and spend two days in a comfortable Standard room with two Queen beds at the 3-star Loggerhead Inn & Suites where I loved the location just steps from the beach.
Topsail Beach itself is wide and tranquil, with soft sand, gentle waves, and a slower pace where we enjoyed swimming, shell hunting, fishing, relaxing by the ocean and enjoyed an ocean view lunch at Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille where the fish tacos were a real standout for me.
8. Wrightsville Beach
Next stop was Wrightsville Beach, about 45 minutes south of Topsail Beach (take US-17 S, then US-421 S toward Wilmington). If you are based in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach's an easy 15-minute drive away, a cool surf town with great food and nightlife.
We spent our day here swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, walking along the scenic Johnnie Mercers Pier and for lunch, locals pointed us to Tower 7 Baja Grill.
Next day we took some time to explore the trails and tidal flats at nearby Masonboro Island Reserve which were my son's favorite because there was so much room to run!
9. Kure Beach
Wrightsville Beach to Kure Beach is about 40 minutes by car (head south through Wilmington, then follow US-421 S toward Pleasure Island.)
Kure Beach is one of the most unique and charming beaches near Wilmington, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for a relaxed, family-friendly getaway. In addition to relaxing on the beach, we loved the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area (less crowded beach), and the Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry for a sunset ride. When you get hungry, Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill offers delicious Caribbean-influenced food.
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10. Oak Island Beach (Long Beach)
For our most secluded beach stop on this route, we headed from Kure Beach to Oak Island Beach which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes via NC-211 S, or you can take the Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry (a scenic shortcut which takes about 35 minutes including loading/unloading).
Oak Island Beach was broad and bright, with a warm breeze coming off the Atlantic and just enough wave action to remind you this was still open ocean. No towering condos around Oak Island Beach, just beach houses on stilts and families in folding chairs. Island Way is the perfect spot for romantic dinner on the water and their grouper filet served on a bed of asparagus topped with shrimp, crab meat & bearnaise sauce was amazing.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s coast is filled with some of the best and most unique beaches in the country, and visiting them has given me some of my favorite travel memories.
Whether you’re chasing waves, watching wild horses, exploring lighthouses, or simply walking along soft sand with the ocean breeze, there’s a beach here for every mood and moment.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
