Beaches in North Carolina

From the Outer Banks to the Crystal Coast and down to the southern beaches near Wilmington, the state has some of the best shoreline you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast.

North Carolina Beaches

North Carolina is home to some of the best beaches on the Atlantic coast, offering a mix of unique barrier islands, family-friendly towns, and natural escapes.

What makes North Carolina’s beaches so special is their variety. Some are wide open and wild, perfect for adventure and exploring. Others are cozy and welcoming, with that small-town charm that makes you feel like a local. For me, North Carolina has always been one of the coolest states to enjoy both excitement and relaxation by the sea.

So what are the best beaches in North Carolina? Here’s my guide to my favorite coastal getaways, whether you’re looking for the best surfing spots, the most peaceful hideaways, or the most unique beach towns filled with history and character.

Best Beaches in North Carolina:

Climb historic lighthouses and explore miles of unspoiled beaches.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

It started with wind, persistent, clean, and fast. Cape Hatteras doesn’t tiptoe into view. You arrive, and it’s just there: wild dunes, distant lighthouse, sand that drifts like smoke across the road. It felt more like a force than a place.

I walked past broken shells and tangled seaweed, the kind that wraps around your ankles like a dare. The sky shifted every ten minutes, blue to gray, then gold near the horizon. There were fishermen, a few kiteboarders, and a gull that watched me like I owed it something.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the best and most unique beaches in North Carolina, and it’s always been one of my favorite places to experience the wild beauty of the Outer Banks. Stretching for more than 70 miles, it’s one of the best places on the East Coast to enjoy wide-open shoreline, powerful surf, and an unspoiled natural setting.

The beaches here are some of the best for adventure, whether you’re swimming, fishing, shelling, or just taking a long walk along the sand dunes.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the most iconic landmarks in North Carolina, adds to the experience and provides some of the best views in the region if you make the climb.

About 200 miles east of Raleigh, Cape Hatteras is remote enough to feel like a true getaway, but still welcoming for families, campers, and anyone who loves the ocean.

My personal highlights:

What I love most about Cape Hatteras is the sense of space, I think it's one of the best places to feel completely free by the sea. Standing at the base of the lighthouse or walking along the endless beach at sunset is an experience that never gets old.

For me, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is not just a beach. It’s one of my favorite places to truly connect with the coast!

Cape Hatteras Travel Tips

  • Location: Outer Banks, about 200 miles east of Raleigh
  • Vibe: Wild, adventurous, iconic
  • Facilities: Campgrounds, visitor centers, beach access points
  • Food Nearby: Local seafood restaurants and small-town dining in nearby Buxton and Hatteras Village
Surf rolling waves and stroll along the scenic boardwalk.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville felt effortless. The kind of beach you walk into without overthinking it. We arrived just after sunrise, and the air still smelled faintly of last night’s rain. The boardwalk was damp, the dunes still casting long shadows.

Just 10 miles from Wilmington, it’s an easy trip that always delivers rest, relaxation, and fun—one of my favorite quick escapes!

My personal highlights:

What I love most is the mix of energy and calm. I always enjoy walking “The Loop,” watching the sunrise at Johnnie Mercers Pier, and taking a boat or kayak over to Masonboro Island for a truly unique, unspoiled experience.

Surfers were already out, catching what they could before the wind picked up. The water here was lighter, clear and fast-moving, with a bright turquoise streak under the shallows.

Wrightsville Beach Travel Tips

  • Drive time from Wilmington: ~20 minutes
  • Address: Access via E Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or weekdays before noon
  • Vibe: Active, breezy, accessible
  • Highlights: Surfing, paddleboarding, walkable beach town
  • Facilities: Public restrooms, showers, nearby shops and rentals
  • Cost: Metered parking or paid lots
  • Hours: 6am–8pm
  • Food Nearby: Grab a bite at Adapt Kitchen or bring your own
Explore towering sand dunes and enjoy exciting water activities.

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.

I arrived early, the kind of early that still smells like dew. Nags Head opened around me, long beach, quiet dunes, a wind just strong enough to flip a page. It felt stretched out, unhurried. There was space here not just for bodies, but thoughts.

My personal highlights:

What I love most are the iconic sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park—the tallest on the East Coast. Watching the sunset from the top is an unforgettable, unique experience. I also love the long pier walks, like Jennette’s Pier, where you can feel the ocean’s power and see the coastline stretch for miles.

About 30 miles from the Virginia border and easy to reach along Highway 158, Nags Head offers both adventure and rest. That makes it one of my favorite spots for a memorable trip to the Outer Banks!

Nags Head Travel Tips

  • Drive time from Cape Hatteras: ~1 hour
  • Address: Accessible via S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or just before dusk
  • Vibe: Unfolding, weathered, grounded
  • Highlights: Jockey’s Ridge sand dunes, walking trails, sunrise views
  • Facilities: Restrooms, public beach access, trails nearby
  • Cost: Free; paid parking in some areas
  • Hours: 6am–9pm
  • Food Nearby: Tortugas’ Lie or packed snacks for a quieter spot
Walk along quiet shores and search for shark teeth.

Topsail Beach

“This might be the quietest beach I’ve ever stood on,” I thought, watching the water flatten against the sand.

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.

Known for its quiet charm and long stretches of uncrowded shoreline, Topsail Beach stands out as more than just sand and surf—it’s a place filled with coastal heritage, sea turtle conservation, and small-town spirit.

The beach itself is wide and tranquil, with soft sand, gentle waves, and a slower pace that makes it perfect for swimming, shell hunting, fishing, or simply relaxing by the ocean.

About 40 miles from Wilmington, it’s an easy drive that brings you to one of the best-hidden gems on the Carolina coast—absolutely one of my favorite retreats for rest and renewal.

My personal highlights:

What I love most is the sense of calm and simplicity. Visiting the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center is always a unique experience, and walking out on the Jolly Roger Pier at sunset feels timeless. It’s that quiet, authentic vibe that makes Topsail Beach one of the best and truly my favorite escapes.

For me, Topsail Beach is one of the best coastal experiences in North Carolina because it combines natural beauty with a unique, small-town charm. It’s not just a beach. It’s also a place where every visit feels restorative, memorable, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy the coast.

Topsail Beach Travel Tips

  • Drive time from Wilmington: ~1.25 hours
  • Address: S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC
  • Best Time to Visit: Low tide for walking, golden hour for color
  • Vibe: Solitary, soft-spoken, slow
  • Highlights: Shelling, birdwatching, fishing pier
  • Facilities: Limited restrooms, free public access points
  • Cost: Free
  • Hours: Dawn to dusk
  • Food Nearby: Bring your own or stop in Surf City
Visit the aquarium and enjoy a relaxing beach day.

Kure Beach

Kure Beach had a hum to it, not loud, not frantic, but present. The kind of place where lawn chairs come out early, and nobody minds if your towel’s crooked.

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.

With roots as a small seaside community dating back to the early 1900s, Kure Beach stands out as more than just a stretch of sand—it’s a place full of character, history, and that small-town coastal vibe you can’t help but love.

The beach itself is peaceful and welcoming, with soft sand, rolling waves, and a slower pace that makes it perfect for swimming, fishing, or strolling along the shore without the crowds.

Only 15 miles from Wilmington, it’s an easy trip that always feels like stepping into one of the best little gems on the Cape Fear coast—absolutely one of my favorite quick escapes.

My personal highlights:

What I love most is the blend of simple pleasures and historic charm. The Kure Beach Pier is a classic spot for fishing or just soaking up the ocean views, and nearby Fort Fisher adds a unique touch of Civil War history. For nature, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is always a favorite stop, especially with kids.

I parked near the pier and walked past a coffee stand opening for the day. The sun had just cleared the rooftops. The water was already shimmering, and pelicans traced low arcs over the surf like they were drawing a line I couldn’t cross.

For me, Kure Beach is one of the best beach experiences near Wilmington because it combines natural beauty with a unique, family-oriented atmosphere. It’s not just a beach! It’s a place where every visit feels special, memorable, and truly one of my favorite escapes on the Carolina coast.

Kure Beach Travel Tips

  • Drive time from Wilmington: ~35 minutes
  • Address: K Ave & Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC 28449
  • Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or weekday sunset
  • Vibe: Friendly, sun-drenched, small-town beach charm
  • Highlights: Fishing pier, Fort Fisher nearby, casual community
  • Facilities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards (seasonal)
  • Cost: Paid parking (meters or lots)
  • Hours: 6am–9pm
  • Food Nearby: Jack Mackerel’s or grab a snack near the pier
Climb the historic lighthouse and enjoy stunning coastal views.

Currituck Beach

Currituck Beach felt almost too still at first. Then I heard them, wild horses, moving just beyond the dunes. There’s something about being in their presence that slows everything down. The wind shifted. I stayed quiet.

The beach itself was long, flat, and sunlit like a photograph turned real. Not many people. Just the thud of hooves in the distance, and the steady breath of waves that never quite rushed. I walked past dune fences half-buried in time.

Currituck Beach is one of the most unique and scenic destinations in the Outer Banks, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for an unforgettable coastal adventure.

Known for its wild horses that roam freely along the dunes and beaches, Currituck stands out as more than just a shoreline, it’s a place where nature, history, and beauty come together in a truly remarkable way.

The beach itself is wide, rugged, and untamed, with soft sand, rolling surf, and an atmosphere that makes it perfect for off-road exploring, photography, or simply soaking up the wild Outer Banks spirit.

Located on the northern end of the Outer Banks and accessible by 4x4 vehicles, Currituck Beach feels like a remote escape that delivers one of the best and most unique experiences you can find along the Carolina coast. Absolutely one of my favorite adventures!

My personal highlights:

What I love most is the thrill of spotting the wild Colonial Spanish mustangs along the shoreline. It’s such a unique experience that never gets old. I also enjoy climbing the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in nearby Corolla for sweeping views of both the ocean and sound.

For me, Currituck Beach is one of the best Outer Banks experiences because it combines natural beauty, wildlife, and a unique sense of remoteness.

Currituck Beach Travel Tips

  • Drive time from Corolla: ~15 minutes (4WD area north of Corolla)
  • Access: Four-wheel drive only; no paved roads beyond Corolla
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning to catch cooler temps and horse sightings
  • Vibe: Remote, spacious, quietly wild
  • Highlights: Wild horses, minimal crowds, long flat beach
  • Facilities: None. No public restrooms or amenities
  • Cost: Free; 4WD permit required for vehicle access
  • Hours: Sunrise to sunset
  • Food Nearby: None on site. Stock up in Corolla before heading out
Drive along sandy shores and spot wild horses.

Carova Beach

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 experiences in North Carolina. Hands down one of my favorite places when I want to get away from it all.

“You’ll need a four-wheel drive,” a local warned me, and they were right. Carova isn’t marked by signs. It’s marked by the moment the road becomes sand and your sense of place drifts slightly.

I parked above the tide line and walked toward the water. There were no lifeguards, no fences, no rules except the kind the sea makes. The beach was open and raw. A pelican dove near shore. Someone passed by slowly in a truck with fishing poles rattling in back.

My personal highlights:

What I love most is the magic of seeing wild horses right on the beach. It’s such a unique and unforgettable experience. The sheer seclusion here is another highlight: no hotels, no shops, just nature, ocean, and sky as far as you can see.

Lunch was avocado, lime, and black bean spread on flatbread, cool and filling, packed tight in foil. I ate it with the truck tailgate down, toes in the sand, watching clouds make shapes no one else could see.

“Not every beach needs a destination,” I thought, “some just need a turn off the map.”

Carova Beach Travel Tips

  • Location: Northernmost Outer Banks, only accessible by 4x4
  • Vibe: Remote, wild, soul-stirring
  • Facilities: None—no public amenities; come prepared
  • Food Nearby: Head south to Corolla for restaurants and supplies
Explore remote shorelines and enjoy a peaceful coastal escape.

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 getaway.

Part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and only accessible by ferry, private plane, or boat, Ocracoke stands out as more than just a beach. It’s a place steeped in history, maritime mystery, and island charm.

The beach itself is vast and pristine, with soft sand, rolling dunes, and some of the cleanest, clearest water on the East Coast. Its untouched beauty makes it perfect for swimming, fishing, beachcombing, or simply soaking up the quiet.

Located at the southern tip of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke feels like an escape to another world. It's always been one of my favorite island getaways.

My personal highlights:

What I love most is the feeling of total seclusion. Long walks where it feels like you have the entire shoreline to yourself are unforgettable. I also love visiting the Ocracoke Lighthouse and wandering the quaint village, which adds a unique, historic charm to the natural beauty of the beach.

For me, Ocracoke Beach is one of the best Outer Banks experiences because it combines untouched coastal beauty with a unique island culture.

Ocracoke Beach Travel Tips

  • Location: Southern tip of the Outer Banks, accessible by ferry, plane, or boat
  • Vibe: Secluded, natural, laid-back
  • Facilities: Limited amenities; some parking areas, restrooms near access points
  • Food Nearby: Quaint local restaurants and cafes in Ocracoke Village
Walk along wide sandy shores and enjoy a family-friendly retreat.

Oak Island Beach (Long Beach)

Oak Island didn’t feel like a destination. It felt like a place you already belonged to. I parked beside a beach access path flanked by palmetto and sea grass, and by the time I stepped onto the sand, I’d already slowed down.

The 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. Just beach houses on stilts and families in folding chairs.

Oak Island Beach (also known as Long Beach) is one of the most unique and welcoming beaches on the southern coast of North Carolina, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for a relaxing getaway.

My personal highlights:

What I love most is the simple, classic beach-town feel. The Oak Island Pier is always a favorite for fishing or catching the sunset, and the nearby lighthouse gives the area a unique landmark and history to explore. It’s the kind of beach that feels timeless, which is what makes it one of the best and truly my favorite places to unwind.

Located near Southport and about 35 miles from Wilmington, Oak Island offers one of the best blends of accessibility and charm. You should check it out for yourself!

Oak Island Beach (Long Beach) Travel Tips

  • Location: Brunswick County, about 35 miles south of Wilmington
  • Vibe: Family-friendly, classic, laid-back
  • Facilities: Public beach accesses, pier, parking, seasonal lifeguards
  • Food Nearby: Local seafood restaurants and casual coastal dining in Oak Island and Southport
Spot migratory birds and explore diverse coastal habitats.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

“You don’t come here to swim,” I thought. “You come to remember.”

Pea Island isn’t really a beach, not in the way most people imagine it. It’s a strip of earth between sound and sea, shaped more by migration than by tourism. The refuge pulsed with quiet life, egrets wading, fiddler crabs darting, the wind in the cordgrass like distant applause.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is 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.

Established in 1938 as a sanctuary for migratory birds and wildlife, Pea Island stands out as more than just a beach. It’s a protected landscape where dunes, marshes, and ocean meet in a truly wild setting.

The beach itself is raw and natural, with miles of undeveloped shoreline, windswept dunes, and abundant birdlife. It’s perfect for long, peaceful walks, birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the solitude of the Outer Banks in its purest form.

My personal highlights:

What I love most is the wildlife. Watching flocks of migratory birds soar across the marshes or spotting sea turtles nesting on the shore feels incredibly unique and special. The hiking trails and observation platforms make it easy to immerse yourself in the refuge’s beauty and serenity.

For me, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best Outer Banks experiences because it combines natural beauty with a unique conservation story.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Travel Tips

  • Location: Hatteras Island, between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe
  • Vibe: Wild, peaceful, nature-focused
  • Facilities: Visitor center, trails, observation platforms, limited services
  • Food Nearby: Restaurants and shops in Rodanthe or Nags Head
Tracks in the sand. I took this photo on an off-season outing with my son and husband.
Tracks in the sand. I took this photo on an off-season outing with my son and husband.

Conclusion: Drift, Distance, and Return

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. From the wild beauty of Carova and Currituck, to the historic charm of Nags Head and Kure, to the peaceful stretches of Topsail and Oak Island, each destination offers its own personality and magic. 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.

For me, what makes these beaches truly special is how different they are from one another. Each one is unique, yet all share that inviting Carolina coastal spirit. It’s not just about the scenery, it’s about the stories, the history, and the memories you carry home. That’s why exploring these beaches will always be one of my favorite ways to experience North Carolina (in every season, yes, even winter!).

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.

Ema Bio

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