• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bald Head Island Near Charlotte ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Romantic Islands
Bald Head Island Near Charlotte
© William Howard/stock.adobe.com

2. Carolina Beach Near Charlotte ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Carolina Beach Near Charlotte
© James/stock.adobe.com

3. Carova Beach Near Charlotte

Category: Beaches
Carova Beach Near Charlotte
© Oleksandr Shevchenko/stock.adobe.com

4. Corolla Near Charlotte

Corolla Near Charlotte
© Michael Geissinger/stock.adobe.com

5. Emerald Isle Near Charlotte

Emerald Isle Near Charlotte
© David/stock.adobe.com

6. Kure Beach

Category: Beaches
Kure Beach
© Tim Markley/stock.adobe.com

7. Lake Norman State Park

Category: Activities
Lake Norman State Park
© skiserge1/stock.adobe.com

8. Masonboro Island

Romantic Islands
Masonboro Island
© izuboky/stock.adobe.com

9. Myrtle Beach

Category: Beaches
Myrtle Beach
© Photopa/stock.adobe.com

10. Nags Head

Nags Head
© claudia hake/stock.adobe.com

11. North Myrtle Beach

Category: Beaches
North Myrtle Beach
© jdwfoto/stock.adobe.com

12. Rodanthe

Rodanthe
© Jenny Thompson/stock.adobe.com

13. Surfside Beach

Category: Beaches
Surfside Beach
© Laura Ballard/stock.adobe.com

14. Topsail Island

Romantic Islands
Topsail Island
© muratani/stock.adobe.com

15. Wrightsville Beach

Category: Beaches
Wrightsville Beach
© Rob/stock.adobe.com

16. Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms
© preto_perola/stock.adobe.com

17. Hilton Head Island

Romantic Islands
Hilton Head Island
© Chris/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • The coast of North Carolina is characterized by stunning barrier islands and stretches of rarely crowded, remote beaches.
  • There are busier beaches, however, near the Outer Banks and Wilmington.
  • The lighthouses found along the North Carolina coast are some of the country’s most romantic and beautiful.
  • Each beach has its own array of attractions and unique vibe.
  • All of these beaches are within a few hours from the city of Charlotte.
  • If you need a rest after exploring everything Charlotte has to offer, head to one of these beaches.

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