Beaches Near Charlotte, North Carolina

By VacationIdea Staff | Affiliate Disclosure

Charlotte, North Carolina

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What makes the North Carolina coast unique?
- The coast of North Carolina is characterized by stunning barrier islands and stretches of rarely crowded, remote beaches.
Are there busier beaches in North Carolina?
- Yes! There are busier beaches near the Outer Banks and Wilmington, offering a mix of vibrant beach life and relaxing coastal experiences.
What makes North Carolina’s lighthouses special?
- The lighthouses found along the North Carolina coast are some of the country’s most romantic and beautiful, attracting visitors from all over.
Do North Carolina beaches have unique attractions?
- Yes! Each beach has its own array of attractions and a unique vibe, making every visit a special experience.
How far are North Carolina beaches from Charlotte?
- All of these beaches are within a few hours from the city of Charlotte, making them a great escape for city dwellers.
Where can you relax after exploring Charlotte?
- If you need a rest after exploring everything Charlotte has to offer, head to one of these beautiful beaches for a refreshing getaway.

Best Time to Visit Beaches Near Charlotte, NC

May to September – Best overall time with warm weather, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and coastal getaways.
June to August – Peak summer season with hot temps, lively beach towns, and family-friendly fun.
April & October – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds—great for relaxing beach strolls and sightseeing.
March & November – Cooler but pleasant weather for peaceful coastal visits without the summer rush.
December to February – Off-season with quiet beaches, lower prices, and crisp coastal air.

⮕ Bald Head Island Near Charlotte

Enjoy easy relaxation and explore scenic beaches on a romantic weekend getaway.

Bald Head Island Near Charlotte

Where is Bald Head Island located?
- Bald Head Island is just a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland, located near Southport, North Carolina.
How do visitors travel to Bald Head Island?
- The journey across the Cape Fear River to the island is around two miles, and visitors must leave their car behind, embracing a more peaceful, stress-free environment.
What historical landmark can visitors see before reaching the island?
- Before making the short trip, visitors can stop at the Old Baldy Lighthouse, the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina, dating back to 1817.
What natural features make Bald Head Island special?
- Bald Head Island boasts approximately ten thousand acres of untouched maritime forest preserves, marshes, and beaches.

⮕ Carolina Beach Near Charlotte

Discover affordable attractions or walk along lively boardwalk sights in summer.

Carolina Beach Near Charlotte

What makes Carolina Beach unique?
- Carolina Beach features a laid-back atmosphere and is considered one of the most down-to-earth beaches along the country’s Atlantic Coast, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed getaway.
What events take place at Carolina Beach?
- Carolina Beach hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including the Carolina Beach Music Festival, as well as everyday live music performances.
What is the highlight of Carolina Beach?
- The highlight of the beach is its fun and vintage boardwalk, which features several shops and eateries and is nationally recognized as a place for old-fashioned fun by the ocean, but with a fresh and modern twist.

⮕ Carova Beach Near Charlotte

Go explore unusual wild horse habitats and admire serene coastal beauty.

Carova Beach Near Charlotte

What is Carova Beach?
- Carova Beach is considered the last frontier of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
What makes Carova Beach unique?
- The area is well known for its miles of privacy, white clean sandy beaches, beach houses scattered throughout, and most famous of all, the wild mustangs.
Where can visitors see the wild mustangs?
- These horses roam freely along the ocean and in the small residential neighborhoods of Carova.
What activities do visitors enjoy at Carova Beach?
- Carova Beach is a place where people go for peace and relaxation, lounging under umbrellas and catching up with family and friends.
What is the water temperature like at Carova Beach?
- The waters remain consistently warm during the summer season and into the beginning of the fall months.

⮕ Corolla Near Charlotte

Visit historic lighthouse or enjoy affordable family adventures along sandy shores.

Corolla Near Charlotte

What is Corolla?
- Corolla is a popular vacation destination in the Outer Banks.
What is the main attraction in Corolla?
- Like many other destinations in the area, its beach is the town’s main attraction.
What makes Corolla Beach special?
- Corolla boasts long stretches of unspoiled beach without any commercial boardwalks, 4WD traffic, or business development, making it a perfect place for families who just want a large area of sand on which to play.
Is Corolla Beach crowded?
- Since the area is still a somewhat smaller destination for vacations, visitors should not have too difficult of a time finding a nice spot to put down a beach towel and enjoy the sun and sand.

⮕ Emerald Isle Near Charlotte

Relax during an exciting beach weekend or savor fresh seafood dinners nearby.

Emerald Isle Near Charlotte

What is Emerald Isle?
- Emerald Isle is one of the most stunning beaches on the Atlantic Coast of America, offering visitors a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere among the sandy white shores and blue waters.
What was the original plan for Emerald Isle?
- The beach and surrounding area were originally designed during the 1920s to provide a large summer attraction for tourists. The idea was to build a large ocean resort, but those plans never came to be.
What amenities are available at Emerald Isle?
- The public beach accesses and park on Emerald Isle offer a variety of amenities, such as picnic pavilions, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and launches for kayaks.
Does Emerald Isle get crowded?
- As a popular beach, Emerald Isle can get crowded at times.

⮕ Kure Beach

Explore quick nature trails or visit exciting aquarium attractions with family.

Kure Beach

What is Kure Beach?
- Kure Beach is a small North Carolina town beach with an atmosphere that lets visitors get away from the hectic everyday city vibe.
What is a major highlight of Kure Beach?
- One of the main highlights of the beach is the oldest fishing pier anywhere along the country’s East Coast.
What attractions can visitors find at Kure Beach?
- The oceanfront park, seaside surroundings, the state aquarium, and the historic Fort Fisher site all make Kure Beach an underrated beach near Charlotte in North Carolina.
Is Kure Beach family-friendly?
- Yes! As a family-friendly beach, it’s a great place for families looking for a natural playground for their children.
- There’s an actual playground with seaside swings at the Oceanfront Park as well.

⮕ Lake Norman State Park

Discover affordable lakeside fun, or hike scenic trails all summer.

Lake Norman State Park

What is Lake Norman State Park?
- Lake Norman State Park is home to North Carolina’s largest man-made lake.
What outdoor activities are available at Lake Norman State Park?
- The park boasts a popular trail network for mountain biking, including just over thirty miles of single-track trails.
- Visitors can also enjoy fishing opportunities along the park trails and a boat ramp for water activities.
What facilities are available at the swim beach?
- The bathhouse complex and the swim beach, which measures 125 yards in length, are located nearby.
Does Lake Norman State Park have camping facilities?
- Yes, the state park includes a campground with a group camping site and thirty-two individual camping sites.
- This campground is only open during the warmer months and includes a community building with a fireplace, restrooms, and kitchen facilities that can be rented out.

⮕ Masonboro Island

Go enjoy unusual solitude and admire untouched nature during a quick trip.

Masonboro Island

Where is Masonboro Island located?
- Masonboro Island is located near the city of Wilmington, North Carolina and can only be reached via the public ferry or private boat.
Where can visitors find boat launches to Masonboro Island?
- Both public and private boat launches can be found around Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, along with additional boat ramps at the New Hanover County Trails End Park.
How can visitors access the beach on Masonboro Island?
- Trails on the island offer access for day trip visitors to reach the beach from the boat landing areas.
Is camping allowed on Masonboro Island?
- Primitive camping with tents is allowed on Masonboro Island, with the advisement for visitors to use areas that have already been camped in.
Where do ferries typically land on Masonboro Island?
- Ferries generally land at the north or south sounds of the island.

⮕ Myrtle Beach

See exciting attractions or explore affordable shopping and vibrant nightlife.

Myrtle Beach

What is Myrtle Beach?
- Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the United States and boasts numerous attractions, hotels, and great restaurants.
Where is Myrtle Beach located?
- Myrtle Beach is one of the top vacation destinations along the Atlantic Coast, particularly in South Carolina.
- Even though it’s in a different state, it’s still a great choice for a beach for people in Charlotte.
What attractions are available at Myrtle Beach?
- Visitors will find several restaurants, shops, and arcades along the beachfront boardwalk at the Grand Strand.
- One of the main attractions is the SkyWheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in America.
What is the Grand Strand?
- The Grand Strand is a series of beaches that stretches for sixty miles.

⮕ Nags Head

Walk along easy, picturesque beaches and explore exciting dunes nearby.

Nags Head

What is the history of Nags Head?
- Nags Head has mostly consisted of a handful of small hotels and family cottages since its beginnings during the 1800s.
Can visitors still see historic cottages in Nags Head?
- Yes, visitors today can still see a number of historic cottages, the majority of which can be found in Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
What is Jockey’s Ridge State Park?
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the most significant landmark in town and features the tallest system of sand dunes in the eastern region of the country, providing unmatched views of the area.
What amenities are available at Nags Head’s oceanfront?
- The oceanfront of Nags Head includes plenty of parking and public beach access.
What is the atmosphere like in Nags Head?
- A small-town vibe and family-operated businesses prevail today, creating a relaxed, slow pace and charming atmosphere.