• How do North Carolina’s barrier islands differ from the northern Atlantic Coast?
    • In contrast to the bustling boardwalks and vibrant nightlife of the northern Atlantic Coast, the barrier islands of North Carolina serve as a perfect getaway for visitors looking for Southern charm and expansive stretches of undeveloped Atlantic Ocean beachfront.
  • What activities are available at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
    • For visitors looking for quieter natural excursions, the 70-mile Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC offers fishing, surfing, boating, shelling, camping, and unique wildlife watching opportunities.

This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.

1. Bald Head Island


Explore sandy beaches and admire lighthouse views on a peaceful summer weekend trip.

Bald Head Island

© Courtesy of iofoto - Fotolia.com

  • Where is Bald Head Island located?
  • What historical significance does Bald Head Island have?
    • Though the island served important roles in the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars, it is perhaps best known today as the primary location in the 1989 feature film Weekend at Bernie’s.
  • What lighthouses have served Bald Head Island?
    • Three lighthouses have serviced the island, including the out-of-commission Old Baldy Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1817 and is the state’s oldest extant lighthouse, offering tours today through the Smith Island Museum.
  • What wildlife and natural attractions can be found on the island?
    • The island is recognized nationally for its bird and sea turtle nesting populations and features 14 miles of gorgeous visitor beaches and attractions such as the Bald Head Island Club golf course, named the number two course renovation in the country by Links magazine.
  • What amenities do vacation rentals offer on Bald Head Island?
    • Many vacation rentals on the island provide complimentary temporary memberships to the Bald Head Island Club and the Shoals Club, which offer gourmet restaurants and marina access.
  • Where can I check the weather forecast for Bald Head Island?

2. Bird Island


Walk along quiet shores and discover unusual wildlife on a relaxing spring outing.

Bird Island

© Courtesy of sbgoodwin - Fotolia.com

  • What is Bird Island?
    • Bird Island is an undeveloped barrier island along North Carolina’s southwestern coast that has been declared as a Dedicated Nature Preserve.
  • How much of Bird Island is protected?
    • 1,481 acres of the island’s land is protected as Bird Island Preserve, which is home to notable populations of loggerhead sea turtles and seabeach amaranth, both threatened species.
  • How can visitors access Bird Island?
    • Visitors may access the island by boat at the Little River Inlet or on foot from Sunset Beach, which offers parking at Main Street and the 40th Street Boardwalk.
  • What does Bird Island offer for nature lovers?
    • The island is a perfect spot for nature lovers, offering day-use public walking access throughout its maritime grassland, salt marsh, and dune beach ecosystems.

3. Bodie Island


See the historic lighthouse and enjoy easy coastal sights on a quick visit.

Bodie Island

© Courtesy of sbgoodwin - Fotolia.com

  • Is Bodie Island actually an island?
  • Where is Bodie Island located?
  • How does Bodie Island compare to nearby tourist areas?
    • Unlike the nearby tourist areas at Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, Bodie Island is a largely undeveloped natural paradise, offering ample opportunities for activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching.
  • What landmarks can be found on Bodie Island?
    • The 10-mile island is also home to the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1872, and the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, one of the region’s largest fishing centers.
  • Are off-road vehicles and camping allowed on Bodie Island?
    • Off-road vehicles are permitted on several beaches, and overnight accommodations are available at the NPS-managed Oregon Inlet Campground.
  • Where can I find a map of Bodie Island?

4. Cedar Island


Visit wild marshes and admire coastal sights during a peaceful retirement escape.

Cedar Island

© Courtesy of aonar1 - Fotolia.com

  • What is Cedar Island?
    • Cedar Island is commonly used to refer to a group of mainland communities near Beaufort and Morehead City, though the proper island is a four-mile refuge located across West Thorofare Bay from mainland North Carolina.
  • What part of Cedar Island is protected?
    • Much of the island is preserved as Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1964 and offers a wide variety of entertainment for nature lovers and beach buffs alike.
  • How can visitors access Cedar Island?
    • The island is accessible via the Cedar Island Ferry route or NC Highway 12.
  • What activities can be enjoyed on Cedar Island?
    • The island offers opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, kayaking, shelling, bird watching, and horseback riding.
  • Why is Cedar Island a great travel destination?
    • As the closest region to popular Ocracoke Island, the island makes a perfect day trip or secluded getaway, offering both campground and motel accommodations.

5. Emerald Isle


Swim or stroll scenic shores and enjoy fun family stuff on vacation.

Emerald Isle

© Courtesy of David - Fotolia.com

  • Why is Emerald Isle named as such?
    • Emerald Isle was named for the lush green oasis it offered in the midst of the Crystal Coast’s sparkling waters and remains a beautiful refuge today.
  • What is another name for Emerald Isle?
    • The island is also known as Bogue Banks Island.
  • What outdoor activities can be enjoyed at Emerald Isle?
    • The island offers a wide variety of activities for every outdoor lover, including swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
  • Where can visitors find a quiet beach experience?
    • The Point offers a quiet beach haven and minimal crowds as compared to beaches on nearby resort islands.
  • What attractions are available for families?
    • The family-owned Salty Pirate Water Park provides thrills for young visitors.
  • What are some popular recreational spots on Emerald Isle?

6. Harkers Island


Go boating or explore maritime heritage on an affordable, quiet summer trip.

Harkers Island

© Courtesy of sbgoodwin - Fotolia.com

  • Where is Harkers Island located?
    • Harkers Island is located approximately half an hour from Emerald Isle via US-70 and Harkers Island Road.
  • Who are the residents of Harkers Island?
    • The island features an unincorporated community of residents known as “hoi toiders,” who speak a unique dialect of English and are descendants of original 18th-century settlers.
  • What is Harkers Island known for today?
    • Today, the island is a major center for waterfowl enthusiast tourism.
  • What museums or cultural sites can be found on Harkers Island?
  • What other notable sites are on Harkers Island?
    • Other notable sites include the National Park Service Visitor Center for nearby Cape Lookout National Seashore, which showcases a park documentary film and children’s activities.

7. Hatteras Island


Discover historic sites and admire ocean views on an exciting fall beach trip.

Hatteras Island

© Courtesy of Jenny Thompson - Fotolia.com

  • Where is Hatteras Island located?
    • Hatteras Island divides the Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean and is the largest island within the Outer Banks region, spanning nearly 48 miles.
  • What makes Hatteras Island a great travel destination?
    • With year-round mild temperatures, accessible beaches, and a wide variety of laid-back tourist activities, the island is the quintessential North Carolina getaway.
  • What national park is located on Hatteras Island?
    • The island is the primary site of the 72-mile Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which also spans nearby Bodie and Ocracoke Islands and offers eco-friendly outdoor activities such as boating, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
  • What villages and attractions can be found on Hatteras Island?
  • What is the tallest lighthouse in the United States?

8. Knotts Island, North Carolina


Explore countryside roads and enjoy wildlife sights during a cheap weekend getaway.

Knotts Island, North Carolina

© Courtesy of sherryvsmith - Fotolia.com

  • What is Knotts Island?
    • Knotts Island is a small, marsh-filled island that is home to an unincorporated community offering true local charm.
  • What bodies of water surround Knotts Island?
    • The island is surrounded by the North Landing River, Currituck Sound, and Knotts Island and Back Bays.
  • How can visitors access Knotts Island?
    • The island is accessible from Virginia Beach via Princess Anne Road.
  • What equestrian activities are available on Knotts Island?
    • Private seasonal equestrian lessons and children’s camps are offered at Willowgait Farm.

9. Masonboro Island


Visit this undeveloped preserve and discover unusual sights on a quick boat trip.

Masonboro Island

© Courtesy of jdowns67 - Fotolia.com

  • What is Masonboro Island?
  • How is Masonboro Island protected?
  • What ecosystems are found on Masonboro Island?
    • Its natural ecosystems are a mix of dunes, marshes, and tidal flats and provide an important nesting area for threatened loggerhead sea turtles.
  • How can visitors access Masonboro Island?
    • Visitor access to the island is restricted to boat, kayak, and canoe travel, with private ferry service available from several ferry companies.
  • Is camping allowed on Masonboro Island?
    • Overnight camping is permitted at several sites throughout the island.

10. Oak Island


Go fishing or enjoy beach walks with kids during a summer family trip.

Oak Island

© Courtesy of Serenethos - Fotolia.com

  • Why is Oak Island a great family vacation destination?
    • Oak Island is the perfect destination for families looking for a classic North Carolina beach vacation, offering more than 60 public beach access points and seaside attractions such as old-time ice cream parlors and miniature golf courses.
  • What historic sites can visitors tour on Oak Island?
    • A number of historic sites are available for touring, including Oak Island Lighthouse, the state’s most recent lighthouse, constructed in 1958.
  • What are some family-friendly attractions on Oak Island?
    • Popular family attractions include the Oak Island Nature Center and the Ocean Education Center, which offer natural history exhibits and programming, and the community-supported Oak Island Skate Park.
  • What piers can be found on Oak Island?
  • What recreational activities are available for parents?
  • What movies were filmed on Oak Island?

Plan Your Trip


Table of Contents: