Quick Summary:

  • 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.


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

1. Bald Head Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Romantic Islands
Bald Head Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of iofoto - Fotolia.com

2. Bird Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bird Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of sbgoodwin - Fotolia.com

3. Bodie Island

Romantic Islands
Bodie Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of sbgoodwin - Fotolia.com

4. Cedar Island

Romantic Islands
Cedar Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of aonar1 - Fotolia.com

5. Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of David - Fotolia.com

6. Harkers Island

Romantic Islands
Harkers Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of sbgoodwin - Fotolia.com

7. Hatteras Island

Romantic Islands
Hatteras Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of Jenny Thompson - Fotolia.com

8. Knotts Island, North Carolina

Romantic Islands
Knotts Island, North Carolina | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of sherryvsmith - Fotolia.com

9. Masonboro Island

Romantic Islands
Masonboro Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of jdowns67 - Fotolia.com

10. Oak Island

Romantic Islands
Oak Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of Serenethos - Fotolia.com

11. Ocracoke Island

Romantic Islands
Ocracoke Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of Moonborne - Fotolia.com

12. Pleasure Island

Romantic Islands
Pleasure Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of WideAwake - Fotolia.com

13. Roanoke Island

Romantic Islands
Roanoke Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of jiawangkun - Fotolia.com

14. Shackleford Banks

Shackleford Banks | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of Moonborne - Fotolia.com

15. Topsail Island

Romantic Islands
Topsail Island | North Carolina Islands
© Courtesy of muratani - Fotolia.com

16. Figure Eight Island

Romantic Islands
Figure Eight Island | North Carolina Islands
© Meadering Moments/stock.adobe.com

17. Lea-Hutaff Island, North Carolina

Romantic Islands
Lea-Hutaff Island, North Carolina | North Carolina Islands
© Tom Ramsey/stock.adobe.com

18. Pea Island

Romantic Islands
Pea Island | North Carolina Islands
© Mosto/stock.adobe.com

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