Best Beaches in North Carolina
Searching for the best beaches in North Carolina for your next day trip or a relaxing 48 hour weekend getaway? Well, you are in the right place! I've always loved that North Carolina’s shores welcome everyone, from families seeking calm sandy stretches to nature lovers exploring dunes and lighthouses.
After years of returning and dedicating a four week road trip to exploring the best beaches in North Carolina, these are the places I recommend to most visitors. You can easily plan a beautiful vacation using my guide, grouped for your convenience into two main areas: around Outer Banks and beaches around Wilmington, NC.
- Best Outer Banks, NC Beaches
- - #1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- - #2. Nags Head
- - #3. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
- - #4. Currituck Beach
- - #5. Carova Beach
- - #6. Ocracoke Beach
- Best Beaches Near Wilmington, NC
- - #7. Topsail Beach
- - #8. Wrightsville Beach
- - #9. Kure Beach
- - #10. Oak Island Beach
Best Outer Banks, NC Beaches
The Outer Banks is a narrow stretch of barrier islands stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound. I think that in May, the islands are at their most magical, just before the summer crowds arrive. I love that the sun is softer and wildflowers bloom! Here are my favorite Outer Banks beaches that I hope you will love too.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore - 3 hours from Raleigh
This Outer Banks gem completely swept me off my feet with its miles of soft sand along the Atlantic, and honestly I thought it was truly one of the best East Coast beaches! In addition, the cool black-and-white lighthouse is unmissable.
I recommend just walking barefoot along the beach, enjoying the scenery. Next, exploring the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was the best highlight.
In the afternoon, we drove through the dunes and were lucky enough to spot wild horses grazing near the road, a moment that felt almost unreal and completely magical.
I loved how untouched everything felt—no rush, no crowds, just nature, wild horses and heaps of dunes. We ended our days watching sunsets melt into the horizon.
We settled into our affordable room at Outer Banks Motor Lodge for five days, with a kitchenette, blackout drapes and a wonderful location just steps from the beach.
What I loved best:
From Cape Hatteras National Seashore, we drove about 15 minutes south to Frisco, home to the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center, my personal highlight! I love that it features Native American heritage alongside local ecology, giving us a deeper appreciation for the region’s history and environment!
Nags Head
Chris and I both absolutely love Nags Head, and have been many times. This 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 beach getaway.
I learned that it was first settled in the early 1800s and to me it stands out as a place where tradition and culture meet along the shoreline.
I suggest parking near the beach access and walking straight onto the sand.
Now, first things first, Nags Head Beach felt wide, breezy, and kind of magical, with soft sand and rolling waves. After soaking it all in, we laid out towels and just relaxed.
You can walk along the shoreline, look for seashells and watch surfers. It's a simple and refreshing vacation!
For lunch, head to Blue Moon Beach Grill for great Southern comfort food.
We then headed over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park nearby, which is right in Nags Head, and climbing the sand dunes felt like an exciting and unusual adventure. The views from the top were spectacular and honestly the absolute best sunset I’ve seen on the Outer Banks.
What I loved best:
Wandering through local shops in Manteo and along the beach road was a personal highlight where I especially loved Seaside Art Gallery for its marine-themed prints. I bought one of their hand-blown glass sea turtles that perfectly capture the ocean spirit of the Outer Banks. In the evenings, getting to know nearby Manteo's culinary scene was a delight, especially fresh seafood at Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar and burgers at Lost Colony Tavern.
Another personal favorite was an amazing Hatteras Style Chowder ($5.99) at Tortugas’ Lie Shellfish Bar downtown where are refueled for lunch.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
I thought it's one of the most pristine places in the Outer Banks. It’s easily one of my favorite vacation spots for connecting with untouched coastal nature in North Carolina. We adored this natural spot and I learned that it was established in 1938 as a sanctuary for migratory birds and wildlife. To reach Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, drive south from Nags Head about 25 minutes on Cape Hatteras National Park Rd and then onwards on North Carolina Hwy 12 S.
Currituck Beach
If you want to get away from it all (a 4x4 vehicle is a must!), drive about 50 minutes north from Nags Head to this wonderful beach. This place had such an unhurried feel that I thought that it was one of the best North Carolina beaches for a secluded beach day!
Just a heads up, the best time to go for horse sightings on Currituck Beach is early mornings! You can totally spot some, just set your alarm early.
Local tip: Since there are no paved roads beyond Corolla, you will need a 4WD vehicle and a permit. Also keep in mind there's no food here, so be sure to bring your own food and water.
What I loved best:
I loved visiting Currituck Beach Lighthouse, my personal hightlight.
Dinner at North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar capped off the day, with hearty dishes served in a warm setting that made us feel right at home. Go for Grilled Atlantic Yellowfin Tuna ($33)
Carova Beach
If you are craving even more remoteness, drive even further north from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse area to this stunning beach Google Maps pin that I only visited once but can't wait to return to! Keep in mind that you will need to drive in a 4x4 vehicle on the sandy beach, as there are no paved roads leading directly to Carova.
A permit is required for parking in designated areas around Carova Beach during the high-use season (late April to early October) and the drive took us about an hour.
Located at the northernmost tip of the Outer Banks, Carova Beach is where we enjoyed one of our quietest fishing days ever - we caught heaps of fish!
Ocracoke Beach
This is one of the most unspoiled beaches in the Outer Banks, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for a nature-filled island getaway in North Carolina.
Part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and only accessible by ferry, private plane, or boat, Ocracoke stands out as more than just a beach because. It's steeped in history and I thought that it was the perfect affordable island day trip. Ocracoke Express is a seasonal service that costs $7.50 per passenger each way (free for ages under 3) and you can book online.
This beach is vast, with soft sand, rolling dunes, and some of the cleanest water on the East Coast. You can swim and fish.
Topsail Beach
Beaches Near Wilmington (North to South Route)
If you are driving from the north (Raleigh, Durham, or the Outer Banks), start your beach road trip here, continue down the coast to Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, Oak Island Beach, and end your trip in Wilmington (3 hour driving time without stopping).
Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach is one of my favorite vacation ideas on the North Carolina coast, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for a laid-back seaside escape.
This beach itself is wide and tranquil, with soft sand, gentle waves, and a slower pace. We enjoyed swimming, shell hunting, fishing, relaxing by the ocean, and enjoying an ocean view lunch at Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille where the fish tacos were a real standout for me.
We drove 3 hours from Durham and spend two days in a comfortable Standard room with two Queen beds at the 3-star Loggerhead Inn & Suites where I loved the location just steps from the beach.
Wrightsville Beach
Next stop was Wrightsville Beach, about 45 minutes south of Topsail Beach (take US-17 S, then US-421 S toward Wilmington).
The first time we visited Wrightsville Beach on our journey, I was instantly charmed by how welcoming it felt. Just minutes from downtown Wilmington (15-minute drive!), the transition is almost immediate. You leave behind city streets and suddenly find yourself surrounded by ocean breezes and palm trees.
You can enjoy long walks along the wide beach. Have fun watching surfers and paddleboarders from the shore.
We spent our day here swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, walking along the scenic Johnnie Mercers Pier and for lunch, locals pointed us to Tower 7 Baja Grill.
Tours with a local guide are a great way to experience the area, especially if you want to learn more about the local ecosystem from a local guide. Kayak and paddleboard tours through the marshes and waterways are incredibly popular and offer a unique perspective of the coast. Sunset cruises and eco-tours are also fantastic options if you want a more relaxed experience on the water.
A downside? Parking was stressful in the summer because there are few spots.
Next day we took some time to explore the trails and tidal flats at nearby Masonboro Island Reserve which were my son's favorite because there was so much room to run!
Kure Beach
This NC beach is one of my favorite places when I want calm scenery and gentle waves. Wrightsville Beach to Kure Beach was about 40 minutes by car (head south through Wilmington, then follow US-421 S toward Pleasure Island.)
In addition to relaxing on the beach, we loved the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area (less crowded beach), and the Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry for a sunset ride.
What I loved best:
When you get hungry, Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill offers delicious Caribbean-influenced food, my personal highlight.
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Oak Island Beach (Long Beach)
For our most secluded beach stop on this route, we headed from Kure Beach to Oak Island Beach (also known as Long Beach) which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes via NC-211 S. Or you can take the Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry (I love this scenic shortcut which takes about 35 minutes including loading/unloading!).
You can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy a family picnic lunch. It was a lovely beach that didn't feel touristy.
As sunset rolled in, we set up chairs and watched the sky turn spectacular colors.
What I loved best:
For me, Oak Island Beach is one of the best beaches s in North Carolina. It's romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I hope you will love it too!
My favorite highlight was Island Way, the perfect spot for romantic dinner on the water. Their grouper filet served on a bed of asparagus topped with shrimp, crab meat & bearnaise sauce was a standout.
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
