Best Beaches in North Carolina for Families

The breathtaking beaches of North Carolina are the perfect destination for family vacations. With beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of activities for all ages, you and your family will have an unforgettable time. From the Outer Banks to Carolina Beach, here are some of the best beaches in North Carolina for families.

Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach State Park is the perfect beach for families looking for a nature-filled getaway. With over 600 acres of land, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. The beach is pristine and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nature trails. There is also a campground and a fishing pier, perfect for a family fishing trip.

Surrounding the beach are lush forests, with a variety of wildlife that can be seen while exploring the nature trails. There are also plenty of educational opportunities, with ranger-led programs and exhibits that provide an in-depth look into the area’s history and ecology.

The park is also home to a wide variety of activities for kids, including a playground, a pirate ship, and a splash pad. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for the whole family to enjoy.

Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. It is known for its beautiful beaches, unique wildlife, and picturesque views. The area is made up of several towns, each with its own unique character.

The beaches of the Outer Banks are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. There are also plenty of activities for the whole family, including fishing, kayaking, and boat tours. There are also a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Kids will love the variety of wildlife found in the Outer Banks. The area is home to a variety of birds, dolphins, and sea turtles. The area is also known for its wild horses, which can be seen roaming the beaches.

Kure Beach

Kure Beach is a popular destination for families in North Carolina. The beach is beautiful and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. There are also plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained, such as a fishing pier, a playground, and a water park.

The town of Kure Beach is also full of restaurants, shops, and attractions. There are also plenty of educational opportunities, with the nearby North Carolina Aquarium and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

Kure Beach is also known for its wildlife, with a variety of birds, dolphins, and sea turtles that can be seen in the waters. The area is also home to the Kure Beach Sea Turtle Program, which helps protect and conserve the area’s sea turtle population.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a stunning stretch of coastline that is perfect for families looking for a beach getaway. The area is full of beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.

The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of birds. You can also explore the area’s historic sites, such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

Families will also enjoy the variety of activities available, such as fishing, kayaking, and boat tours. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the area for the whole family to enjoy.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a popular beach destination for families in North Carolina. The beach is beautiful and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. There are also plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained, such as a fishing pier, a playground, and a water park.

The town of Wrightsville Beach is also full of restaurants, shops, and attractions. There are also plenty of educational opportunities, with the nearby Airlie Gardens and the Cape Fear Museum.

Wrightsville Beach is also known for its wildlife, with a variety of birds, dolphins, and sea turtles that can be seen in the waters. The area is also home to the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Program, which helps protect and conserve the area’s sea turtle population.

Topsail Island

Topsail Island is a beloved beach destination for families in North Carolina. The beach is pristine and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nature trails. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, dolphins, and sea turtles.

The island is also home to a wide variety of activities for kids, including a playground, a pirate ship, and a splash pad. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for the whole family to enjoy.

Families will also enjoy exploring the island’s historic sites, such as the Topsail Island Historic District and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Corolla

Corolla is a beautiful beach destination for families in North Carolina. The beach is pristine and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nature trails. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the wild horses of Corolla.

The area is also home to a wide variety of activities for kids, including a playground, a pirate ship, and a splash pad. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for the whole family to enjoy.

Families will also enjoy exploring the area’s historic sites, such as the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club. The area is also known for its wild horses, which can be seen roaming the beaches.

Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is a popular destination for families in North Carolina. The beach is beautiful and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. There are also plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained, such as a fishing pier, a playground, and a water park.

The town of Atlantic Beach is also full of restaurants, shops, and attractions. There are also plenty of educational opportunities, with the nearby North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Fort Macon State Park.

Atlantic Beach is also known for its wildlife, with a variety of birds, dolphins, and sea turtles that can be seen in the waters. The area is also home to the Atlantic Beach Sea Turtle Program, which helps protect and conserve the area’s sea turtle population.

Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle is a stunning beach destination for families in North Carolina. The beach is pristine and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nature trails. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, dolphins, and sea turtles.

The area is also home to a wide variety of activities for kids, including a playground, a pirate ship, and a splash pad. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for the whole family to enjoy.

Families will also enjoy exploring the area’s historic sites, such as the Emerald Isle Historic District and the Emerald Isle Woods Park. The area is also known for its wild horses, which can be seen roaming the beaches.

Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is a stunning beach destination for families in North Carolina. The beach is pristine and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nature trails. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, dolphins, and sea turtles.

The area is also home to a wide variety of activities for kids, including a playground, a pirate ship, and a splash pad. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for the whole family to enjoy.

Families will also enjoy exploring the area’s historic sites, such as the Old Baldy Lighthouse and the Bald Head Island Conservancy. The area is also known for its wild horses, which can be seen roaming the beaches.

Summary

From the Outer Banks to Bald Head Island, North Carolina is full of beautiful beaches that are perfect for family vacations. Whether you’re looking for a nature-filled getaway or a beach-filled adventure, there is something for everyone in North Carolina. From fishing, kayaking, and boat tours to exploring historic sites and nature trails, you and your family will have an unforgettable time.