The 10 Best Beaches in North Carolina

North Carolina is jam-packed with stunning, sandy beaches that offer a variety of activities and experiences. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled weekend, the Tar Heel State has plenty to offer. From the Outer Banks to the Crystal Coast, here are the 10 best beaches in North Carolina.

1. Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a popular spot for families looking for a classic beach vacation. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions, there’s something for everyone. The beach is located on Pleasure Island, which offers plenty of activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and surfing. The nearby Carolina Beach State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Visitors can also take advantage of the town’s boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants, arcades, and shopping. There’s also a weekly fireworks display and the Sea Turtle Program, which helps protect local sea turtles and their habitats.

Carolina Beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing, stress-free beach vacation.

2. Nags Head

Nags Head is the perfect spot for a laid-back beach vacation. Located on the Outer Banks, it’s known for its wide, sandy beaches and stunning ocean views. Visitors can enjoy the area’s incredible natural beauty, as well as plenty of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and surfing. The beach also offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Nags Head is a great spot for families, as there are plenty of activities for kids, such as the Nags Head Pier and the nearby Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales. No matter what you’re looking for, Nags Head has something for everyone.

3. Kure Beach

Kure Beach is an ideal spot for a romantic weekend getaway. Located on Pleasure Island, it offers stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even pelicans.

Kure Beach is also home to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, which offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. And for a truly unique experience, visitors can take a boat tour of the nearby Cape Fear River. No matter what you’re looking for, Kure Beach has something for everyone.

4. Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a great spot for a weekend getaway. Located on the northern tip of Pleasure Island, it offers stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking.

The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even pelicans. Visitors can also explore the nearby Masonboro Island, which is home to a variety of wildlife and historic sites. No matter what you’re looking for, Wrightsville Beach has something for everyone.

5. Corolla

Corolla is a great spot for a weekend getaway. Located on the northern tip of the Outer Banks, it offers stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even pelicans.

Corolla is also home to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the nearby Corolla Wild Horse Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of wild horses. No matter what you’re looking for, Corolla has something for everyone.

6. Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle is a great spot for a weekend getaway. Located on the southern tip of the Outer Banks, it offers stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even pelicans.

Emerald Isle is also home to the Emerald Isle Woods, which offers a variety of trails and activities. Visitors can also explore the nearby Bogue Inlet Pier, which is home to a variety of wildlife and historic sites. No matter what you’re looking for, Emerald Isle has something for everyone.

7. Topsail Beach

Topsail Beach is a great spot for a weekend getaway. Located on the southern tip of the Outer Banks, it offers stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even pelicans.

Topsail Beach is also home to the Missiles and More Museum, which offers a unique look at the area’s history. Visitors can also explore the nearby Topsail Island State Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife and historic sites. No matter what you’re looking for, Topsail Beach has something for everyone.

8. Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach is a great spot for a weekend getaway. Located on the southern tip of the Outer Banks, it offers stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even pelicans.

Ocean Isle Beach is also home to the Museum of Coastal Carolina, which offers a unique look at the area’s history. Visitors can also explore the nearby Shallotte River Swamp Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife and historic sites. No matter what you’re looking for, Ocean Isle Beach has something for everyone.

9. Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a great spot for a weekend getaway. Located on the southeastern corner of the Outer Banks, it offers stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even pelicans.

Holden Beach is also home to the Holden Beach Fishing Pier, which offers a unique look at the area’s fishing industry. Visitors can also explore the nearby Holden Beach Nature Preserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife and historic sites. No matter what you’re looking for, Holden Beach has something for everyone.

10. Southport

Southport is a great spot for a weekend getaway. Located on the southeastern corner of the Outer Banks, it offers stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even pelicans.

Southport is also home to the Southport Maritime Museum, which offers a unique look at the area’s maritime history. Visitors can also explore the nearby Fort Johnston Historic Site, which is home to a variety of wildlife and historic sites. No matter what you’re looking for, Southport has something for everyone.

Summary

North Carolina is a paradise for beach-goers, offering stunning sandy beaches and plenty of activities. From the Outer Banks to Pleasure Island, there are plenty of beaches to explore. Carolina Beach, Nags Head, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Corolla, Emerald Isle, Topsail Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Southport are the 10 best beaches in North Carolina and offer a variety of activities and experiences for everyone.