North Carolina offers 322 miles of beautiful coastline, making it a perfect destination for people who love the beach. The state’s pleasant climate and charming atmosphere further enhance its appeal. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there are plenty of beaches to choose from, both on the mainland and on barrier islands.
You can opt for popular spots that come with convenient amenities, or you can seek solitude and peace at one of the many undeveloped beaches. At these beaches, you can either face the majestic Atlantic Ocean, enjoying breathtaking sunrises and the crashing waves, or you can turn your gaze towards the sounds and the Intracoastal Waterway.
There, you’ll find calm and warm waters that are perfect for children, while the sunsets create a memorable end to a wonderful day.
14. Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is located just a short drive away from the charming and historic town of Wilmington. This beach is known for its perfect combination of nature and human activities. You can find not only attractions and restaurants, but also nature trails and coastal dunes.
On a sunny summer day, Carolina Beach becomes a popular destination for both locals and travelers from the nearby areas. Many people arrive early in the morning to witness the sunrise above the horizon.
In terms of safety, lifeguards are present on the beach, and there is also a delightful boardwalk that winds its way between the soft sand and a line of restaurants, shops, and bars. The beach stretches along the coast until it reaches Carolina Beach State Park, where nature takes over.
13. Oak Island Beach

Oak Island Beach, also known as Long Beach, is a peaceful beach town located just thirty miles away from Wilmington. It offers a wonderful mix of relaxation and nearby activities, making it suitable for the whole family. The beach has more than 60 access points spread across its ten-mile stretch of soft, sandy coast.
There is plenty of space, allowing you to have a pleasant day with your loved ones. Along the shoreline, you’ll find two marinas, several fishing piers, and boat ramps. This makes it convenient for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines from the shore or head out on a boating adventure.
If you need a break from the sun, you can visit the lighthouse, explore the nature center, or take a trip to Southport, a town famous for being a filming location for many Hollywood movies.
12. Holden Beach

Holden Beach on Brunswick Islands is a perfect destination for families. The water is inviting, and you can have a thrilling time collecting seashells and enjoying leisurely morning walks on the sandy beach. It has a natural, small-town atmosphere since there are no tall buildings.
You can reach Holden Beach by driving over the bridge or even kayaking across the Intracoastal Waterway, where you can find many lovely beachfront vacation homes to select from. At Holden Beach, you have the freedom to make your day as peaceful or adventurous as you desire.
You can rent jet skis, kayaks, and surfboards or alternate between relaxing on the sand and exploring the sea. When you get hungry, you can simply venture to the back of Holden Beach, where you’ll discover a variety of delightful seafood restaurants to satisfy your appetite.
11. Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina is famous for its association with the popularity of surfing in the area. The beach is still very popular today and is just a short distance away from Wilmington. If you enjoy surfing, you will find great waves here and there are also consistent winds for kiteboarding.
The beach has a lot of history with surfing, so if you’re new to it, you can take lessons or rent a surfboard right on the beach. Surfers and swimmers are kept separate, so those who don’t participate can enjoy the clear blue water in peace, with lifeguards keeping a close watch.
If you want a change of pace, you can try fishing by getting a fishing reel and going to one of the two piers on the beach.
10. Nags Head

When thinking about North Carolina, Nags Head is one of the first beaches that come to mind. Located in the Outer Banks, Nags Head offers a variety of exciting activities and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery, engage in thrilling adventures, experience the local culture, and learn about the region’s history.
Start your day by relaxing on the beautiful golden sand beach, surrounded by the deep blue Atlantic ocean. Take a leisurely stroll along the 12-mile stretch of sand, and then take in the breathtaking views from Jenette’s Pier, which is an impressive 1,000 feet long.
Afterward, explore the sand dunes and visit the lighthouse within Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Don’t forget to check out the nearby spot where the Wright brothers made their first flight.
9. Currituck Beach, Corolla

Corolla is a town situated at the north end of the Outer Banks, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. One of the main attractions in Corolla is Currituck Beach, which has various access points for visitors to reach the shore. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can continue driving on the four-wheel-drive section of the beach.
This area is also where you can spot the resident and wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs, adding to the uniqueness of the location. Once you’re done exploring, you can park your car and enjoy a day at the beach or climb up the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
8. Kitty Hawk

If you’re traveling to the Outer Banks from the north, Kitty Hawk will be the first beach you encounter. It has beautiful, soft sand and offers free parking, making it a great place to stop and enjoy a day at the beach.
While some people mistakenly believe that Kitty Hawk is where the Wright brothers first flew (the actual location is Kill Devil Hills), there is more to this town than that. The surrounding area has the charming vibe typical of the Outer Banks and is filled with tasty, home-style restaurants and ice cream shops.
Additionally, near the beach, you can explore Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, which is home to one of the largest maritime forests in the region.
7. Topsail Island

Topsail Island, located south of Jacksonville, offers a stunning 26-mile stretch of sandy beach. It’s not just a place to relax and soak up the sun – in the summer, you might even catch a glimpse of loggerhead turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try swimming or surfing and keep an eye out for hidden treasures, as Topsail Island was once a hotspot for pirates. While the Atlantic side of the beach provides great waves for surfers, families often prefer the protected side that faces the sound, as it offers calm and shallow waters to enjoy.
6. Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is a peaceful and quiet place with hardly any traffic. Golf carts can be heard softly rumbling around. You can only get there by boat, giving travelers a chance to enjoy 14 miles of calm and relaxing beach. There, you can do activities such as sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and searching for seashells.
The journey to Bald Head Island typically starts in Southport. From the dock, you can take a regular ferry to reach the island. It takes about twenty minutes to get there. Once on the barrier island, you have the option to rent a golf cart or take a free “tram” if you have rented a vacation home.
However, the best way to fully experience the island and see its stunning coastline is to bring a bike. The island boasts 15 miles of trails for walking and biking, leading to vast stretches of beautiful golden sand.
5. Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras is a coastal area that stretches for 70 miles and is known for its beautiful beaches. These beaches are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is home to a variety of natural wonders and historical sites. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the area’s history and explore its untouched nature.
There are three visitor centers located along the coastline that provide information and help tell the story of the region. Additionally, local museums showcase the fascinating tales of shipwrecks that occurred just off the coast.
One of the highlights of Cape Hatteras is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which happens to be the tallest lighthouse in the United States. You can even climb to the top for a breathtaking view. So, a trip to Cape Hatteras is more than just enjoying water activities; it’s a chance to discover nature and uncover the region’s captivating past.
4. Hammocks Beach State Park

Hammocks Beach State Park is a place that hasn’t been touched by restaurants and bars, and it’s exactly what frequent visitors love about it. A perfect day at this beach starts by packing a cooler with snacks, lunch, and beverages before taking the ferry.
As you set up everything on the beautiful sandy beach, you will be enchanted by the natural beauty surrounding you. If you want to see more of the state park, you have the option to rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the nearby marshes or even visit the neighboring islands.
Bear Island is one of those islands, and it offers the opportunity to camp under the starry sky.
3. Ocracoke Island

If you want to relax and unwind in North Carolina, Ocracoke Island is a great choice. To get there, you can take a ferry from Hatteras, Cedar, or Swan Quarter islands. Once you arrive, you’ll immediately feel a sense of calm on Ocracoke Island.
The island has 16 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing and playing in the gentle morning waves. There are also many water activities available, such as kayaking, sailing, and surfing. After a day of fun, you can head to the restaurants in Silver Lake Harbor to enjoy the beautiful sunset.
2. Atlantic Beach

With its south-facing positioning, Atlantic Beach is shielded from the Atlantic Ocean’s impacts. The calm waters and absence of strong winds have contributed to its popularity as one of the state’s most beloved beaches. Despite frequently attracting large crowds, the expansive stretch of sand provides ample space for everyone.
Once you’ve enjoyed some swimming, you can visit a range of beachfront restaurants, catering to different tastes and preferences. If you feel like taking a walk and exploring the surroundings of Atlantic Beach, you can follow any of the four Walk Atlantic Beach loops, which will lead you from the beach to various parts of the town.
1. Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle is a beautiful island located on Bogue Banks, which is part of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. This island has around twelve miles of stunning white sandy beaches, and the clear and sparkling water matches the island’s name perfectly.
It is a wonderful place for beach lovers, who can set up their beach chairs and umbrellas and enjoy the breathtaking views and the soothing sounds of nature.
If you are a bird enthusiast, you should definitely visit the Emerald Isle Woods Park, where you can explore the North Carolina Birding Trail and experience the beauty of the island’s natural habitat. However, fishing is the main attraction of Emerald Isle.
You can find plenty of fishing charters available for both near-shore and deep-sea adventures. The Bogue Inlet Pier is also a popular spot for fishing, and it opens every spring. After a day filled with exploring, fishing, swimming, and relaxing, you can unwind at one of the many beachfront restaurants and witness a magnificent sunset.