16 Amazing Beach Towns in North Carolina
North Carolina has hundreds of miles of shoreline and a line of beach communities that are unique in their way. Some of the beach towns offer a vibrant atmosphere with lots of things to do while other offer seclusion with bare sand coasts that seem like the town’s secret beaches.
From stunning sandy shores to naturally landscaped shores, picturesque coves, waves and more, the beaches deliver themselves in every category; family oriented area, romantic destination, extreme challenge adventure places among others. Here are 16 great beach towns in North Carolina, ready for you to discover.
Carolina Beach
If you’re looking for a true to form beach town with a twist of weird, Carolina Beach is your place. Famous for its boardwalk, old-style amusement parks, and doughnut shops, it is a piece of America of the past that does not lack for present-day entertainment. The Carolina Beach State Park where Venus flytraps grow also has a surprise or two up its sleeve.
Wrightsville Beach
This small beach community near Wilmington is very popular among the surf lovers and other water sports enthusiasts. It has clean sandy shores, blue waters, and is popular among residents and tourist who enjoy paddling on the board or in a kayak or even surfing. Additionally, Wrightsville Beach Museum of History ensures that anyone interested in the history of the region can easily get started.
Emerald Isle
At the southern end of the Outer Banks, Emerald Isle has relatively quiet beaches and stunning views. Famous for its relaxed and laid back tone and waves of the sea, this place is ideal for families who desire a beach with less movement. Biking is also possible to get around the island or have a picnic with the most beautiful view of the ocean.
Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach is a peaceful community with traditional and long-standing values of the coastal region. It is also home of sea turtle conservation where one can get to learn and even see the conserved turtles. The coastal area of the town is calm therefore anyone who would wish to leave the busy schedule of the big cities should consider visiting the town.
Kill Devil Hills
For history lovers, the Kill Devil Hills is the place where the Wright brothers flew their first plane. Apart from the historical monuments, the town boasts of good beaches and other fishing spots. It is also a perfect starting point for further discovery of the rest of the Outer Banks as there are many things to see nearby.
Duck
Duck is all about glamour and comfort. It has a very walkable town centre, lined with shops and coffee shops to stop at as you explore. The beachfront is the most beautiful boardwalk that is still excellent for walking at sunset, and the beaches are beautiful and not touristy.
Kitty Hawk
Another famous Outer Banks town, Kitty Hawk is a perfect combination of history, nature and beach. Covering an area of deserted beach, sand dunes, and hiking trails, it offers opportunities of both water and scenic land adventure. Some of the small restaurants which are local businesses bring a good feel of the town.
Nags Head
Nags Head has some of the highest sand dunes at the Jockey’s Ridge State Park and many miles of sandy shores. There are options to go hang-gliding from the dunes or take a day out to fish at Jennette’s Pier. This town will be good for anyone who enjoys a little bit of both, the quiet and the adventurous.
Southport
Southport is located where the Cape Fear River flows into the sea, which makes it a little different from other coastal towns. Famous for its southern hospitality, coastal topography and being part of the maritimes, this beautiful little town has been featured in so many films. To be walking its oak-line streets feels like a visit back to the past.
Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach is particularly known for being friendly for families and there is much to do here. Children will appreciate the Museum of Coastal Carolina while adults will have a great time exploring the numerous golf courses. The beach is broad enough and sandy to allow children to build sand castles or even for adults to take extended strolls on.
Bald Head Island
With no road access, contact of Bald Head Island is by ferry, providing excellent seclusion and absence of numerous distractions. It is a car-free island that is all about nature from the unspoiled beaches, to the maritime forests, or the sea turtles on the beach. It’s an eco-lover’s dream, where time actually stands still.
Holden Beach
Holden is a small and quiet town which now has many houses for rent for families who prefer to have a great time on the beach. If you are an avid shell collector or just want a quiet day at the beach it is a good destination for you. Sure, there are many seafood shacks to try, so come with the hunger for delicious, caught-in-the-neighbourhood fish and seafood.
Kure Beach
Kure Beach is just near the Fort Fisher Historic Site and Aquarium and has history, nature, and recreation in it. There is a fishing pier here that is one of the oldest on the East Coast and the beaches are great for a day of swimming, sun bathing and just plain relaxing in a quaint and unpretentious environment.
Beaufort
Founded in 1709, Beaufort is the third oldest town in North Carolina and has a lot of character. It is known for the historic waterfront, pirates and wild horses on the islands off the coast of the town. With history and sites of natural beauty it is a greatly enjoyable destination for the travelers.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is on the Crystal Coast and is home to some of the most beautiful shores that have the night vibes. Fort Macon State Park nearby presents a combination of history and beautiful scenery of the sea. This beach town is ideal for family and anyone who wants to relax and eat local foods.
Corolla
It is one of the beautiful but somewhat isolated beaches, famous for the wild horses of the Outer Banks. Many people observe the horses by a four-wheel-drive tour and the beach is vast with spectacular views for horse back riding or just enjoying the horizon.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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