The 16 Best Beaches in North Carolina

With more than 300 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, it's no wonder North Carolina is one of the nation's top beach destinations. Though beautiful at any time of year, the state's oceanfront is perfect for a summer vacation. Take your pick of beaches on quiet barrier islands or in lively coastal cities, of laid-back, family-friendly locales or waves that welcome adventure.

Whether you like to stretch out on the sand between rounds of golf, spend your time spotting wildlife, or explore historical sites close to the shore, you're bound to find a part of the coast you love. Here are the 16 best beaches in North Carolina for your next trip to the Tar Heel State, from Sunset Beach to Duck.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore offers visitors 56 miles of beach across several barrier islands. Shackleford Banks is ideal for swimming and lounging on the beach, and the island is home to more than 100 feral horses. The diamond-painted Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a star along this coast, standing 163 feet high and still flashing every 15 seconds. Take a ranger-guided tour, explore the islands from the water on a canoe or kayak, or go birding to learn more about Cape Lookout and its wildlife. Plan an overnight stay at one of the park's beachfront cabins or campgrounds to soak up even more of this seashore's unspoiled beauty.

Nags Head

Nags Head offers a range of unique experiences in the central Outer Banks, north of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The area is perhaps best known for Jockey's Ridge State Park, which has the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast (it's "alive" because it continues to change in shape and size). Here, you can walk along a boardwalk, go hang gliding, and explore a nature trail. Nags Head's beautiful beaches are close to hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. History buffs can make the 10-minute drive to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, where the famous aviators took off for the first successful airplane flight.

Duck

Located on the northern stretch of North Carolina's barrier islands, Duck offers something for everyone. You can book a stay at Sanderling Resort and enjoy family-friendly activities, two pools, and a spa, or take a day trip to Corolla to ride on the beach in a four-wheel drive. You might even spot a wild horse or two. Nearby golf courses and water sports make this an ideal destination for visitors who want to get out and enjoy nature.

Hammocks Beach State Park

Like a few other barrier island destinations, Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park is accessible only by seasonal ferry or private boat. The remote location makes it perfect for quiet relaxation. You won't find rows of restaurants or beachfront bars here, but you can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the marshes, Bear Island, and Huggins Island. Bear Island hosts a number of campsites, too, so you can extend your stay at this state park.

Carolina Beach

Just a 20-minute drive from historic Wilmington, you'll find the town of Carolina Beach, with its family-friendly beaches, sought-after fishing spots, and other attractions. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a classic American promenade featuring bars, restaurants, arcades, and places to rent bikes and surfboards. Nearby Carolina Beach State Park offers more outdoor recreation, with plenty of hiking trails like the Flytrap Trail, where you can spot the native Venus flytrap plant. If you're staying in Wilmington, this is a perfect day-trip destination. Otherwise, book a room at one of the hotels or rent a beach house and enjoy your oceanfront escape.

Ocracoke

Hop on a ferry from Hatteras, Swan Quarter, or Cedar Island and head to this quiet island. Spend your days lounging on 16 miles of white-sand beaches or fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing. Rent a boat or golf cart to explore the island, or check out one of the trails for a peaceful nature walk. At the end of the day, take in the sunset over Silver Lake Harbor, where there are many cute shops, restaurants, and inns.

Atlantic Beach

Located on North Carolina's Crystal Coast across the causeway from Morehead City, Atlantic Beach is perfect for families. Whether you want to build sandcastles or go on a chartered fishing trip, there's an outdoor activity for you. This beach is also known for its nesting sea turtles, which lay their eggs in the sand from May through October. You can learn more about the region's marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, a 10-minute drive away.

Wrightsville Beach

Find a mix of water sports, shopping, dining, and nightlife in and around Wrightsville Beach. A short drive from Wilmington, it makes a great home base for those who want to explore the area during their beach vacation. Adventure seekers can take surfing lessons or book a scuba diving excursion to explore one of the sunken ships located off the coast.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is on North Carolina's south-facing shore, close to the South Carolina border. Discover why this spot got its name from late fall through early spring, when you can actually see the sun rise and set over the water — a rare experience. Nearby Bird Island has beautiful beaches, too, but it's best known for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, where people post their wishes, prayers, thoughts, and dreams.

Bald Head Island

No cars are allowed on Bald Head Island, which can be accessed by ferry from nearby Southport. Instead, get around this peaceful island via golf cart, bicycle, or foot. Play a round of golf or try your hand at croquet at the Bald Head Island Club. Of course, with 14 miles of beautiful beaches, you'll probably want to spend some time lounging on the sand, frolicking in the surf, and looking for seashells.

Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle, located on Bogue Banks, is surrounded by the clear waters of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. The area is a haven for anglers, who can enjoy one of Emerald Isle's many boat charters or cast a line off the seasonally open Bogue Inlet Pier. At Emerald Isle Woods Park, you can throw a frisbee on the disc golf course and spot wildlife on the North Carolina Birding Trail. Along with 12 miles of gorgeous shoreline, Emerald Isle offers a rich dining scene — including beachside options — and plenty of nearby hotels and vacation rentals.

Topsail Island

This less-crowded 26-mile stretch of sand can be found just south of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Animal lovers will rejoice from mid-May through September, when loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest along Topsail's coast. You can learn about the island's preservation and conservation efforts at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. Relax on the beach, or enjoy surfing, boating, fishing, or Jet Skiing out on the waves. You might search for pirates' treasure if you're feeling lucky — legend has it, the island's name comes from the fact that the area was once a popular place for pirates whose "top sails" were a warning to any approaching ships.

Oak Island

Oak Island is known for its quaint, nostalgic charm. Enjoy the area's shoreline, fishing piers, marina, and water sports. For the full experience, take in views of Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island from the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse. If you're looking to get out of the sun, there are plenty of local shopping and dining options nearby. You can also learn about local wildlife and see fossils at the Oak Island Nature Center. If you're staying overnight, check into one of the classic hotels, motels, or vacation rentals in the area.

Kitty Hawk

Located in the northern Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk might be best known as the cited launch point of the Wright brother's famous flight, though anyone who's visited the area will know that honor actually goes to the nearby Kill Devil Hills. There's much fun to be had on Kitty Hawk's shores and streets. The Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve encompasses 1,824 acres of maritime forest. Spend your time here exploring the dunes and marshland or kayaking around Currituck Sound. Be on the lookout for any local otters and turtles nesting nearby. Stay at one of the nearby hotels, motels, or oceanfront rental homes, or find one of the area's RV-friendly campgrounds.

Kure Beach

Drive 30 minutes south of Wilmington and you'll find the small seaside retreat of Kure Beach, whose shores offer an array of attractions and natural wonders. Here, you'll get the opportunity to cast a line off the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast. A nearby seasonal concession stand offers ice cream, arcade games, and souvenirs. Tour the Civil War's largest land-sea battleground at the Fort Fisher Historic Site, or see gators, otters, turtles, and other aquatic animals at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. If you're staying overnight, lodging includes relaxed options like beach cottages, vintage motels, and side-street inns.

Holden Beach

With plenty of small-town charm and less-crowded venues, Holden Beach is the perfect respite for vacationers looking for a summer escape. You can take in views of the Intracoastal Waterway over lunch at one of the beach's many maritime restaurants. While away the day fishing, golfing, birding, or biking surrounded by nature. The area has many outfitters that will hook you up with kayaking, Jet Skiing, or surfing gear. If you want to extend your stay, you'll find many colorful vacation rentals within walking distance of popular sites and attractions.