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The best way to capture the узнать больше essence is to walk around. With more than 12 miles of shoreline, there is so much of the natural environment to see. At the southern end of the coast and a quick hop from buzzy Wilmington, this laid-back beach town on a 4-mile-long barrier island has charm in spades, from a bird nesting sanctuary at the south end to its iconic Johnnie Mercers Pier.
Most popular beach towns in north carolina.Best of North Carolina Beach Towns
Kure Beach is most well known for having the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast. The atmosphere in this town is peaceful and family-friendly!
The beach is free and is open to the public year round. There are many beach towns in North Carolina near Wilmington. However, Kure Beach is a favorite among locals! This town is the central point of Pleasure Island. Cape Fear is an exceptional choice for a spot to spend a day by the sea taking in the surroundings. Come catch the sand and oceanside breeze at Kure Beach, one of the best small beach towns in North Carolina. It will feel like your home away from home. Emerald Isle is easily one of the best small towns on the outer banks.
Hitting the beach here will be the highlight of any southern vacation. Emerald Isle is on Bogue Banks Island. It is your gateway to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina.
You will find so much beauty in the Bogue Inlet region. It is nicknamed the Crystal Coast because it has some of the clearest water in The Carolinas. Beach towns in North Carolina like, Emerald Isle are a great place to start your vacation.
This small town is a hub for outdoor activities and water sports. It is an amazing place for ocean and adventure enthusiasts. With more than 12 miles of shoreline, there is so much of the natural environment to see. The best part about visiting Emerald Isle is that compared to other beach towns in North Carolina, the waterfront here is uncrowded. This beach has a lot of privacy and it is perfect for a quiet day by the water. Are you looking for beach towns in North Carolina to visit?
If that is the case, Morehead is for you. The town of approximately people is more than happy to welcome you to enjoy the beauty of their home.
Morehead City is another place to escape to on the crystal coast. There are many ways to experience the artful, historical and cultural charm Morehead City is known for. This is one of the best beach towns in North Carolina because of the variety of attractions Morehead City has to offer. Finally, Morehead City is a year round destination. This coastal community lies on Bogue Sound, one of the most beautiful areas in this part of the east coast.
You do not want to miss it! Carolina Beach is one of the quaint North Carolina coastal towns you must visit. If you are looking for the best beach towns in North Carolina, this is a perfect destination for those of all ages.
Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. The beach is wide, clean, and the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sand.
The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. If you want to live somewhere that combines the best of both beach and urban living, look no further.
Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. The downtown is lively, home to numerous attractions including the very visit-worth North Carolina Maritime Museum , and blessed with enough entertainment and amenities to keep everyone happy.
You must be logged in to post a comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Skip to content North Carolina is the kind of state that offers a little something for everyone. Your email address will not be published. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.
Home » Let’s Have Fun This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This site also accepts sponsored content North Carolina is well-known for its beautiful beaches and stunning coastline. Outer Banks Outer Banks, North Carolina is definitely a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Wilmington When it comes to beach destinations in the United States, Wilmington, North Carolina is often overlooked in favor of more popular spots like Florida or California.
Meet their popular albino alligator, or see dive shows and animal encounters. Brave the touch tank and feel the slimy backs of stingrays, or spend time outside in the Play Nature Garden. Regardless of what you choose to do while there, the sparkling waters and sand dunes of Kure Beach are a beautiful backdrop for a beach vacation to remember.
One of the most popular North Carolina beaches, and an island of its own, Wrightsville Beach has been stunning visitors for generations, partially due to how easily accessible it is from the large town of Wilmington. In addition, Wrightsville Beach has a little bit of everything so guests will find plenty to do , no matter their interests..
There are countless places to stun foodies and brew-lovers alike. And, of course Wrightsville Beach has just about every water sport you could imagine, including scuba diving, and fishing piers are, of course, in high demand here as casters see what they can snag out of the waters of the Atlantic. Wrightsville Beach is not only known for having a beautiful beach, but also for its fantastic nightlife scene. Sit back at Wrightsville Beach Brewery and enjoy a hand-crafted beer along with some tempting food options.
Or, for a more romantic evening, dine along the Intracoastal Waterway at the Bluewater Waterfront Grill. With more than places for beachfront access, this area is the perfect location for a family-friendly beach getaway.
Visitors also enjoy multiple public boat launches, kayak launches, and fishing and crabbing locations. Oak Island is situated near Southport, a town which offers significant historic sites to visit such as the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport as well as the Fort Johnston Museum.
The 10 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Near the Beach
Of course, Nags Head also offers beautiful beaches bordered by hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, too.
– Most popular beach towns in north carolina
We may earn a commission from affiliate links. North Carolina’s coastal towns offer a mix of experiences, from quaint historic communities with 18th-century homes and tree-lined streets to thriving beach scenes and fun activity-based destinations for families.
The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. Depending on the type of vacation you’re after, you can find small towns lining the Atlantic Coast or along the sounds. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. There are reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since the early s.
Take some time to discover why for yourself. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. Edenton Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina , this year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. Some of these beautiful treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants.
Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. An ideal way to begin your tours is to view a minute video at the tourist information office at the top end of South Broad Street. One of the highlights is the Chowan County Courthouse. Not to be confused with the replica courthouse, this original structure looks out over a large green space and faces out onto the sound with cannons at the water’s edge.
The trees you see growing in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in age from to 2, years old. Most of the action is found at the base of South Broad Street.
From here, you can catch the trolley for a tour of the town, take a boat tour on Albemarle Sound, or stop in at the historic Cupola House. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, Edenton is the perfect place. Book a stay at one of the charming old bed and breakfasts and spend a leisurely day exploring the town. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Edenton. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. This is a great place for families, with numerous things to do, including mini golf, family-friendly restaurants, and one of the best beaches in North Carolina.
Attractions for mom and dad are in the form of outlet malls, beach shops, Gallery Row, and the Historic District, with its unpainted traditional cedar shake beach cottages. Nags Head is one of the few towns on the Outer Banks where you can find a good selection of hotels, including resorts. Other forms of accommodation include vacation rentals and comfy bed and breakfasts.
The town’s most popular fishing pier and one of the major attractions is Janette’s Pier. This impressive concrete structure extends 1, feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. A token fee is charged to walk out on the pier and is a worthy investment for the fine views you’ll encounter. If you love fishing, bring your gear, you might land any one of the following: Spanish mackerel, bluefish, triggerfish, sea mullet, croakers, and pigfish. Parking is free and plentiful here. The other pier in town, Nag’s Head Fishing Pier, is as the name suggests: mostly about fishing.
It’s located at the northern end of town not far from Jockey’s Ridge State Park. One of the main attractions off the beach is Jockey’s Ridge State Park. It’s fun for all ages. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States.
Be prepared for a bit of exercise on your visit. You will need to follow the boardwalk just past the visitor center until the very end and then walk another 10 minutes to the base of the dunes. It’s at this point that the hard work begins. Ascend the sand dune step after sliding step to the top, where you are rewarded with commanding views out over the surrounding area and the Atlantic Ocean.
If the wind is up, which it frequently is in the Outer Banks, you may be lucky enough to see the hang gliders launching themselves off the dunes.
If you feel this is something you just have to try, lessons are available right at the park. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. Duck Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes.
You won’t find any big box stores or chain restaurants here, it’s all local and sometimes eclectic establishments with a low-key scene. The main town area of Duck is set on the broad and flat Currituck Sound and is protected from the worst of the Atlantic Ocean weather.
Duck is also unique for its extensive, elevated, one-mile boardwalk out over the water that connects various restaurants, shops, and parks while providing great views out over the sound. A wonderful walk along the Duck Boardwalk starts at the kayak launch parking area and heads south along the shoreline ultimately ending at Aqua Restaurant, where you can have a leisurely lunch on their wonderful outdoor patio.
In addition to dining, shopping, and walking, additional things to do include fishing from the boardwalk, crabbing on the sound, cycling along the six-mile Duck Trail, or catching a free show at the Amphitheater. One of the town’s major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival.
This free event takes place the second week of October each year. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Duck. Kitty Hawk is located just north of Kill Devil Hills, and if you are driving along the highway , with its big box stores and shops, you could be forgiven for not noticing that you are in a new town. Kitty Hawk is the place where Orville and Wilbur Wright first managed to fly. Just south of town you’ll find the impressive Wright Brothers National Memorial. The beach at Kitty Hawk is long and wide with golden brown sand, ideal for long beach walks.
Similar in nature to Nags Head, most of the services are along the main highway. Here, you’ll find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children’s Museum, and beach shops. Kitty Hawk has a small pier at the northern end of town, right where highway joins up with Highway The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. For a change of pace from the beach, you can walk along the wonderfully serene boardwalk, where you’ll have a good chance of spotting the local wildlife, including yellow-bellied slider turtles, deer, otters, and egrets.
For an even closer look, launch a kayak or canoe and explore the twisty waterways. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. Boardwalk in Carolina Beach.
Just a short drive from Wilmington brings you to golden sands and warm waters at Carolina Beach. The famous vintage Carolina Beach Boardwalk is full of fun things to do, including carnival rides, a carousel, an arcade, ice-cream shops, and restaurants with beachfront patios.
In the summer, there are fireworks every Thursday night and live music concerts featuring a variety of musicians across the musical spectrum. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina’s top surfing destinations. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind.
Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. Wrightsville Beach. Often described as one of North Carolina’s best beaches , Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and wonderful waterfront. The beach is wide, and the water here is clear with an aquamarine color. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday’s beginning at 8am.
It’s located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. Wrightsville Beach is just a short drive from Wilmington, so getting here is easy and quick; parking is in well-marked lots, and you can pay by the hour and recharge your time via your phone. The main gathering spot is at Crystal Pier.
Here, you’ll find people fishing, strolling hand in hand, or just hanging out gazing out at the ocean. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wrightsville Beach. There’s a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. Beaufort is full of history and is North Carolina’s third oldest town. Surrounded by water on three sides, the town has a maritime feel about it. Homes dating from the 17 th century are on beautiful tree-lined streets that entice you to stroll along and think about what life used to be like here over years ago.
Down at the dock areas there is always something to see or do, whether it’s a fisherman showing off his catch or people catching up on an outdoor patio. One of the fun things to do here is take a harbor tour, where you’ll almost certainly be able to see dolphins racing in your bow wake. Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. One of the highlights of a visit to Beaufort is a stop at the North Carolina Maritime Museum , where treasures from Blackbeard’s sunken pirate ship discovered just offshore are on display.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Beaufort. Atlantic Beach. One of the larger towns along the North Carolina Coast, this vibrant outdoorsy place reels you in and makes you want to stay a while.
Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing.