17 Best Beaches in North Carolina — The Top Beaches to Visit!
North Carolina, a state on the border of the Atlantic coast, is home to beautiful scenery, a lively culture, and rich history.
This state has award-winning beach sites and excellent landing areas that will make your beach holiday memorable as it has over 300 miles of white, clean sand beaches and panoramic vistas.
Check out this list of the top beaches in North Carolina, a collection of undiscovered gems in the Southeast of America, in case you’re organizing an exciting beach holiday in this picturesque state or seeking travel ideas.
- Emerald Isle
If you’re searching for a great beach to swim in North Carolina, consider visiting the spotless beaches and inviting atmosphere of the opulent Emerald Isle.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The popularity of Emerald Isle as a family beach getaway is widely recognized.
Emerald Isle is a beach destination that is impossible to resist since the beach provides a wide variety of services and outdoor activities.
This amazing beach is worth visiting as it offers swimmers beautiful, warm ocean waves to enjoy in the summer.
Expert Tip
Visit The Point to make your trip to Emerald Isle special.
You will like the stunning environment provided by nature that accentuates Emerald Isle, where the lovely sunsets take place.
- Bald Head Island
Do you like the expansive ocean’s sweeping panorama?
Then, don’t forget to visit Bald Head Island’s shore, which is among North Carolina’s most beautiful beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visit Bald Head Island to up the ante on your beach vacation.
In this laid-back and tranquil beach environment, which has a huge ocean vista and opulent rooms, you will get the best island experience.
Expert Tip
Use the free unlimited movie rentals each night of your stay to make the most of your time on the island!
- Cape Hatteras — Manteo
Are you trying to escape the noise and pollution of the city?
Visit the serene Cape Hatteras, one of North Carolina’s finest beaches!
Why We Recommend This Beach
Cape Hatteras is a wonderful place to unwind with your loved ones or yourself.
This beautiful coastal location offers facilities and beach activities that lift your heart.
Additionally, there are a variety of animal occupants in this beach area, such as sea turtles and other bird species, so you will not get tired of admiring the natural beauty of this beach environment.
Expert Tip
Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to get a better glimpse of the breathtaking sights the beach offers and spice up your trip to Cape Hatteras.
- Ocracoke Island — Ocracoke
The best beach to visit if you want a very relaxed beach experience is the gorgeous Ocracoke Island.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You’ll be astonished by what Ocracoke Island offers with its 16 miles of pristine beach.
This location offers visitors gorgeous and vast beaches that they will like.
Ocracoke Island also emphasizes outdoor pursuits, including kayaking, watersports, and more!
Yes, it is a place that will instantly fascinate you.
Expert Tip
Do your tastebuds a favor and try out some of the mouth-watering dining alternatives in this location; the cuisine is outstanding.
The Ocracoke Harbor Inn is a suggested lodging option nearby.
- Topsail Island — Topsail Beach
Do you want to visit a beautiful and historically significant beach?
To get the best of both worlds, explore this scenic Topsail Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beautiful place stands out among the North Carolina beaches on this list.
It has a family-friendly beach atmosphere in addition to historical connections to World War II that will touch your heart.
It would be crazy not to think about visiting this landing point with the abundance of nearby motels, restaurants, gift stores, and more.
Expert Tip
Visit Serenity Point at this location for a panoramic view of the setting sun that will have you return for more.
- Corolla Beach — Corolla
Do you want to visit other beautiful beaches in North Carolina?
Visit Corolla Beach and enjoy its many advantages, which will far exceed your expectations.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A great holiday can be had at the sandy Corolla Beach, which is ideal for any family.
This location will be worthwhile because it showcases the abundance of attractions, beach activities, and services available around the gorgeous beach.
Expert Tip
In this unusual location, you may take guided trips in specialized cars to see wild horses running freely on Corolla and Carova beaches. Don’t forget to look it over!
- Wrightsville Beach
Consider visiting Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina, one of the clear-water beaches, if you want to improve your beach experience.
Why We Recommend This Beach
An award-winning beach destination, Wrightsville Beach offers a variety of enjoyable beach activities that will fill your heart with joy.
From taking a picturesque cruise to surfing the gentle coastal waves, there is nothing in this place that will be boring to you.
Expert Tip
Visit Wrightsville Beach’s other attractions, such as the historic square and the waterbird sanctuary, to spice up your coastal experience.
- Oak Island
Do you adore a North Carolina seaside town with understated elegance?
Then make a trip to the breathtaking Oak Island your priority.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beautiful and easily accessible Oak Island is located at the southernmost point of North Carolina’s coastline.
The beach makes itself accessible to casual citizens and individuals with disabilities and provides panoramic views of the dawn and sunset across the ocean.
Oh, and did we forget to add that friendly sea turtles reside on this lovely beach?
We don’t know about you, but we wouldn’t miss out on visiting Oak Island.
Expert Tip
Oak Island has you covered if you’re traveling with a family member with a disability.
They provide beach wheelchairs so your loved one may still take in the breathtaking beach views with you.
- Duck
Are you looking for beaches to visit in North Carolina?
Dive into Duck Beach’s safe waters to explore this gorgeous location.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Duck Beach, one of the top 15 family-friendly beaches in America, is happy to tout its beauty, safety, and cleanliness, making it one of the top places to have a family beach vacation.
Additionally, the beach has “red flags” to indicate when it is safe to swim because swimming in open seas can occasionally be risky.
You may swim safely here because of the beach’s excellent conditions.
Expert Tip
Always stay with someone when swimming and remember to ask a lifeguard before you go.
- Nags Head
Visit the tranquil, sandy coastlines of the Nags Head beaches if you’re seeking well-known beaches in North Carolina.
Why We Recommend This Beach
With its pristine coasts, sporadic sightings of dolphins, and warm weather, Nags Head’s beautiful beaches are among the best spots to make priceless memories with your loved ones.
In addition, the beach location is a well-known family holiday hotspot accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, which is worth highlighting.
Expert Tip
Get a permit to build beach fires on the beach if you want to remain and watch the sunset with your family.
Your beach experience will be enhanced by it.
- Atlantic Beach
Do you desire a romantic beach getaway in North Carolina?
Consider Atlantic Beach to get the beach vacation of your dreams.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Atlantic Beach has the nicest residents and breathtaking shoreline and won’t disappoint you.
The magnificent beach location offers a wealth of places to stay, eat, and buy things to make the most of the pleasure surrounding Atlantic Beach’s public beaches.
Did you also know that the location hosts Beach Music Festivals?
We don’t know about you, but for us, the key to making any traveler’s trip enjoyable is the marriage of good music with breathtaking scenery.
Expert Tip
Don’t forget to take your family fishing or to enjoy the beautiful sunsets at the Oceanana Fishing Pier in Atlantic Beach.
Whatever happens, you and your loved ones will have a wonderful time.
- Hammocks Beach State Park — Swansboro
Do you have a little bit of courage?
Then you might want to think about visiting the stunning coastline of the unique Hammocks Beach State Park.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You should keep an eye out for Hammocks Beach State Park, regarded as the gem of the North Carolina coastline.
The coastal location provides excellent kayaking and camping opportunities that will wow you.
Furthermore, this beach is the safest beach for children.
Hammocks Beach State Park is an excellent choice for your kids because it is pristine and has calm waves, unlike other beaches.
Expert Tip
Prepare to go on a brief, worthwhile hike to reach this stunning location.
You won’t look back and regret starting this project.
- Sunset Beach
Spend your day at the picturesque Sunset Beach and take in the tranquil atmosphere of this landing site if you’re looking for a top-notch holiday location.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Undoubtedly, this stunning beach location deserves a place on this list because it is widely regarded as one of the top beaches in the world.
If you enjoy taking in the expansive vista of the sun rising over the water, make Sunset Beach your preferred location.
Surprisingly, this beach location is distinct from all the south-facing beaches in North Carolina.
This beach is in a special location where you can enjoy the stunning dawn and sunset.
Expert Tip
Think about beginning and ending your day at this lovely location among all the beaches on our list.
It’s unquestionably the finest way to appreciate Sunset Beach’s splendor.
- Carova Beach — Corolla
Do you want to see more North Carolina beaches with fine, white sand?
Then you might choose to stop at Carova Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Carova Beach, a close second to the nearby Corolla Beach, is a hidden gem worth exploring.
The beach provides you with various beach activities you may partake in a while showcasing its exclusive nature.
Carova Beach is undoubtedly a must-visit location worth noting, whether you want to collect seashells with your loved ones or take Instagram-worthy photographs of wild horses wandering around the beach.
Expert Tip
Carova Beach is the finest swimming beach in North Carolina throughout the summer since the water is dependably warm there, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Kitty Hawk Beach — Kitty Hawk
Have you ever wondered why visiting the Outer Banks is worthwhile?
Then be sure to check out Kitty Hawk Beach, which offers all that Outer Banks has to offer.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Several beach activities and services are available at Kitty Hawk Beach, which you can also regularly find at other beaches.
But what sets this place apart from others is its well-known coastal reserve, which allows guests to see local Outer Banks animals and enjoy panoramic views.
I don’t know about you, but this makes Kitty Hawk Beach a place to keep in our travel plans on its own.
Expert Tip
Make the most of your visit by dining at a wonderful seafood buffet or all-you-can-eat fresh.
You’ll want to return for more after this scrumptious encounter!
- Holden Beach
Keep an eye out for the stunning Holden Beach in North Carolina if you’re seeking a beach that is fun like no other.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This small-town beach, which has been named one of the greatest family beaches in America, has untouched beauty that may make you happy.
Keep Holden Beach in mind for your upcoming beach holiday as it displays its exuberant and untamed characteristics.
Expert Tip
Wait until the tide is low to witness fascinating marine life and to search for playful dolphins that occasionally swim close to the shore.
- Avon Beach — Avon
Are you seeking the perfect family beach vacation?
Then go to the charming Avon Beach, one of North Carolina’s nicest beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Avon Beach is a fantastic beach option for any family looking for a serene but picturesque beach location.
Avon Beach, unlike other Outer Banks beaches, permits beach fires close to the coast and 4×4 driving, allowing you to see Hatteras Island in its entirety.
Avon Beach is a holiday spot you should think about, as the beach site displays additional facilities and characteristics that this area provides.
Expert Tip
Since most of Avon’s businesses are seasonal, the ideal time to visit is in the summer.
If you plan your trip properly, you will have loads of fun.
