Best North Carolina Beaches

The state's northernmost beach town is the perfect choice for travelers looking to get away from it all. Featuring 12 miles of sandy shoreline dotted with beautiful vacation rentals, Carova Beach is an alluring destination thanks to its tranquil atmosphere and off-the-beaten-path location. Here, travelers can see wild horses roaming the beach or explore the Currituck Sound on a kayak. Just remember that because there are no paved roads in Carova, the town can only be accessed via a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Situated along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, Cape Lookout National Seashore is one of the state's most underrated beach destinations. Only accessible by boat or ferry, this remote collection of islands stretches for approximately 55 miles, providing ample opportunities to lounge under the sun. When you're not swimming or beachcombing, explore the historic Portsmouth Village or snap a photo with the impressive Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Other activities include fishing, bird-watching, kayaking and stargazing. Tent camping is available for visitors who want to stay overnight, along with cabins that can fit 4-12 people.

Not to be confused with Hatteras Village, the nearly 70-mile Cape Hatteras is known for its unspoiled beaches that comprise Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its iconic black-and-white-striped lighthouse, one of the tallest in the United States. Off-road vehicles are allowed on the sparsely crowded sands with a permit, and there are four campgrounds available. While here, catch a glimpse of sea turtles during nesting season and save time for horseback riding on the beach.

Families return to Emerald Isle year after year for its 12 miles of clean beaches, relaxed atmosphere and popular fishing pier. There are plenty of reasons to choose this stretch of sand to settle on: Emerald Isle offers a wide-open shoreline and beach amenities galore, including showers, picnic pavilions and parking. The Western Regional Access Point also features volleyball courts. Emerald Isle is part of the Crystal Coast section of North Carolina, with Indian Beach nearby.

As one of the most popular destinations in the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills offers some of the best East Coast beaches, plus a range of amenities and activities that appeal to all types of beachgoers. Families in particular love this town between Nags Head and Kitty Hawk for its expansive coastline and wide selection of accommodations, which range from affordable motels to multi-bedroom vacation rentals. Less remote than some of North Carolina's other beaches, Kill Devil Hills is also home to a variety of restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques worth exploring. While you're here, don't miss a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where the world's first successful airplane flight took place in 1903.

Holden Beach is a small seaside community located about 25 miles from the North Carolina-South Carolina border. A favorite beach destination among families, you'll find countless ways to spend your time here, whether you're keen on active watersports or prefer laid-back pastimes like bird-watching and shelling. Meanwhile, other travelers can try their hand at a round of golf, go fishing or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the island's delicious restaurants. If you're planning a fall visit, don't miss the NC Festival by the Sea in October.

Devoid of cars (you'll need a golf cart or bike to get around) and only accessible by ferry, Bald Head Island is ideal for travelers seeking some rest and relaxation. Aside from beachfront rental properties and the highly rated Bald Head Island Club golf course, most of the island's 12,000 acres are undeveloped, so expect the 14 miles of shoreline here – including South Beach and East Beach – to be serene and pristine. It's also a great place to see nature's finest: The island is home to more than 260 bird species, as well as other wildlife like alligators and foxes.

Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound, Corolla wins praise from travelers for its seclusion along the northern coast of the Outer Banks. While you can (and should) spend time exploring the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and strolling through Historic Corolla Village, the main activity here is relaxing on the wide, sandy beaches. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are common on the beaches in Corolla; plus, you'll likely see the wild Spanish horses that roam the island. If you want to get a closer look at these untamed beauties, sign up for a guided tour.

This sliver of land is one of the most popular destinations along the Outer Banks because of its relatively easy accessibility and wealth of amenities. The area boasts seemingly endless sand dunes (at Jockey's Ridge State Park), multiple piers for fishing and the nearby Bodie Island Lighthouse. Nags Head is also home to walking and biking paths, a skateboard park and ample opportunities to hang glide and kite. As an extra thrill, permit holders can drive their four-wheel-drive vehicle onto the beach during the offseason (October to April).

Pronounced "Tops'l," this barrier island located about 40 miles outside of Wilmington is rumored to have gotten its name from the local legend that pirate ships would hide behind the inlet with their topsails showing. Today, this 26-mile-long island is better known for its three main beach areas: Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach and Surf City. While here, visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center and check out the southernmost point of the island (known as Serenity Point) for amazing sunset views.

Ocracoke Island may be harder to reach than other spots in the Outer Banks, but the beautiful beaches are well worth the effort. Lifeguard Beach is appreciated not only for its safety but also for its amenities like restrooms and water fountains. Only accessible by boat or air, Ocracoke is also full of history. Most notably, the island served as the former stomping ground of the pirate known as Blackbeard. There's also a small British cemetery that houses the remains of some World War II soldiers, and an annual event honors their memories every May.

Travelers have been enjoying Carolina Beach and its boardwalk since the late 1800s. Throughout the years, this wooden, pedestrian-only walkway has expanded to include multiple shops, restaurants and an amusement park. On the opposite side of the boardwalk, you'll find amazing surf and soft sand. When you need a break from the boardwalk and beach, take a walk through Carolina Beach State Park to try to spot a Venus flytrap.

This small town south of Corolla embodies what the Outer Banks is all about. While you'll find plenty of rental properties that range from modest to expansive, you'll notice few hotels and very little development. And that's just how locals and vacationers like it. The beaches themselves are expansive and offer plenty of opportunities for swimming and lounging in the sun. If you're visiting in the shoulder season, be sure to check out the Duck Jazz Festival held annually in October.

Just 12 miles east of Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach is one of the most developed beach areas in North Carolina, offering many amenities that families love, including a fishing pier and bike and water sports equipment rentals. As part of the Walk Atlantic Beach initiative, there are four marked walking trails around the city to help visitors explore on foot. Want to venture out? From here, you'll have easy access to the aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores and the Civil War-era Fort Macon State Park.