North Carolina boasts over 320 miles of Atlantic coastline, making it a prime destination for a summer getaway. Each top-notch beach in this state offers a wide range of activities to ensure you have an exciting day by the water. Swimming, boating, and gourmet dining options are abundant, promising not to disappoint.
Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle, one of the most picturesque beaches in North Carolina, is located off the Atlantic coast, separated from the mainland by Bogue Sound. Nearly every beach activity you can imagine is available on Emerald Isle, including boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. With its beaches facing both Bogue Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, along with its incredible scenery, Emerald Isle is one of the most popular beaches in the state.
The island features a disc golf course, picnic areas, playgrounds, a tour boat dock, and volleyball courts. Within Emerald Isle Woods Park, there are beautiful hiking trails, including a section that is part of the North Carolina Birding Trail.
If you plan to visit Emerald Isle, be mindful that parking requires a fee, although residents can park for free. During the summer, it is essential to arrive early as parking spots fill up quickly!
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand along the Atlantic coast, just 15 miles from Wilmington, making it a perfect weekend beach destination for North Carolinians and tourists alike. The beach offers a variety of fun activities.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk is renowned for its vintage charm and entertaining activities, ranking as one of the most appealing boardwalks in the United States with amusement facilities, restaurants, bars, and shops. Throughout the summer, the boardwalk hosts live music concerts and fireworks displays regularly.
By nightfall, Carolina Beach comes alive with outdoor concerts, parties, including large music festivals. The beach itself is ideal for kayaking, boating, swimming, and paddleboarding. In this beach community, there are boat tours, watersport rentals, charter fishing, and scuba diving courses available. The area’s sandy trails are perfect for hiking.
Tiki bars, taverns, breweries, and a variety of beach bars and clubs can be found at Carolina Beach, catering to everyone’s tastes.
Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island, located at the southern tip of the North Carolina’s Cape Islands, is a dreamy seaside destination with a wide array of activities to ensure a delightful time for all visitors.
Spanning Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island boasts stunning natural landscapes with over 10,000 undeveloped acres, preserving its scenic beauty for generations to come.
Thanks to the conservation efforts by Bald Head Island Conservancy, the island’s natural landscapes thrive. Every year, sea turtles nest on the island. Hiking and biking are excellent ways to appreciate the island’s beauty. If you enjoy kayaking, paddling in the island’s creeks offers a 360-degree glimpse of wildlife.
Three marinas dot the island’s beautiful coastline. Various boating activities, including fishing, kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding, can be enjoyed on the island’s over 14 miles of picturesque beaches, ensuring there’s a spot for everyone.
Bald Head Island holds historical significance with the state’s oldest lighthouse and historical battlegrounds. After soaking up the sun, you can partake in historical tours, ghost tours, or visit museums on the island.
Numerous dining options, including bars, restaurants, and island clubs, can be found on the island. Your family is sure to have a memorable vacation on Bald Head Island.
Nags Head
When talking about beaches, North Carolina’s coastal scene would not be complete without Nags Head in the Outer Banks. Throughout history, visitors have flocked to Nags Head to enjoy its incredible beaches, historic lighthouses, and diverse activities.
Boating enthusiasts will appreciate the various boating opportunities in Nags Head. Many companies offer tours and rentals, including dolphin-watching trips! Nags Head also offers hang gliding, fishing excursions, and surfing, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite watersports here.
Don’t miss the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park when visiting Nags Head. Hang gliders and sandboarders can often be observed soaring over the dunes.
Nags Head boasts a long, pristine beach with undulating sand dunes and breathtaking scenery, perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun. The beach is pet-friendly, allowing your furry friends to join in on the beach fun.
If you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks, make sure to include Nags Head on your list.
North Carolina offers enchanting coastlines and beach communities. Whether you prefer boating, strolling on sandy shores, or unwinding while listening to the ocean waves, you can find what you need here.
With so many awe-inspiring beaches, the hardest part is choosing which one to visit! Start planning from this summer onwards and don’t miss out on these natural gems!