North Carolina's Best Coastal Towns · Emerald Island · Southport · Beaufort · Bald Head Island · Oak Island · Ocracoke · Atlantic Beach. This charming little port city on the southern edge of the Outer Banks, not to be confused with the South Carolina city of the same name (which is pronounced differently), has a bustling marina in the center of the city and is dotted with historic buildings that date back to the 18th century. Beaufort is home to the wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum and is just a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reserve. Look for wild horses and dolphins on the other side of the water as you stroll along the downtown promenades.
Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry to enjoy the best bombing at Shackleford Banks. What's not to like about Oriental, a city with more than three times as many ships as inhabitants all year round? That connection to water through fishing, recreational boating, rowing and boating (Oriental is known as North Carolina's boating capital) defines the maritime charm of this community on the wide Neuse River, which flows into Pamlico Sound. Those who need a beach in their daily plans will find a quick fix in small Town Beach, and the expansive tracts of Atlantic Beach aren't far away either. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community, known for preserving the Eastern dialect, has also become a popular spot for retirees.
Harkers Island has a post office, a few restaurants, and a grocery store, and is primarily prized for its small-town atmosphere and slow pace of life at a pleasant and easy pace. Stay in a house located next to the strait for great views of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Hatteras is the starting point for the ferry to Ocracoke, but there's more to this small fishing town. Charter fishing trips, kitesurfing and kitesurfing are popular activities here, in addition to exploring the sand dunes of Cape Hatteras National Shore.
Hatteras is also home to the Atlantic Cemetery Museum, with exhibits spanning five centuries of maritime history and piracy. Just a short drive away, you can visit the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. North Carolina's coastal cities offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, rich history and Southern charm. From the historic streets of Beaufort to the pristine beaches of the Emerald Isle, each city offers a unique coastal experience.
Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, these charming communities along the Crystal Coast and beyond promise unforgettable memories and the warmth of Southern hospitality. Duck has dedicated a great deal of energy and funds to nourishing its beaches (included among the best-restored beaches in 2015), but it's important to note that access is only for residents and renters of vacation properties. Located between Indian Beach and Emerald Isle, Salter Path offers a tranquil escape from the busiest coastal towns. Despite being just 2 miles off the coast of North Carolina, just south of Wilmington, this 3-by-1-mile barrier island seems like a secret hideout of a story of Robert Louis Stevenson.
Combine an Atlantic surf environment, a world focused on boating and SUP on Banks Channel, miles of wide beaches and a deep bank of old Carolina beach cabins for sale and rent, and you'll get a sense of the magic that makes Wrightsville Beach totally fun. Take into account your environmental impact by practicing proper beach etiquette, respecting wildlife and participating in beach cleaning initiatives, if available. For a little more nature, you can go to Carolina Beach State Park to kayak, paddle surf, and see the cool Venus flytrap, a carnivorous and carnivorous species. By participating in responsible tourism, you're helping to ensure that North Carolina's coastal cities remain vibrant and beautiful for generations to come.
Visiting North Carolina's coastal cities offers more than just a beach vacation; it's an opportunity to adopt a different lifestyle. North Carolina's coastal cities attract visitors with their irresistible combination of sun-drenched beaches, rich history and Southern hospitality. Perhaps there isn't a North Carolina beach destination as suitable for a family vacation as Duck, the northernmost city on the Outer Banks. Travelers who like to learn something during their travels can spend an hour at the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Front Street or take boat-building classes at Harvey W.Because North Carolina has 3,000 miles of coastline (including more than 300 miles of barrier beaches alone), there are many wonderful towns and ports that are just a short boat ride from the sand.
North Carolina's coastline is dotted with charming coastal towns that cater to families and travelers. of all ages.
