The 10 Most Beautiful North Carolina Beaches for an Unforgettable Getaway Corolla Beach is a secluded beach gem perched high on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The sprawling beaches are perfect for summer vacations, but the area is also known for its wild population of Mustangs, who can often be seen splashing in the waves. Some of the best beaches in North Carolina are located in Cape Hatteras. These 70 miles of pristine beach are part of the Cape Hatteras National Shore, the first national coastline of country.
It's a wonderful place to enjoy a vacation immersed in nature, including days at the beach, bird watching, fishing, kayaking and more. These protected sands are a popular spot to watch sea turtles nest, and you don't want to miss the chance to enjoy the view from the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The distinctive black and white stripes of candy make the photo spectacular, but it's also the tallest brick lighthouse in the country and the tallest in the entire state. You'll love the view from the top of this masterpiece of 208 feet.
The Cape Lookout National Shore is located at the southern end of the Outer Banks, east of Emerald Isle. Its 56 miles of beach are preserved and offer miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches to explore. As you head south to the charming town of Beaufort, you'll find another of North Carolina's most popular beaches, on Emerald Isle. Families have been traveling to this stunning beach destination for generations.
On Emerald Isle, you'll find 12 miles of pristine beaches for sunbathing, swimming, reading and relaxing. There is also a popular fishing pier that goes deep into the water. Emerald Isle is just one of many beaches in North Carolina, on what is known as the Crystal Coast. Other great beaches include Atlantic Beach, Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores.
If you want to escape the crowds, head to Carolina Beach State Park, which offers some hiking and beautiful white-sand beaches. The Carolina Beach area is transformed into a vibrant place with oceanfront bars and live music at night. A little further south of Carolina Beach and Wilmington, you'll find Bald Head Island. The island is only accessible on a 20-minute ferry ride, making it feel pristine and untouched, perfect for a relaxing getaway in the beach.
It's home to a fantastic golf course, the Bald Head Island Club, but it's also an ideal spot for bird and wildlife spotting, hiking, kayaking, and more. I would like to go to the Outer Banks sometime, since that's when I can take a flight to a Florida Gulf beach and be there before I can drive to OBX, because it's hard to be willing to spend that time on it. I'm more of a blue-water beach girl. Folly Beach in South Carolina is also on the list, ranking number 5 on the list.
The best beach in the south was Clearwater Beach, Florida. These ratings were voted on by readers of USA Today. Travel experts at USA Today narrowed down the options and then asked readers to vote for the top 10 in a variety of categories. You can read the full list of the top 10 here. You'll find Duck, North Carolina, just north of Kitty Hawk.
In fact, it's the northernmost city outside North Carolina. It got its name with good reason because of the popularity of duck hunting in the area in the 1900s. The beaches are reserved for residents and guests. There's a mile-long waterfront lined with shops and restaurants, and if you're in North Carolina, you might be familiar with Duck Donuts.
The popular chain originated in Duck, North Carolina. Do you want to know more about Duck? Learn more here. An old waterfront promenade, a state park with the famous Venus flytrap, miles of enchanting beaches, first-class fishing, and colorful events and festivals are the perfect setting for an authentic Carolina Beach experience. In the north, near the outer shores, there are some of the best beaches in North Carolina, while in the south you'll find quiet, simpler beachside spots worth visiting, and even some places that may not yet be on your radar as great beach destinations.
Along the North Carolina coast, you'll find beautiful open sandy beaches and the relaxed, dreamy summer atmosphere you've been looking for. Wild horses couldn't let me go, that's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the Corolla North Carolina. North Carolina's coastline comprises 300 miles of barrier island beaches, each with its own unique environment and variety of things to do. Regardless of how you plan to explore these gorgeous North Carolina beaches, it's a must that you choose great accommodations.
But honestly, if I'm going to spend money to go to the beach, it won't be in North or South Carolina. To compile this list, they looked at US News & World Report data on the best beaches in North Carolina, and then used Google search data to determine which of these beaches are most interesting to North Carolinians. Topsail Beach is a quiet coastal town ideal for families, with restaurants, a lively live music scene, shopping and wide beaches. Visitors rave about Carolina Beach's waterfront, which has that nostalgia-filled old-time beach feel.
In fact, I had never been to a real North Carolina beach until my teens, when a dance competition led me to Ocean Isle.
