Everyone from partygoers and outdoor enthusiasts to introverts and families can find their ideal beach vacation in North Carolina.
Beach, please. Do you think beaches are only for hordes of sunbathing frolickers? There are as many beaches as there are types of people, and North Carolina happens to be home to awesome beaches that are suitable for all kinds of folks. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, lively nightlife, outdoor adventures, or solitary pleasures, you’ll find a North Carolina beach suited just for you.
For families
Duck
Leave the bright lights and late nights for the folks without kids. With seven miles of scenic beaches, walkability to local shops and restaurants, and a lovely boardwalk along the sound, there’s no end to the fun families can have at Duck Beach.
Charming and serene on its own, Duck is also conveniently drivable to bigger attractions in the Outer Banks, like Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers monument. Its lack of public beach access (meaning beaches are exclusive to locals and vacationers) makes the experience feel more private and safe for little ones.
In addition to boasting several beloved local eateries like the waterfront NC Coast Grill & Bar, Duck Beach is also home to the original Duck Donuts, which, if you know, you know. And if you don’t, be prepared to encounter heaven in the form of a little sweet treat.
Oak Island
This old-fashioned beach town has numerous rentals that are ideal for families, as well as other charming ways to while away the day.
Fun family options include meandering along the scenic Oak Island pier, taking the ferry to the historic Oak Island Lighthouse or nearby Fort Fisher, or exploring wondrous marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Visitors also enjoy packing a picnic lunch and heading to the Point, the westernmost tip of Oak Island, which offers sparsely populated beaches and ample shells for collecting. Nighttime is also a fine time for stargazing, so pack your binoculars.
Carolina Beach
Looking for a quintessential beach experience? Head to Carolina Beach, where the boardwalk—with arcade games, classic treats like funnel cake and ice cream, and rides like Ferris wheels—beckon.
During the summer, families can enjoy weekly fireworks hosted by the boardwalk and free outdoor movies at Carolina Beach Lake Park. And to make sure the fam is properly fueled for fun, there are more than 25 eateries and bars within walking distance of the boardwalk. Locals and visitors alike clamor to Nauti Dog for hot dogs and Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar for cocktails and fresher-than-fresh seafood.
For Introverts
Bald Head Island
Do you long to be where the people aren’t? Accessible only by a 20-minute ferry ride, the car-free Bald Head Island includes 14 miles of pristine coastline alongside unique maritime forests replete with ancient trees and multiple bike and hiking trails. No cars means visitors get around via foot, bike, or golf cart, so you won’t hear any obnoxious motor sounds. On top of that, the number of folks who reside here is only about 300, giving it a very sleepy, small-town vibe.
As for dining, standout options include hearty diner-style fare at Boat House BHI, upscale Mexican at Cozumel, and wood-fired pizzas from Copper’s Wood-Fired Kitchen. Another distinctive thing? Bald Head Island is nationally renowned for its abundant nesting sea turtles. Pro tip: Sea turtle season is May 1 through November 15.
Carova Beach
Are you an introvert with a taste for adventure and a penchant for off-road terrain? So secluded it’s accessible only by 4×4 vehicles on sand, ruggedly beautiful Carova Beach has no paved roads and zero commercial development. You won’t find any grocery stores, gas stations, or restaurants in the immediate area, but there are ample cozy homes nestled among the dunes.
Here, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views of the nearly untouched oceanside in every direction. You may catch sight of some of the beach’s famous wild horses. As for relaxation, this is an ideal spot for watching nature, beachcombing, reading, and stargazing.
Salvo Beach
Situated in the Hatteras Island section of the Outer Banks, tiny Salvo Beach is accessible to the public but has the feel of a private beach. That’s due, in part, to the fact that it’s uncrowded, highly residential, and offers few options for eating out.
While there are a few small mom-and-pop-style shops in Salvo, the closest major grocery store is located in bustling Avon, about 15 miles away. If your interests are low-key and include things like reading, playing in the ocean, lounging on the beach, fishing, viewing wildlife, biking or kayaking, board games, and home-cooked meals, then you’ll find Salvo very satisfying. And should you find yourself wanting more, you can enjoy day trips to nearby Nags Head, Hatteras, and Ocracoke.
For Nightlife
Corolla
You like your beach with a bit of after-hours entertainment? Alongside its beautiful sandy beaches, scenic dunes, wild horses, and historic landmarks (like the Currituck Beach Lighthouse), you can also enjoy regular opportunities for trivia, live music, karaoke, and DJs at beloved local staples Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill, Sundog’s Raw Bar & Grill, and The Corolla Beer Garden. While you won’t have any late nights on the town during the off-season, during the summer, there are several bars that stay open until 2 a.m.
Wilmington
While it’s technically a beach town (and not a beach), Wilmington’s size and proximity to other North Carolina beaches earn it a spot on the nightlife list. The largest city on the North Carolina coast, Wilmington offers a plethora of opportunities for fun after sundown, including cocktail lounges like Dram & Draught, dance clubs like Ibiza Nightclub, and rooftop bars with breathtaking views like aVIEW.
There are also spots like the city’s largest pool hall, BreakTime Billiards Bar & Grill- Family Fun Center, Axes & Allies with urban axe throwing, and Wilmington’s only full-time comedy club, The Dead Crow Comedy Room.
Atlantic Beach
For a more laid-back type of nightlife, hit up Atlantic Beach. With an energetic, yet comfortable, vibe, it offers a nice selection of local bars with something for everyone, from craft beer enthusiasts (head to Coast Brewing Company) and wine lovers (don’t miss Going Coastal Winery). There’s also live music at The Tipsy Turtle Tavern and The Tackle Box Tavern, which is open daily until 2 a.m. Cut a rug at Memories Beach Club, one of the area’s only spots to enjoy classic Carolina Beach Music and Shag dancing.
For outdoor recreation
Nags Head
If its miles and miles of unspoiled beaches and opportunities for surfing, fishing, and kiteboarding aren’t enough, Nags Head in the Outer Banks also offers otherworldly Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the largest system of dunes in the eastern United States. The 70-100-foot-tall dunes are ideal for everything from leisurely strolls to sledding down (or simply gazing out from) the dunes. Walkers will enjoy taking in the sights while getting their steps in on the 8+ miles of trails in the Nags Head Woods Preserve.
Emerald Isle
In addition to a slew of activities you can enjoy in its aptly named green-hued waters, like swimming, fishing, surfing, and boating along its 12 miles of coastline, Emerald Isle also offers fun land-based activities at the 41-acre Emerald Isle Woods Park. Here, visitors can hike, bike, and walk while taking in soothing scenic vistas. There’s also disc golf at the 18-hole Emerald Woods Disc Golf Course. The semi-private Star Hill Golf Club is open to the public and features three 9-hole courses.
Want something a little less athletic? Hit up The Golfin’ Dolphin, where you’ll find mini golf, go-karts, a driving range, a batting cage, and elevated ropes courses with its Sky Trail.
Cape Hatteras
On account of its 70 miles of undeveloped shoreline within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Hatteras is known as a mecca for outdoor activities, especially water sports like kayaking, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.
The seashore is also home to three historic lighthouses: Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, and Ocracoke. Pro tip: Currently, you can only climb Bodie Island. It’s also home to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is known as a nature-lover’s paradise.
