North Carolina beaches are plentiful, spanning more than 300 miles along the ocean shoreline. The various beaches may share a home, but each one has its own personality and unique offerings. In my 27 years of life in this state, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting and researching our coast many times. I’m sharing some facts, opinions, and experiences that will hopefully help to guide you through our glorious coast.
Southern North Carolina Beaches: Boardwalks, Spring Breakers, and Hollywood
From the Triangle area, the closest beaches will be located on the southern portion of our coast. If we are talking personality, this section would be the outgoing friend that likes to party and make sure everyone is having a good time.
If you were to pull out your GPS and type in “beach,” it would take you straight to Wrightsville Beach-about a two-hour drive. Just inland, you’ll find Wilmington, a coastal town with a charming downtown that was the location for various famous movies and TV shows (Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and Safe Haven to name a few). The Wilmington Riverwalk allows you to walk along the Cape Fear River, dine at local restaurants, and look at southern homes.
As for the beach, Wrightsville has lovely blue water and a small surf town vibe. The access points are lined with surf shops, a hotdog restaurant, and an ice cream parlor. This is also the most popular beach for teenagers and college students taking a day trip thanks to local universities making it a more crowded beach.
You’ll find other popular options both 30 minutes south and north from here.
Starting south, Carolina Beach is what I would call the “party beach”. It’s filled with fun along the oceanfront boardwalk with a Ferris wheel, surf shops, carnival games, bars, and restaurants. However, the ocean is notoriously rough here and the sand is typically far from soft. As my family prefers relaxing in the water over getting henna tattoos, we never chose this beach for our vacations. I will say I do love two things about it: Britt’s Donuts and Island Burgers and Bites.
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To the north, Topsail Beach is one of my favorites and is my pick for day trips from the triangle. It’s far less crowded than Wrightsville and Carolina and the shore is stunning. Generally calm, turquoise water and plenty of access areas so you won’t be fighting for parking like you would at the others. The town might not look like much, but it has some amazing restaurants that you can read about in my Topsail Island food guide.
Middle North Carolina Beaches: The Crystal Coast
Ya know how I mentioned each beach having a personality? The ones along the Crystal Coast would be my best friends—loyal and always a breath of fresh air. This section of North Carolina beaches is my personal favorite. The sand is soft and white, the water is usually calm and clear, and the lack of too many hotels makes the shore inviting and clean. A few of the beaches that I frequent and enjoy are Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, and Pine Knoll Shores—though you really can’t go wrong along this stretch.
The shore fishing is excellent, the angle of the islands makes for beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and the beach houses are charming and full of character.
A huge bonus: Beaufort, what I believe to be the cutest town in the whole state, is located here. A whimsical town along the water, Beaufort will make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. It is full of historical charm around each corner and I assure you that there’s no cuter place to eat an ice cream cone while watching boats enter the harbor.
Northern North Carolina Beaches: The Outer Banks
One of the most famous stretches of beaches in the country is located right here in our home state. The Outer Banks are barrier islands that invite visitors from all over the world. Many sections take you back in time to a season of life when nature ruled untouched by man. The Outer Banks’ personality is that of a friend that is adventurous, low maintenance, and always up for a deep conversation.
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From touring our many lighthouses to watching the wild horses on Corolla, the Outer Banks provides endless activities that will breathe life into you. It’s a popular destination for kite surfing and hang gliding thanks to its wind and dunes.
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I suggest having at least a few nights if not an entire week to explore this section of our coast. You’ll want to fully take in all that it has to offer without running yourself to the ground trying to squeeze it into two days.
There is also no shortage of amazing restaurants to dine in and you can read about some of my favorites in my Outer Banks Food Guide.