The 5 Best Beaches In North Carolina in 2024

The best beaches in North Carolina aren’t necessarily what the state is immediately associated with. North Carolina is known for its mountainous views, especially in areas like Asheville, where the world is a landscape of towering vistas and massive, ancient rock formed by the collision of continents.

When the word “beaches” does come into the conversation, it is often associated with the Outer Banks, one of the biggest tourist attractions on the Atlantic coast, up and down eastern North America. However, the Outer Banks is more like an area than a beach to place on a list.

So, what are the best beaches in North Carolina? Well, there are far more than you might think. Scores of beaches along the 12,009 miles of coastline include bays, inlets, sounds, wetlands, and the Atlantic Ocean. Out of all that coastline, we picked the best beaches a North Carolina or non-resident could ask for.

Best Beaches In North Carolina

Some are huge, some are small, and some of North Carolina’s beaches are all about solitude, as you listen to the waves crash into the shoreline in a never-ending cycle. North Carolina may be unable to match the Florida panhandle or some of Hawaii’s best, but that doesn’t mean they have nothing to offer.

All of the below beaches are perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or just about any other recreational activity you can think of on the water. Since there are more activities than just swimming, however, be sure to bring along your hiking shoes for some, and a good pair of sneakers for others, as you’ll spend a lot of time walking.

1. Nags Head

Nags Head is a small part of the overall Outer Banks but is home to the largest dune on the Atlantic coast. It’s truly hard to miss and if you Jockey’s Ridge State Park, you’ll see it in all its glory. Just be sure to stand way back so you can take it all in.

Nags Head features a long, pleasurable boardwalk next to rows of multi-colored condominiums, adding a splash of bright colors to the overall aesthetic. There are a ton of recreational activities available at Nags Head, including hang gliding, paddleboarding, sea kayaking, swimming, and hiking the local nature trails.

There are also plenty of amenities, such as restaurants, lodging, bars, and shopping, all within view of the incredible coastline. Speaking of the coastline, be sure to get up early so you can witness a spectacular sunrise. Sunsets aren’t much of a thing on the east coast, but you shouldn’t miss out on the opposite.

2. Carolina Beach

Twenty miles outside of Wilmington, you’ll run into one of the best beaches in North Carolina—the aptly named, Carolina Beach. Here you’ll find the classical beach setting, with a long boardwalk and more shops, dining opportunities, and fun activities than you can imagine.

There are places to rent bikes and surfboards, arcade galleries, food vendors, larger restaurants, and bars for the adult crowd. Don’t let the “adult crowd” terminology fool you. Carolina Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches on our list and there are many family and children activities there.

If you prefer to put on your hiking shoes, there are nature trails on Carolina Beach as well, including the Flytrap Trail, which earns its name from the Venus fly traps that line its flanks. As far as lodging, you can grab a hotel a little farther inland or rent a beach house for the weekend.

3. Kitty Hawk

Another beach within the Outer Banks area, Kitty Hawk is a place of historical significance. It’s where the Wright brothers successfully flew an airplane for the first time in history on December 17, 1903. Kitty Hawk has a more natural, classic appeal, with stretches of sandy shoreline interposed with rickety, driftwood fences that don’t seem to go anywhere

The Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve is an excellent place to break in a new pair of hiking shoes and it comes with the authenticity only one of the oldest and largest maritime forests in the region can offer. Once you get your fill of solitude from the shoreline, the nearby town has plenty of noise and creature comforts on offer.

There are hotels, shops, diners, etc, along with a large campground for the RVers in the crowd. Sea turtles are known for nesting on the shores here, along with many of the other beaches in the Outer Banks. If you sight one, think of it as a “briefly observe but don’t touch or interfere” moment, as these animals are protected.

4. Hammocks Beach State Park

If you like ferry rides, you’ll love Hammocks Beach. You can only access it, otherwise known as Bear Island, by jumping on the local ferry or heading over that way in your boat. One of the things that makes Hammocks one of the best beaches in North Carolina is its undeveloped stretch of shoreline.

No one, other than the people who visit it, has messed with it or altered it. Visitors who see this beach are seeing it as it was hundreds of years ago, possibly a thousand years ago. Around the perimeter of the island, there are sections of marshland, inlets, or what you might call bays (for lack of a better description).

You can rent kayaks or canoes on the island and head out to explore all of them until your heart’s content. The best part is the quiet. Other than the crashing of the waves on shore (ever-present no matter how far inland you go), it’s just you and nature and whoever you bring along for the ride.

5. Emerald Isle

It’s not often you find the shimmering, emerald greens and bright blues of the beach along the Atlantic Coast. You usually have to head to Florida or farther south to the many tropical islands for that. However, Emerald Isle is an exception to the rule and its waters are often the beautiful sea green of the best Florida beaches.

While there is only one hotel to stay in throughout the area, there are plenty of beach cabins and condos to rent for the weekend. Better yet, they’re much closer to the shoreline. Speaking of the shoreline, it stretches for 12 miles across the Crystal Coast.

Head farther inland and you’ll find a ton of shopping opportunities, along with some of the best seafood in the region. It’s a great place for a family vacation and it’s not like some of the beaches in the Outer Banks that are packed with heavy crowds throughout the Summer months.

Final Thoughts On The Best Beaches In North Carolina

For those who have never been, it’s easy to forget that North Carolina is home to thousands of miles of coastline. The tourism industry is in high gear throughout the Outer Banks each spring and summer seasons. But, the Outer Banks aren’t the only beaches in North Carolina.

There are several hidden gems along the North Carolina coastline and any one of the above beaches makes for the perfect family vacation, romantic getaway, or a place to just relax and soak in the sun. If you love exploring and adventure, there’s plenty of that too. While the best beaches in North Carolina aren’t the next tropical paradise, they are plenty of fun, loaded with adventure, and the perfect relaxation destination.

Summary Of The 5 Best Beaches In North Carolina

Which Beach in North Carolina is the Least Crowded?

With over 25 beaches to choose from, North Carolina has an abundance of beautiful beaches, whether you visit the ones found on this list of best beaches or head out to discover different locations, like Sunset and Carolla beaches to Avon and Currituck beaches. But of all these beaches, which one is the least crowded? Located on Ocracoke Island, you will find Ocracoke Beach, a barrier island that is part of the Cape Hatteras National Sea Shore and the OUte and was a renowned hideout for pirates, like the infamous Blackbeard.

The only way to reach Ocracoke Beach is by small plane or boat, which may be one of the reasons why it is less populous. With 16 miles of coastline, this Outer Banks beach can be visited by the North Carolina Ferry and takes about 70 minutes to reach. In addition to the secluded beach, you can visit other historical sites, like the Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and the Springer’s Point nature preserve.