Beach Destinations
Discover amazing beach destinations with curated local recommendations
Corolla
Outer Banks, NC
family
adventure
historic
Wild horses + 4WD beach driving experience
Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the iconic landmark
Best beaches for families with gentle waves
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Duck
Outer Banks, NC
family
romantic
walkable
Best for walkable boardwalk + sound-side sunsets
Easy beach access but limited parking—arrive early
Top pick: The Blue Point for waterfront dining
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Kitty Hawk
Outer Banks, NC
family
budget
historic
Birthplace of flight + Wright Brothers Memorial
Great for budget-conscious families
Excellent kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions
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Kill Devil Hills
Outer Banks, NC
family
nightlife
central
Central location with great beach access
Wright Brothers National Memorial is must-see
Best variety of restaurants and nightlife
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Nags Head
Outer Banks, NC
family
surfing
nightlife
Classic OBX beach town with iconic pier
Jockey's Ridge State Park for hang gliding
The Strip (Beach Road) for dining and shopping
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Rodanthe
Outer Banks, NC
chill
watersports
small-town
Epic kiteboarding and windsurfing destination
Smaller crowds, more laid-back vibe
Real Watersports for gear and lessons
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Hatteras
Outer Banks, NC
fishing
surfing
remote
lighthouse
World-class fishing and surfing destination
Famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Ferry access to Ocracoke Island
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Ocracoke
Outer Banks, NC
remote
historic
island
wildlife
Ferry-only access adds to island charm
Howard's Pub for famous seafood
Historic lighthouse and wild ponies
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Atlantic Beach
Crystal Coast, NC
central
historic
walkable
family
nightlife
The Circle beach access most popular spot
Fort Macon State Park with Civil War history
Atlantic Beach Boardwalk for sunset strolls
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Emerald Isle
Crystal Coast, NC
family
chill
walkable
romantic
Crystal clear waters perfect for swimming
Emerald Plantation Shopping Center hub
Caribsea rooftop bar with ocean views
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Indian Beach
Crystal Coast, NC
chill
family
central
budget
Peaceful location between major beaches
Grande Villas luxury oceanfront resort
Gateway to Cape Lookout ferry trips
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Pine Knoll Shores
Crystal Coast, NC
family
chill
walkable
historic
NC Aquarium with sharks and sea turtles
Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area trails
Uncrowded pristine beaches
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Cape Lookout
Crystal Coast, NC
remote
adventure
wildlife
historic
Ferry-only access to barrier islands
Diamond-pattern lighthouse (163 feet)
Wild horses on Shackleford Banks
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Wrightsville Beach
Cape Fear Coast
surfing
fishing
nightlife
walkable
central
8.5 miles from Wilmington with stunning blue water beaches
Year-round fishing at Johnny Mercer's Pier (24/7 access)
Shark Bar & Kitchen serves elevated Mexican with premium tequilas
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Carolina Beach
Cape Fear Coast
family
nightlife
walkable
adventure
central
Famous 1/4 mile boardwalk with Ferris wheel and amusements
Britt's Donuts serving glazed donuts since 1939
The Tropical offers 3-floor dining with rooftop ocean views
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Kure Beach
Cape Fear Coast
family
historic
chill
fishing
budget
Quieter family beach with authentic fishing pier
Fort Fisher State Historic Site with Civil War exhibits
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher with interactive marine exhibits
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Bald Head Island
Cape Fear Coast
remote
romantic
historic
island
lighthouse
Car-free island accessible only by 20-minute ferry from Southport
Old Baldy Lighthouse (1817) - North Carolina's oldest lighthouse
Golf cart transportation and 14 miles of pristine beaches
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Ocean Isle Beach
Brunswick Islands
family
chill
surfing
fishing
romantic
walkable
7-mile barrier island with pristine white sand beaches
World-class golf courses and upscale dining
Laid-back family atmosphere with excellent vacation rentals
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Holden Beach
Brunswick Islands
family
chill
fishing
small-town
walkable
budget
Voted best family beach in the USA
8-mile barrier island with quiet, uncrowded shores
Exceptional fishing and waterfront dining
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Sunset Beach
Brunswick Islands
family
romantic
chill
historic
walkable
wildlife
North Carolina's southernmost beach town
Famous for Bird Island's Kindred Spirit Mailbox
Spectacular sunsets and Ingram Planetarium
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Caswell Beach
Brunswick Islands
romantic
chill
historic
lighthouse
small-town
remote
Hidden gem on Oak Island with 4 miles of pristine shoreline
Iconic Oak Island Lighthouse and historic Fort Caswell
Excellent golf and peaceful beaches
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