Top 5 Beach Resorts In North Carolina, USA - Updated 2024

Karina
Karina 
Updated
| 3 min read

North Carolina is a state with sweeping views of mountains and exciting cities. It is home to more than 300 miles (482.8 kilometers) of coastline. It is known for its sandy beaches, warm weather, and a welcoming, laid-back vibe. North Carolina’s beach resorts offer a wide range of outdoor activities, making them perfect places for couples, solo travelers, and families with children. History buffs will enjoy discovering Civil War sites and museums that offer insights into the region’s past. Beach lovers will have the time of their lives exploring white-sand beaches and engaging in water sports such as fishing, paddle boarding, sailing, and jet skiing. Some of the most iconic attractions along the North Carolina coastline are Outer Banks, which is famed for its pristine beauty, and Wrightsville Beach, a beach town just outside of Wilmington. If you’re planning a beach vacation soon, keep reading for the top beach resorts in North Carolina, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.

1. The Sea Ranch Resort in Kill Devil Hills (from USD 74)

The Sea Ranch Resort is an oceanfront hotel that offers guests top-quality amenities. It boasts a variety of rooms and suites, all equipped with free Wi-Fi, an ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a coffee maker, and a sitting area. Guests can do laps in the indoor and outdoor pools, work out at the fitness center, or have a drink at the bar. There’s also a restaurant on site. Dogs are allowed on the property.

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The Sea Ranch Resort

Address: 1731 North Virginia Dare Trail MP 7
175.01 km (108.8 mi) from Fort Macon State Park

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Family rooms

2. Holiday Inn Resort Wilmington East Wrightsville Beach (from USD 269)

Holiday Inn Resort Wilmington East Wrightsville Beach is a family-friendly resort with an excellent location. It is close to the beach and a short drive away from Downtown Wilmington. During their stay at this resort, guests will get to enjoy a wonderful vacation filled with fun outdoor activities such as swimming and surfing. They will also get to try some delicious Southern cuisine. Each room comes with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, a desk, a refrigerator, and a microwave. There are three swimming pools open year round, two of which are outdoor and the other, an indoor one. Families with children will be delighted to find a playground on the premises, as well as a kids’ club and a bar. Two hot tubs are also available, so adults can unwind while kids have some fun playing.

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Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, an IHG Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 1706 North Lumina Avenue
113.59 km (70.6 mi) from Fort Macon State Park

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing

3. Shell Island Resort in Wrightsville Beach (from USD 190)

Shell Island Resort is a three-star hotel and is one of the top picks in North Carolina. People often come here for the convenient beachfront location and return for the flawless service, friendly staff, and breathtaking views. All the hotel rooms offer views of the ocean, so guests get to wake up to lovely views every morning. Each room comes with a living room, a flat-screen television, and an oceanfront terrace. The hotel also features indoor and outdoor pools. While kids have fun in the playground, adults can enjoy a drink at the bar or play volleyball. A convenience store is also available on site.

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Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

Wifi Available

Address: 2700 North Lumina Avenue
111.92 km (69.6 mi) from Fort Macon State Park

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre

4. Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront (from USD 193)

Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront is a three-star hotel that offers guests an oceanfront location in Nags Head. Visitors get to enjoy private access to the beach. They can also go for a swim in the indoor heated pool. Sun loungers, beach chairs, and beach towels are available. All rooms are bright, modern, and equipped with a Keurig coffee maker. A complimentary buffet breakfast with hot coffee, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and baked goods is provided.

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Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront, an IHG Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 4701 South Virginia Dare Trail
169.36 km (105.3 mi) from Fort Macon State Park

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Fishing Business centre Laundry Facilities for disabled guests

5. A Place at the Beach III in Atlantic Beach (from USD 125)

A Place at the Beach III is a well-appointed resort on Tar Landing Bay’s shores. It is well-equipped with families in mind. It offers playground access for kids and a tennis court for adults. There’s also a game room, an indoor pool, an oceanfront outdoor pool, and a hot tub. All apartment rentals are bright, comfortable, and equipped with a full kitchen, sitting and dining areas, and a private balcony.

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A Place at the Beach III, a VRI resort

Wifi Available

Address: 1904 East Fort Macon Rd
1.22 km (0.8 mi) from Fort Macon State Park

Parking Tennis court Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services Lift Children's playground Hot tub/jacuzzi

Explore North Carolina

A vacation in North Carolina will be unforgettable. This state is filled with beautiful beaches, historical sites, and seafood restaurants. Its warm weather also makes it a great place to visit. Stay at one of these top beach resorts for a more memorable trip.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Karina, a content creator rooted in Bucharest, Romania, embodies the spirit of a globetrotter. Her fascination with the beloved series F.R.I.E.N.D.S and a fervent love for coffee add vibrant layers...Read more

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