10 Most Beautiful Beaches In North Carolina

beautiful beaches in north carolina
Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 4 min read

Displaying more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) of the mesmerizing coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina’s beaches offer some of the most glowing examples of waterfront beauty in the southeastern region of the United States. These genuine slices of heaven on earth are a generous blend of either brilliantly remote stretches of surf or well-developed tourist-minded hubs. Whether your beach preference runs toward lively and action-filled or the more secluded barrier islands-style variety, North Carolina’s coast is sure to satisfy your beach yearnings. So if you’re ready to uncover this East Coast beach gem you must read on to discover the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina, USA.

1. Kure Beach

beautiful beaches in north carolina | kure beach
Source: instagram

Kure Beach is a quaint coastal town that offers a wonderful mix of laid-back beach vibes and thrilling water recreation. Chill in the soft sands or stroll along the surf and come upon one of the oldest fishing piers on the Atlantic coastline. If you want to pick up the pace then engage in non-stop action with a choice of surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, or fishing. In addition, Kure Beach Aquarium is a great spot for nature lovers: showcasing everything from whimsical seahorses to menacing sharks.

Kure Beach

Address: North Carolina 28449

Website: Kure Beach

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2. Ocracoke Beach


If you desire a true beach hideaway Ocracoke Beach offers a remoteness that provides tranquil bliss. A treasure on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, this beach is only reachable by ferry - adding to its allure. Stretching along 15 miles (24.1 kilometers) of unspoiled shoreline that’s largely uninhabited, Ocracoke Beach oozes with picturesque scenery and irresistible secluded charm. Take an exhilarating dip in the cool-blue ocean or do a bit of seashell hunting on the sandy beach. When you’re ready to end the day head over to a waterfront bar and savor one of your favorite cocktails.

Ocracoke Beach

Address: Ocracoke, NC 27960

Website: Ocracoke Beach

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3. Wrightsville Beach

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Sunrise At The Blockade Runner</div>
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user J Guth used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Providing an ample length of white sand and crystal-blue waters, Wrightsville Beach is a picture-perfect setting that can lure any beach-seeking tourist. Touted as one of the top-notch beaches in North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach offers shallow and serene waters so the beach has an appeal for families with young children. This beach is also a go-to place for kite-boarders and surfers. Although Wrightsville Beach attracts many beach-goers, you’ll be happy to know there is a multitude of access points open to the public so visitors can easily carve out a section of adequate beach space.

Wrightsville Beach

Address: North Carolina 28480

Website: Wrightsville Beach

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4. Holden Beach


Recognized throughout the U.S. as a top-tier, family-friendly beach, Holden Beach is the ideal waterside destination to enjoy with loved ones. One of five beautiful islands nestled on North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, this beach’s soft white sand, temperate and clear waters, and a large number of sunny days occurring yearly are a few of the elements that make this beach a big draw for families. Other family-friendly activities include Magic Mountain Fun Park that showcases a water park, an indoor arcade, and miniature golf. There’s also an adventure sports center called Shallotte River Swamp Park.

Holden Beach

Address: North Carolina 28462

Website: Holden Beach

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5. Currituck Beach


Currituck Beach offers a fine beach-going experience with an unexpected twist. While strolling along the delightful shore don’t be surprised to see wild horses roaming freely! These marvelous animals are descendants of Spanish Mustangs brought to this area by early explorers to the United States. Be aware you cannot go within 50 feet (15.2 meters) of these horses so obviously no feeding or petting is allowed. Besides swimming at this lovely secluded beach, other water sports to enjoy include exciting surfing, breezy parasailing, and high-speed jet skiing.

Currituck Beach

Address: Corolla, NC 27927

Website: Currituck Beach

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6. Salvo Beach


If supreme pleasure to you is simply whiling away the day on a gorgeous beach and maybe engaging in some fun water activities like kite-boarding then Salvo Beach is your ideal destination. The shores of Salvo Beach are the ultimate spot to feel the soft sand squish between your toes and to immerse yourself in refreshing deep blue water. There are even pleasant nature trails nearby. Though this beach may not offer many touristy diversions like shopping venues and bustling attractions, the tranquility of the coastline is enough of a lure for die-hard beach addicts.

Salvo Beach

Address: Rodanthe, NC 27968

Website: Salvo Beach

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7. Topsail Beach


Tucked away off the coast lies the dazzling Topsail Beach. A strand that was once only accessible by boat can now be reached via two area bridges. But this doesn’t mean Topsail Beach has lost any of its charming, isolated ambiances. Populated with only about 500 residents, this beach community is a world away from hectic city life and affords a truly peaceful atmosphere. Part of a 26-mile (41.8-kilometer) splendid coastline, Topsail Beach offers fun kayaking, surfing, and boating. For added thrills, visitors may catch glimpses of Loggerhead Sea Turtles that move about near the dunes to lay their eggs!

Topsail Beach

Website: Topsail Beach

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8. Carova Beach


You can truly leave the world behind when you venture to outstanding Carova Beach. Boasting 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) of remote shoreline, Carova Beach is one of the most isolated beaches in the entire state of North Carolina. Because this hidden jewel lacks several paved roads, this beach can only be reached by a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Visitors are advised to stock up because no supermarkets, restaurants, or gas stations are close by. Like Currituck Beach, here you will also see wild mustangs roaming the sand dunes.

Carova Beach

Address: Corolla, Carova, NC

Website: Carova Beach

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9. Frisco Beach


Frisco Beach is an extraordinary beach locale that affords quality beach time on handsome Hatteras Island. Offering a gently sloping ocean floor, beachcombers can securely walk out into the water at least 100 feet (30.4 meters) and never lose their footing to abrupt ocean drop-offs. This welcome beach condition provides an excellent location for swimming, fishing, and great seashell exploration. Frisco Beach provides a nice seaside haven with lots of off-beach diversions like go-cart racing and miniature golf. Two nearby campsites make this beach a popular spot for camping fans.

Frisco Beach

Address: Frisco, Hatteras Island, NC

Website: Frisco Beach

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10. Oak Island Beach


A favorite beach destination since the early 19th century, Oak Island Beach offers a lot of nostalgic charm and lighthearted flair. Visitors have access to more than 60 entry spots and are able to relish 10 miles (16 kilometers) of pristine coastal seashore that faces south on the vast Atlantic Ocean. Oak Island Beach is replete with gentle waters, sandy surf, and breathtaking sunsets. For water sports fanatics, this beach is heaven: with two expert fishing piers, a nicely maintained marina, and a collection of public ramps for easy boating and kayaking access.

Oak Island Beach

Address: North Carolina 28465

Website: Oak Island Beach

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Blissful North Carolina beaches

Comprised of far-reaching sandy beaches with mounds of protected dunes and an atmosphere that exudes a limitless carefree attitude, the beaches of North Carolina only add a wonderful layer of thrills to your getaway adventure. Now that you know which North Carolina beaches are worth your holiday time, book yourself a cozy accommodation, get out there, and enjoy the sun and surf!

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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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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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