9 of North Carolina’s best beaches to explore this summer

One of the most incredible things about living in the Triangle is its proximity to the beautiful North Carolina beaches. All along the coast, you’ll find numerous beaches that provide everything from a relaxing beach getaway to action and adventure on the ocean.

If you’re looking for the perfect beach to explore this summer, start with one of these 9 beaches along the North Carolina coast.

Emerald Isle is a 12-mile stretch of beach along the Crystal Coast that’s filled with numerous beach amenities for the entire family. This beach community offers numerous watersports, both onshore and offshore fishing, and hotspots for playing in the ocean. Emerald Isle provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Inlet. Try your hand at catching a record-sized fish at the Bogue Inlet Pier. It’s a relaxing, unforgettable getaway for all ages.

If you’re looking for a break from the typical beach town, Hatteras Island is an unspoiled barrier island dotted with village homes, which is protected by the United States as a National Seashore. Hatteras Island is filled with woods, dunes, marshes, and pristine beaches that are typically quieter than other beaches along the coast. It’s also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic and Blackbeard himself is said to have spent time on this island. It’s a perfect spot to get away from it all for incredible surfing, fishing, horseback riding, or camping. Don’t forget to explore the area around the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, which is closed for renovations through 2023.

The history of Currituck County goes back to the origins of North Carolina. First established in 1668, the Currituck Outer Banks remains a secluded beach along the northern coast of the breathtaking Outer Banks. Corolla requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get there, and along the way, you may just see wild Mustangs roaming the island, which were likely brought from Spanish explorers in the 1500s. Whether you’re exploring the island’s maritime museum and village shops, climbing the historic Currituck Beach lighthouse, or playing outdoors, this is one of the most pristine beaches along the coast.  

Ocracoke Island served as a trade route in the early 1700s, and it’s where Blackbeard died in 1718. Today, nearly 250 historic structures from its days as a colonial port town, a Civil War spot, a U.S. Navy landmark, and more, still survive. Ocracoke is a low-key island where its village provides rest and relaxation. But a trip to the beach requires a certain mindset, which means you should be prepared to walk, bike, or to drive only 20 miles per hour if you get a permit. It’s an unspoiled beach life you’ll fall in love with during your time there.

Topsail Island consists of 26 miles of beach and quaint seaside towns and is found just north of Wilmington. This island offers numerous places to stay, and countless events like summer concert series and movies at the park, a fall art festival, a flotilla, and more. The Topsail area was once known as a place where pirates could hide, but today it’s filled with relaxation and fun for anyone looking for fishing, boating, and sailing. It’s also home to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, which is dedicated to conservation of sea turtles. Their efforts ensure sea turtles nest and hatch safely on the Topsail Island coastline.

Wrightsville Beach offers a quintessential beach experience. Found less than 10 miles from Wilmington, it’s a highly accessible beach that’s renowned for its resort-style way of life. Wrightsville Beach offers outstanding shopping and dining, private excursions, and lessons in everything from Stand Up Paddleboarding and boating. Whether you’re into scuba diving or kayaking through local marshes, visiting a spa after a day in the sun or sampling from fresh seafood, or enjoying an evening wine cruise, Wrightsville Beach has everything you want for an unforgettable vacation.

Duck is the northernmost beach town on the Outer Banks, and this seven-mile beach offers a quiet, luxurious beach experience. This beach town is known for its duck hunting, which is still a possibility if you’re an avid hunter. But most people come for the quiet charm of this quaint community. Because it’s so remote, it’s largely filled with local shops and fare that make it a wonderful getaway that’s perfect for quiet days on the beach. It’s also a great spot for shelling, where unique shells are everywhere to be found, so don’t forget to bring a bag or bucket.

Atlantic Beach just feels like a coastal beach town thanks to its wide variety of shops, dining options, and its fishing pier and numerous rentals. Enjoy fishing and boating or charter a tour to explore the Crystal Coast. You can visit nearby Fort Macon State Park, a Civil War fort that’s open for tours — including ghost tours — and it includes a protected beach, nature trails for exploring, and picnic facilities. Atlantic Beach is a great place for playing, exploring, and finding a little time to relax in the sun.

Oak Island is a nostalgic beach town found 30 miles south of Wilmington. With 65 public beach access points, including numerous handicapped-accessible spots, there are numerous locations for visitors to find quiet beaches for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Oak Island is incredibly pet-friendly, too. And if you head to the town of Southport, you may recognize it from a number of movies, such as, “A Walk To Remember,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” or “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” You’ll easily get lost in the romantic charm of this island.

These 9 beaches are just a few of many along the North Carolina coast that you’ll love being close to, but there are so many more that are a favorite for residents and guests alike. Do you have a favorite beach not listed here? Share it in the comments below.

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