It’s not easy to proclaim which are the best beaches in North Carolina—there are so many sandy stretches to choose from, and all are ripe for a summer vacation. From the Brunswick Islands all the way up to the Albemarle Sound, North Carolina has over 300 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean—301 miles, to be precise—and lucky for all of us, almost 100% of it is accessible beachfront. But just like the many styles of barbecue you’ll find in the state, the Carolina beach range is a vast one.
No matter where you go for a seaside respite, you won’t be far from the many charming towns and holiday communities that line the Carolinian shore. Go beyond the usual suspects like the Outer Banks and Emerald Isle (though the classics are classics for a reason) to spend some time broadening your horizons on Masonboro Island, just a boat ride away from Wilmington’s Wrightsville Beach; in Surf City on Topsail Island (pronounced “top-sull”); and even a town simply called Duck, just an hour and a half away from nearby Norfolk, Virginia.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are many hotels and Airbnbs in North Carolina that will make great basecamps for your beach adventures. And if you’re pairing days of sticking your toes in the sand with a city-focused jaunt, there are great things to do in Charlotte, from botanical gardens to restaurants to the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway. Though we’re pretty sure you’ll be calling for the sound of the shore before long.
Whether you’re looking for a fun summer family holiday or peaceful places to unplug, there’s a beach for everyone on this stretch of coast. Read on for the absolute best beaches in North Carolina.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Lilit Marcus and Brad Rickman.
