Top Things to do in North Carolina Coast
Top Hotels in North Carolina Coast
- 1. Clarion Pointe New Bern
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks / Corolla
- 3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
- 4. Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina
- 5. Sea Ranch Resort
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
- 7. Best Western Ocean Reef Suites
- 8. Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront, an IHG Hotel
- 9. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rocky Mount, NC
- 10. Sanderling Resort
The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in North Carolina Coast, North Carolina Coast
North Carolina's coast and 300 miles of barrier island beaches are filled with lovely state parks, top restaurants and world-class golf courses. Cape Fear's beaches attract surfers. Wilmington's downtown contains fine antebellum homes and exciting shopping and dining. The wind-swept Outer Banks offer historic lighthouses, mysterious Roanoke Island and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers hiking, biking and fishing. Ferry trips link islands with the mainland.
Restaurants in North Carolina Coast
1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 563 reviews
A national seashore preserve that has the most extensive stretch of undeveloped seashore along the Atlantic coast.
Reviewed By mikelK1251FN - Clinton, United States
We had a great time here, clean, plenty of space, I recommend you get an off road vehicle permit and drive on the beach.
2. Frisco Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By dzc00k - Arlington, United States
We stayed in Frisco and loved this beach. Great waves, easy parking and access to the beach itself, bathroom and shower as well. Plenty of space to roam on the beach.
3. Corolla Light Tennis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Corolla Light Tennis offers year-round tennis programming at the Corolla Light Resort. Our teaching pros excel at working with beginners to the very advanced players. Private lessons and clinics are open to the public.
4. Tideland National Recreation Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States
Tideland National Recreation Trail consists of two loop trails at Cedar Point Recreation Area in Croatan National Forest. The short loop is about 0.6 miles and accessible. The longer loop is about 1.3 miles. Both are either gravel surface or boardwalks. My wife and I took our dog for a hike here while visiting the area. The views of the salt marsh at the mouth of White Oak River are just beautiful. And the trail itself is beautiful too - the boardwalks have arches to allow kayaks and canoe to paddle underneath. Lots of wildlife, we saw a couple egrets and a lot of fiddler crabs. We visited in the winter, but I imagine the bugs could get bad in the summer. It's definitely worth a stop if visiting the area.
5. Tar River Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By MRobinson1010 - Myrtle Beach, United States
Being from Myrtle Beach, we wanted a place to avoid crowds. [See my review of Wilson Lake]. Ibam also a bridge photographer, so I love to find different styles all over the USA. This trail started at the Tar River Bridge. We were able to get pictures above and below it. Along the trail there were places to climb down, see the river and other spots to rest and be out of the sun. It was 80° when we went and it was just a beautiful 3 mile hike for myself, my husband, 14 year old daughter and 6 year old shepherd lab mix dog, Justice. As we walked further along the trail, we ended up in Battle Park which was also beautiful. The waterfall dam, the view from the gazebo and the multiple bridges along the way. We found one area that had graffiti, but that's not uncommon for people to deface beauty. Other than that, we can't wait to come Back!
6. Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By williamlO4961CG
Great experience. A perfect way to finish an Ocracoke day. We were fortunate enough to have clear skies to see the Milky Way and a number of shooting stars.
7. Ultimate Backyard Warrior
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
8. Canadian Hole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Beach located along North Carolina's Outer Banks that is recommended for windsurfing.
Reviewed By heatherw750
Great place to watch the kite surfers and sunset. Loved the easy walk to the beach and shallow waters, but the rough sand and muddy bottom was not for us. We prefer the ocean side.
9. Hammocks Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Located on Bear Island, this is a great swimming beach.
Reviewed By ElHaKa - Raleigh, United States
We kayaked and camped in the boat in only sites (#12). The experience exceeded all expectations - however we had perfect weather (high of 84, low of 69). You are required to book the site ahead of time and the only thing I would request is that if you book the site and your plans change, be sure that you cancel your site so others can use. There were many no shows. The kayak trail Bear Island is about 1.5 hours from the mainland. We came back via the Bear inlet trail which was more like 3 hours. Hammock Beach is lovely, waves mild. There is a kayak access from the boat-in sites which are also convenient to beach sites #8-11. Although the boat-in sites do not have facilities, it is a 100 yd kayak up the lagoon to the beach and then a walk down the beach to fresh water showers (we rinsed off before heading to our site.) The boat-in sites had a nice breeze and surprisingly no bugs (but I think we were lucky with that). The lagoon trail gets low at low tide.
10. Hammock Hills Nature Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
A nature trail that takes hikers through some interesting terrain.
Reviewed By ipbchlvr - Whitehall, United States
very nice walk through the marsh & maritime forest. very peaceful and quiet. we did not see any wading birds in the marshes, however we were thrilled to see an eagle take flight! it was magnificent. take the time to check out this trail.
