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
Things to do in North Carolina Coast, North Carolina Coast: The Best Beaches
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. 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.
4. Wrightsville Beach Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By W1702PJmarkg - Catonsville, United States
We love Wrightsville Beach Park and have been using it for 35 years, particularly the well manicured baseball/softball field. The park is located on Harbor Island with much of it bordering the Loop and has something for everyone. There are 4 tennis courts,3 volleyball courts, a basketball court, football/soccer field as well as that great baseball field with the short left field fence at 240', but with the Fenway high wall. There are also walking trails, exercise stations, bike stands, a Loop cut thru, vending machines and rest rooms. In the back of the park there is a playground, covered picnic shelters and camps, lessons. tournaments and summer programs are held here. On Thursday evenings in the summer, the park hosts concerts in the park. It also borders the Harbor Way Gardens, the farmers market and the Wrightsville Beach History Museum. Wrightsville Beach Park is a true gem and we enjoy it every time we are in town.
5. Cape Point Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Beach located along North Carolina's Outer Banks that is recommended for surfing.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Currituck Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Location of the only lighthouse in the state of North Carolina that is still located where it was erected.
Reviewed By hwhi0218 - Buffalo, United States
This beach is gorgeous. Morning and evening seem to be the best time to see the wild horses. You MUST have a 4 wheel drive vehicle to drive on this beach, we saw multiple people attempt it with 2 wheel drive and got stuck. You don’t need a pass to drive on the beach but for $50 you can buy a 10 day pass that allows you to park on the beach and hang out. It was so convenient to be able to throw coolers, beach gear, etc into the back of the truck, drive onto the beach and have everything available right there to use all day.
9. Salvo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By P403BGtraceym - Bluemont, United States
The ocean side had strong waves and riptides so we went to the Sound side and discovered Salvo Beach. The parking is ample, the bathrooms and changing rooms are conveniently located and kept very clean. The water is shallow and calm so it makes it ideal for young children. The beach was not overly crowded. We had plenty of room for four chairs and a cooler. We would recommend this beach!!
10. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
This bird-lovers' paradise provides a temporary home to more than 250 types of birds.
Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north end of Hatteras Island just south of the Basnight bridge. The refuge supports migratory birds and endangered species. A couple short trails from the visitor center provide great birding opportunities along the man-made ponds, especially in the winter. A two-story observation tower provides great views over the island. Note dogs are not allowed on the west side of NC-12, but are allowed on the beach east of the highway.
