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 Ferries
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. Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach Free Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By ameadventures - Newville, United States
My husband and I honeymooned in Minnesott beach and we used the ferry many times to get to destinations on the other side of the river. They are always on time, the staff is friendly and there is ample room for plenty of cars. One ride is about 10-15 minutes. A few of the ferry’s also have viewing decks, which are nice! And the best part is that it’s free!
2. Morehead City Ferry Service
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 185 reviews
Morehead City Ferry Service offers the Largest Ferry to Sand Dollar Island. Our Sand Dollar Island trip schedule vary with low tide times. The new Miss Morehead City is a 49-passenger Catamaran. We also offer Sea Life Encounter Cruises and Sunset Evening Cruises. Reservations are required. BOOK ONLINE! Free parking!
3. Island Express Ferry Service
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 969 reviews
Island Express Ferry Service is the ONLY ferry service out of Beaufort and Harkers Island, NC that is authorized by the National Park Service to drop passengers off at Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout. Shackleford Banks is the southernmost barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore. Shackleford Banks is a pristine island with one of the best shelling beaches in North Carolina. Famous for the wild banker horses that roam the uninhabited island, this is one of the few places in the eastern United States where wild horses can still be seen. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Cape Lookout, famous for the Cape Lookout Lighthouse Station. While you are there, take time to collect some of the most beautiful shells in the world. Bird watch, swim in the ocean, climb the lighthouse, or ride our famous Beach Shuttle. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this island paradise. Island Express Ferry Service is an authorized National Park Service Concessionaire. Although our name has, at times, been confused with smaller services that do not go to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout, there is only one ISLAND EXPRESS FERRY SERVICE. Be sure to add an S for Services when looking for us online.
4. Knotts Island Ferry
5. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 493 reviews
Reviewed By jeanettelamm - Gibsonville, United States
the ferry is always a fun thing to do and takes you over to southport and oak island its a great thing for a day trip to go across and see more of our beautiful coast
6. NC Ferries
7. Tuck’S Water Shuttle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 67margied
What a fun sunset cruise. Capt Tate is the nicest guy you'll ever meet and knows everything related to TI, cruising and entertaining his guests with great music and interesting stories. This is a "must do" while vacationing on Topsail Island.
8. Davis Shore Ferry Service
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By loisp297 - Candler, United States
We were thoroughly impressed with this ferry service. We were able to book the time we needed with no deposit two days ahead. We took a Toyota Tundra over & stayed on South Core for 8 hours. Drove down to the point, visited the lighthouse ( closed for climbing due to COVID) & did some wading & surf fishing. The ferry service has a store with all the needed provisions, from bait & tackle to ice & snacks. They have clean restrooms & service was friendly & informative. The deck hand was very helpful. We were able to decrease our tire pressure on the way over & they have a compressor that you can use to depressurize when you get back. For those with no 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can also rent a Kubota 4-wheel drive vehicle for $100 half-day & $175 full day to drive the beach. Pricing for bringing your own vehicle is based on vehicle length. We paid $80 for our Tundra, plus $16 per person.
9. North Carolina Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By steveny1195 - Penn Hills, United States
My wife and I have ridden the NC ferry system on multiple occasions from Hatteras to Ocracoke and Ocracoke to Cedar Island and back. Love being on the water and taking the time to enjoy the scenery, especially on the Cedar Island trips at dusk seeing the sunset over the water.
10. Hatteras Ferry Terminal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By alternativeavenue - Grand Ridge, United States
How can you complain about a free ride to Ocracoke Island? The ride over is an experience in itself! Great views, have your camera ready. Depending where you choose to sit if you get out of your car, it can be hot and/or you deal with some exhaust fumes, so be prepared to relocate or walk around.
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