What to do and see in North Carolina, United States: The Best Beaches

December 5, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto

North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina

1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

North Carolina Highway 12, Hatteras Island, NC 27954
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 563 reviews

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

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. Coquina Beach

off Rte. 12 8 mi south of U.S. 158, NC
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 51 reviews

Coquina Beach

Located within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a public beach with picnic shelters and bath houses.

3. Frisco Beach

Frisco, Hatteras Island, NC
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 162 reviews

Frisco Beach

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.

4. Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach

Ocracoke, NC 27960 http://www.ocracokebeachfires.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach

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.

5. Wrightsville Beach Park

1 Bob Sawyer Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480-2740 +1 910-256-7925 http://wrightsvillebeach.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Wrightsville Beach Park

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.

6. Charlotte By The Lake Realtors

Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 301 reviews

Charlotte By The Lake Realtors

We offer families to find a home here at the largest man-made lake located outside of Charlotte that offers golfing, fishing and boating, with over 500 miles of shoreline and islands you can pull up to and picnic. Enjoy living here or vacationing here. Lake Norman’s communities have a shoreline that rambles through Mecklenburg, Iredell, Catawba and Lincoln counties. It has the cities of Cornelius, Denver, Davidson, Huntersville, and Mooresville, with over 550 miles of shoreline. Lake Norman has islands to explore, parks to hike, new beach to swim, fishing to enjoy golf courses, marinas to store your boat, and restaurants to pull up in your boat. All of this just minutes to downtown Charlotte North Carolina, and Charlotte airport.

7. Cape Point Beach

Lighthouse Rd Follow Lighthouse Rd to Ramp 44, Hatteras Island, NC 27920 +1 252-473-2111 https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Cape Point Beach

Beach located along North Carolina's Outer Banks that is recommended for surfing.

8. Canadian Hole

Hwy 12 S Between Avon and Buxton, Soundside, Buxton, Hatteras Island, NC 27920
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Canadian Hole

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

1572 Hammock Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584-9523 +1 910-326-4881 [email protected] http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/habe/main.php
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 236 reviews

Hammocks Beach State Park

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. Bald Head Island Beach

Excellent
72%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Bald Head Island Beach

This beach extends for 15 miles.

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