North Carolina Coast
Discover a coastal haven where pristine beaches meet rich history and vibrant communities thrive. The North Carolina coast is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, where every visit promises sun-soaked adventures and oceanfront memories.
Sub-Regions On The North Carolina Coast
Outer Banks, Wilmington, Crystal Coast, Brunswick Islands, Topsail, Albemarle & Pamlico Sounds, and Coastal Plains Areas
About
Discover miles of pristine coastline, iconic lighthouses, and a vibrant local culture. Whether exploring sandy dunes or indulging in fresh seafood, these barrier islands invite you to write your own seaside story.
Best Known For
100+ Miles of Beaches, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, The Lost Colony, Kiteboarding & Water Sports, 4 Coastal Lighthouses, Wild Spanish Mustangs
Outer Banks Area, NC
Cities & Towns
About
Where rich history, coastal beauty, historic streets, riverfront views, and a vibrant arts scene can be found. Dive into the region’s past or enjoy waterfront dining. The area offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and coastal allure.
Best Known For
3 Family-Friendly Island Beaches, “Hollywood East” TV & Movie Sights, Airlie Gardens, Wilmington Historic District, Surfing & Water Sports, Battleship North Carolina
Greater Wilmington Area, NC
Cities & Towns
About
Renowned for its untamed beauty, the Crystal Coast is set in the center of North Carolina’s coastline. Hop a ferry to explore undeveloped beaches and the wild horses, sea turtles and dolphins that live there, or go below the surface in one of the top diving destinations in North America.
Best Known For
85 Miles of Coastline, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Home of “America’s Favorite Town,” Cape Lookout National Seashore, Wild Spanish Mustangs, Scuba Diving & Water Sports
Crystal Coast Area, NC
Cities & Towns
About
You’ll find North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands on our southernmost shoreline. Many families return to these barrier island beaches yearly to enjoy the region’s laid-back vibe and signature seafood. Up for exploring? Try a lighthouse climb, sea turtle walk, or round of golf.
Best Known For
6 Beaches on 5 Barrier Islands, “North Carolina’s Golf Coast,” Safe Haven Movie Locations, “Old Baldy” and Oak Island Lighthouses, Home of Calabash-Style Seafood, Bald Head Island Conservancy
Brunswick Islands Area, NC
Cities & Towns
About
Secluded shores and delicious seafood dining in the Topsail Area promise a delightful escape from the everyday. Immerse yourself in the coastal serenity that defines this cherished destination along the Atlantic coastline.
Best Known For
3 Quiet, Low-Key Beaches, Fishing, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue, Boating & Water Sports, Lejeune Memorial Gardens
Topsail Area, NC
Cities & Towns
About
The charming towns of NC’s coastal sounds have inspired locals for generations. Retrace colonial women’s quest for freedom, walk in pirates’ footsteps, tour our state’s first capitol and explore the settings for many of Nicholas Sparks’ most iconic works.
Best Known For
Charming Small Towns & Colonial History, Birthplace of Pepsi, Nicholas Sparks Book & Film Sig
Albemarle & Pamlico Sounds Area, NC
Cities & Towns
About
Visit this region nestled between our urban centers and coastal towns to enjoy some of North Carolina’s most signature tastes. This is the eastern home of our state’s great barbecue debate, and it’s also where you can sip muscadine wine, sample Mt. Olive pickles and savor A Chef’s Life plates.
Best Known For
Skylight Inn & Barbecue Stops, Home of the “Birthplace of Independence,” Civil War Battlefields, Vivian Howard’s Chef & the Farmer Restaurant, White Lake, Duplin Winery
Coastal Plains Area, NC
Cities & Towns
Travel & Leisure On The NC Coast
Best attractions, hotels, and romantic getaways
Our Top 3 Picks
- Visit Outer Banks Beaches
- Explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Take a Ferry to Bald Head Island
Our Top 3 Picks
- Battleship North Carolina
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Our Top 3 Picks
- Atlantis Lodge
- The Inn at Bald Head Island
- The Inn on Pamlico Sound
Our Top 3 Picks
- The Inn at Bald Head Island
- The Sanderling Resort and Spa
- Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast
Outdoor Activities On The NC Coast
Top hiking, water sports, and adrenaline activities
Our Top 3 Picks
- Fort Macon State Park
- Cape Lookout National Seashore
- Carolina Beach State Park
Our Top 3 Picks
- Surfing at Wrightsville Beach
- Kayaking in the Outer Banks
- Paddleboarding in Emerald Isle
Our Top 3 Picks
- Parasailing with Kitty Hawk Kites
- Jet Skiing at Topsail Island
- Kiteboarding in Hatteras
Restaurants & Dining On The NC Coast
Best dinner, lunch, brunch, and breakfast spots
Our Top 3 Picks
- Amos Mosquitos, Atlantic Beach
- The Crab Shack, Salter Path
- Blue Moon Beach Grill, Nags Head
Our Top 3 Picks
- The Shark Shack, Atlantic Beach
- The Dunes Restaurant, Nags Head
- Island Grille, Atlantic Beach
Drinks & Bars On The North Carolina Coast
Best beer, wine, and cocktail bars
Our Top 3 Picks
- Crystal Coast Brewing Company, Atlantic Beach
- Good Hops Brewing, Carolina Beach
- Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills
Our Top 3 Picks
- Silver Coast Winery, Ocean Isle Beach
- The Tasting Room at Nautical Wheelers, New Bern
- Bacchus Wine & Beer Bistro, Corolla
Our Top 3 Picks
- The Conch Shell, Atlantic Beach
- Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar, Carolina Beach
- Sundogs Raw Bar and Grill, Corolla
Culture & Entertainment On The NC Coast
Top museums, venues, festivals, and events
Our Top 3 Picks
- North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort
- The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Hatteras
- Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach
Our Top 3 Picks
- The Palm Room, Wrightsville Beach
- Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills
- The Scullery, Greenville
Our Top 3 Picks
- North Carolina Seafood Festival, Morehead City
- Outer Banks Pirate Festival, Kill Devil Hills
- Beaufort Pirate Invasion, Beaufort
Posts Related to North Carolina Coast
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