The 10 Best North Carolina Beach Towns (Whether Traveling Solo or with the Fam)
Read the original article on Purewow.
You might know North Carolina's coast best for the Outer Banks—the string of barrier islands known for pirate treasure and a hit Netflix show—but there's so much more to explore beyond the OBX. Think sleepy beach towns where turtle hatching season is the highlight of the year, and lively summer hubs where small communities swell from a few thousand to 50,000 sun-seekers chasing music festivals, seafood feasts, and chilled blush wine.
"Once a year, my family would road trip down there for a week of summer fun," says PureWow executive managing editor Catrina Yohay "Think of it as your classic American family vacation: beach, sun and zero plans. If you live in the Northeast, the islands that sit just south of Virginia are close enough to make the drive in a day but far enough away to feel like you're really going on vacation—especially to a 7-year-old." I spoke to longtime North Carolinians as well as repeat summer guests to get intel on the 10 best coastal North Carolina towns to visit—and I'll wager there's a satisfying getaway for you here.
Wit Tuttell is the executive director of Visit North Carolina. Tuttell has been in North Carolina tourism since 2006, managing strategic planning, policy development, and marketing initiatives for North Carolina's official state tourism office and the industry sectors it serves. In 2022, Tuttell was named State Tourism Director of the Year by the National Council of State Tourism Directors.
The 15 Most Charming Small Towns in North Carolina
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Why We Recommend It: charming village, soundside boardwalk, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Attractions to Love: Duck Town Park and Boardwalk, unique local shops, and diverse watersports.
Best Beach: The municipality does not maintain any public beach access, but plenty of convenient, private community access is available for residents, renters and their guests.
Where to Stay: The Sanderling (from $298), Ocean Pines Resort (from $315), Home in Kill Devil Hills (sleeps 4, from $250)
Duck, North Carolina, is a charming beach town with a year-round population of approximately 742 residents, which swells to around 20,000 during the summer months due to its popularity among vacationers. It's the town that PureWow's Yohay remembers the best from family vacays: "Each town is a little different, but we always stayed in Duck, which had a classic Carolina beach town vibe: locals-only and a little sleepy (though the downtown was surprisingly active). As a kid, my siblings and I would spend all day at the beach and pool while my parents joined in on the fun or supervised from the condo balcony." The town boasts a scenic 0.78-mile soundside boardwalk, maintains the 11-acre Duck Town Park with an amphitheater and hosts the annual Duck Jazz Festival. Visitors love kayaking, paddleboarding, biking along the Duck Trail, shopping at little boutiques and dining at waterfront restaurants.
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Why We Recommend It: sporty beachgoing and surfers near vibrant downtown Wilmington, modern yet coastal feel
Attractions to Love: harbor cruise, Intracoastal paddleboarding, Wrightsville Beach Museum, nightlife
Best Beach: South End Beach
Where to Stay: Trailborn Surf & Sound (from $354), Holiday Inn Resort Lumina (from $408), Surf Suites (from $386)
'This fun beach town is part of the Wilmington area, and I'd recommend it because it is lively enough to entertain the family without being over-the-top,' says Gallery Media Group Director of Branded Content Cristina Polchinski. 'It's not the most dog friendly, though. You can bring your dog in the off season, but they have to be on leash.' (From April 1 through September 30, pets aren't allowed on the beach strand at all.) Overall, Polchinski says the quiet, laid-back vibe was just right for a recent family trip with a toddler. 'We loved getting tacos at Shark Bar, heading into downtown Wilmington for an afternoon and staying at the Blockade Runner right on the shore,' she says. 'For a little extra, they'll set up and reserve beach chairs just for you every day. It's worth it.'
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Why We Recommend It: Hatteras offers an authentic Outer Banks experience with rich maritime history and unmatched fishing. It's laid-back and deeply rooted in local culture.
Attractions to Love: Explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Water sports like kiteboarding and deep-sea fishing are top draws.
Best Beach: Frisco Beach near the Hatteras Lighthouse is a local favorite with quieter shores and great shelling.
Where to Stay: Hatteras Island Inn (from $157), The Inn on Pamlico Sound (from $284), Sea Gull Motel (from $204), Edgecamp Pamlico Station in Rodanthe (from $296)
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore overall drew over 2.8 million visitors in 2023, but in this part, a small town of 4,000, you won't get crushed by the crowds. The town is home to the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse—the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S.—and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, both highlighting the area's rich maritime history. Visitors can enjoy activities such as charter fishing, surfing, kayaking, birdwatching at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, and taking the scenic ferry ride to Ocracoke Island.
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Why We Recommend It: ferry or private boat access only, walkable village, pirate lore, historic architecture
Attractions to Love: Ocracoke Lighthouse, British Cemetery
Best Beach: Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Where to Stay: The Ocracoke Harbor Inn (from $229), The Castle on Silver Lake (from $292), The Anchorage Inn (from $189)
Ocracoke has a rich maritime history, including ties to the infamous pirate Blackbeard. The secluded island village has only about 700 year-round residents, a population cap that's holding firm since the place is accessible only by ferry, private boat or plane. During the warmer months, its population swells as visitors are drawn to its pristine, undeveloped beaches—such as the nationally acclaimed Lifeguarded Beach. Visitors can go kayaking through salt marsh creeks, explore the historic Ocracoke Lighthouse and observe the wild Banker ponies at the Ocracoke Pony Pen.
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Why We Recommend It: Crystal Coast location, family-friendly fun, easy access to attractions and dining.
Attractions to Love: Fort Macon State Park, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, The Causeway (mini golf, seafood shacks and beach shops)
Best Beach: Main public beach at Atlantic Beach
Where to Stay: Bask Hotel in Morehead City (from $349), DoubleTree by Hilton Oceanfront (from $345), Island Inn (from $216)
A sparkling facet of North Carolina's Crystal Coast, Atlantic Beach is a charming coastal town with a population of approximately 1,427 year-round residents. During the summer months, visitors come, drawn by the beautiful beaches, the iconic Oceanana Fishing Pier and popular summer festivals. Special attractions include restored Civil War-era Fort Macon State Park and the public beaches around it, plus the nearby interactive North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the local shops and restaurants.
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Why We Recommend It: only accessible by 4WD, untouched beaches, secluded
Attractions to Love: Wild Colonial Spanish mustangs roam freely, kayaking in the Currituck Sound, stargazing
Best Beach: Carova Beach
Where to Stay: Carova Beach Crash Pad (sleeps 4, from $333), Corolla Village Condo (sleeps 6, from $430), Coinjock Waterview Cottage (sleeps 6, from $380)
Carova, North Carolina, is a secluded beach town with a small year-round population of about 200 to 300 residents, offering 11 miles of undeveloped shoreline accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Its seasonal popularity peaks in summer, attracting visitors eager to experience its pristine beaches, abundant shelling opportunities, and the iconic wild Spanish mustang horses that roam freely along the dunes. Activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking in the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and stargazing under dark, unpolluted skies make Carova a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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Why We Recommend It: Carolina Beach has a retro, fun-loving personality with a classic boardwalk, seasonal rides, and beach bars. It's great for families and groups.
Attractions to Love: Check out the Carolina Beach State Park, famous for its Venus flytraps. Enjoy fireworks on the boardwalk and live music during summer.
Best Beach: The main Carolina Beach offers easy access, facilities and lifeguards, ideal for a full day by the ocean.
Where to Stay: Carolina Beach Inn (from $238), The Beach House (from $343), Oceaneer Motel (from $454), Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront (from $401)
A vibrant coastal town blending classic charm and modern attractions, Carolina Beach packs a lot into 2.45 square miles and just 6,564 fulltime residents. In summer, the town comes alive with events like the Carolina Beach Music Festival, weekly fireworks and live music at the historic boardwalk—a place full of amusement rides, local eateries and the famous Britt's Donuts. Visitors can explore the scenic trails of 761-acre Carolina Beach State Park and enjoy water activities such as fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding along the Cape Fear River.
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Why We Recommend It: Oak Island has a relaxed pace, perfect for low-key vacations and reconnecting with nature. It's quieter than neighboring beaches but full of charm.
Attractions to Love: Climb the Oak Island Lighthouse, visit the Oak Island Nature Center, or go crabbing on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Best Beach: Middleton Park Beach Access offers beautiful sand, accessible facilities and is a local favorite.
Where to Stay: Captain's Cove Motel (from $125), The Beach House at Oak Island (from $259), Entire home in Oak Island (sleeps 8, from $257)
Oak Island, North Carolina has a unique dusk-to-dawn opportunity: South-facing beaches let you enjoy both sunrise and sunset over the ocean. Scenic spots include the 153-foot Oak Island Lighthouse, two fishing piers and The Point—a prime spot for shelling and sunset views. Throughout the year, Oak Island hosts numerous events such as the Run Oak Island Marathon, the Ride the Tide Kayak Float and the Summer Concert Series, ensuring there's always something fun to do for everyone. Not as tiny as some great North Carolina towns on our list, Oak Island spans 20.63 square miles along the coast, but it's still got that small-town charm.
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Why We Recommend It: Topsail Beach retains its small-town coastal charm, making it a peaceful escape with plenty of family appeal. It's known for sea turtle conservation and sandy serenity.
Attractions to Love: The Missiles and More Museum and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Center offer unique, educational stops. You can also fish from the Jolly Roger Pier.
Best Beach: South Topsail Beach is quiet, scenic and often less crowded than North Topsail or Surf City.
Where to Stay: Sea Vista Motel (from $259), Topsail Shores Inn (from $157), Loggerhead Inn (from $249)
Searching for unspoiled serenity? Visit Topsail Beach, with a population of just 461 people, where North Carolina's southern coast is quiet and sunny. During the summer, its tranquil beaches attract visitors seeking a peaceful getaway, complemented by attractions like the Jolly Roger Fishing Pier and the Missiles and More Museum, which delves into the island's unique history. Visitors can enjoy activities such as beachcombing for fossilized shark teeth, kayaking along the Intracoastal Waterway and exploring the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, dedicated to conserving marine turtles.
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Why We Recommend It: This is a true hidden gem with pristine maritime forests, marshes, and undeveloped barrier island beaches. It's a sanctuary for nature lovers.
Attractions to Love: Take a ferry to Bear Island for untouched beaches and birdwatching. Kayak through salt marshes or hike forest trails.
Best Beach: Bear Island Beach—accessible only by ferry or private boat—is a stunning, natural beach with few crowds.
Where to Stay: Waterway Inn in Swansboro (from $116), Islander Hotel & Resort in Emerald Isle (from $194), Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro (from $161)
Hammocks Beach State Park is 1,611 acres near Swansboro, North Carolina; it's a real escape sort of place, centered around pristine four-mile-long Bear Island—which you can only reach by ferry or private boat. During the warmer months, the park is a beacon for all sorts of outdoorsy folk, hiking, paddling, swimming, fishing, picnicking and birdwatching it up. Don't miss a ranger-guided kayak tour through the marshlands, as well as educational programs like LEAP Week for children. Even off-season, there's a natural orientation to holidays—for instance, the annual Trunk or Treat lets visitors of all ages get in on the fun.
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The 11 Best Beach Towns in South Carolina
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