The 10 Best Beachfront Hotels In North Carolina

A true gem of the East Coast, North Carolina’s Atlantic coastline runs for more than 300 miles, second only in length to the expanse of Florida’s shores. Though the state is often praised for its charming communities nestled in the shadows of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, its scenic and serene beach towns are equally worthy places to plan your next vacation around. From the wild and undisturbed shorelines of the Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast to the laidback surfer villages of Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina’s beaches have something to offer all types of travelers. No matter where you choose to plant your feet in the sand, the state has you covered with hundreds of options for places to stay. You can rent a house large enough to accommodate the entire extended family, or treat your special someone to a relaxing resort stay. If a traditional hotel is more your speed, pick one that’s right on the water. You won't regret the easy beach access or the unencumbered views of the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean. Here are the 10 best beachfront hotels in North Carolina.

How We Picked This List

These beachfront hotels were picked by the editors of Southern Living who report, research, and visit hotels across the South.

Islander Hotel

Emerald Isle

Fall asleep to the soothing sound of the waves crashing ashore at this oceanfront hotel on Emerald Isle’s 12-mile beach. The hotel features 102 guest rooms that range from standard queen or king rooms to sprawling corner suites. All guests have access to the property’s oceanfront pool, pool bar, private beach access, complimentary beach chairs, and complimentary bike rentals. Stake your claim with a couple of chairs and umbrellas for the day or grab a bike and explore the area. Plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions are well within easy biking or walking distance.

islandernc.com; 102 Islander Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594; 252.354.3464

Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks

Corolla Beach

Corolla Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the North Carolina coast, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks is a lovely place to stay while experiencing it. The hotel's amenities include a free hot breakfast, indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, a hot tub, a fitness room, and private beach access. Just a few miles away, you'll find the Currituck Club golf course. Elsewhere around Corolla is the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Whalehead Mansion, and the Currituck Maritime Museum. When you’re not lazing by the sea, tap the Hampton Inn’s front desk staff, who can help arrange adventures around town, like kayaking tours and observing wild Spanish mustangs.

hilton.com; 333 Audubon Drive, Corolla, NC 27927; 252-453-6565

The Beach House

Carolina Beach

It doesn’t get any sweeter than a stay at this quaint oceanfront inn on Carolina Beach. Most of its 21 rooms and suites feature private balconies and porches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; the remaining few are situated around the property’s private pool. The family-owned hotel is all about Southern hospitality, which is why you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating areas complete with chairs and umbrellas inviting you to stay for a while. When you’re ready for a break from the sand and sea, stroll over to Carolina Beach’s famous boardwalk, where you can indulge in a perfect donut from Britt’s or take a spin on the Ferris wheel.

carolinabeachhouse.com; 412 Carolina Beach Avenue North, Carolina Beach, NC 28428; 910-998-7636

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

Atlantic Beach

There's always a warm cookie waiting for you when you arrive at a DoubleTree establishment, and that is reason enough to stay here. But another good reason is that every room has an amazing ocean view. Amenities include a fitness center, a bar and lounge, and indoor and outdoor pools. For the best view of the ocean, walk directly off the pool deck and onto the hotel’s 300-foot pier that extends over the salty waves. If you’re in need of a refreshment, there’s no need to run up to your room. The beachfront bar has everything you need to sip in style.

hilton.com; 2717 West Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC, 28512

Atlantis Lodge & Suites

Atlantic Beach

There are more than 60 years of history behind this beloved hotel that welcomed its very first guest on May 29, 1963. A landmark of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, the family-owned beach lodge retains its 1960s charm, but with all the modern amenities you could desire. On the beach you’ll be treated to complimentary chairs, loungers, and umbrellas, plus a beach assistant during summer months and access to beach toys and boogie boards. In the lounge you’ll find a gaming table, championship pool table, table tennis, a library, board games, puzzles, and a large-screen TV. For those looking to travel with the entire family (furry friends included), the property is pet-friendly and even offers a pet-washing station, pet waste bags and receptacles, and a dog park.

atlantislodge.com; 123 Salter Path Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512; 252-726-5168

Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront

Carolina Beach

As the only oceanfront Marriott hotel in the state of North Carolina, the Courtyard at Carolina Beach has some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean you’ll get anywhere. The hotel’s modern rooms have a understated coastal theme, so there’s never any doubt that you’re in vacation mode. In addition to indoor and outdoor pools, the hotel also offers a restaurant, convenience store, and on-site Starbucks. Everything you need for a full day at the beach is at your fingertips. And with its prime location on Carolina Beach, a quick stroll can take you all over the laidback town, where you can do everything from learn to surf to dine al fresco.

marriott.com; 100 Charlotte Avenue, Carolina Beach, NC 28428; 910-458-2030

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Atlantic Beach

It’s all in the name at this hotel where every single room offers a panoramic view of the water. Formerly known as the Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, this seaside retreat has been updated to give a resort-style feel to a classic hotel. Room options range from standard doubles to family- and pet-friendly suites. Spend your day sipping a drink under the orange-and-white-striped umbrellas on the pool deck. When it’s time for an evening meal, there’s no need to jump in the car. Simply head into Turtle Bar & Lounge for oceanfront dining. In spring 2024, the hotel will add a second restaurant to its lineup and extend the fun with beachside dining, a children’s play area, and tiki bar.

crystalcoastoceanfronthotel.com; 511 Salter Path Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512; 252-247-4155

Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks

Kitty Hawk

The rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks feature private balconies with either direct or partial ocean views. Perks include an indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, an on-site gym, a complimentary hot breakfast, and an all-day restaurant. Just across the street is the Kitty Hawk Fishing Pier. Only 10 minutes away, you'll find the Wright Brothers Memorial. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, venture out a bit further to the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, where nature lovers can explore more than 1,800 acres of forests and marshes, and see local wildlife—including white-tailed deer, gray foxes, and otters.

hilton.com; 5353 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949; 252-261-1290

Windjammer Inn

Atlantic Beach

After a recent renovation, the Windjammer Inn is more ready than ever to welcome guests for an idyllic beach vacation. Each of the hotel’s modern rooms features a balcony that give direct views of not only the sandy shore and glittering ocean, but also the beautiful dune landscaping separating the hotel and pool from the sea. A catwalk crossing over the lagoon-style pool leads you directly onto the beach where complimentary umbrella and chair service awaits in the summer. Thanks to the hotel’s spacious onsite parking lot, it’s easy to head out to explore the rest of Atlantic Beach and return to your cozy home away from home whenever you please.

windjammerinn.com; 103 Salter Path Rd., Atlantic Beach, NC 28512; 252-247-7123

The Lighthouse

Kure Beach

With the motto “a little place for big moments,” The Lighthouse is decidedly different from your typical hotel, but that’s what makes it so special. Owned by the Hemingways, a family local to nearby Wilmington, the boutique oceanfront hotel offers just nine luxury apartment suites. Several have expansive private balconies, but all have sweeping oceanfront views. Each room is light and bright, decorated with natural textures and colors that evoke the peace of a place by the sea. Other amenities include an outdoor fire pit, spacious decks, and an easy path right onto the beach.

kurelighthouseinn.com; 329 Atlantic Ave., Kure Beach, NC 28449; 910-444-4734

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