Kick up Your Heels in the Tar Heel State—18 Best North Carolina Beaches for a Great Escape

When you think of "Carolina" and "beach day," your mind may immediately drift towards Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. But underestimate S.C.'s neighbors to the north at your own risk. We've got the very best beaches in North Carolina that you need to know about!

North Carolina's license plates may say "First in Flight," but the state's 300 miles of coastline make people want to stay grounded for as long as possible. In fact, fishers, beach bums, surfers and sunset chasers flock to the state each year to stick their toes in soft white sands.

The Tar Heel states' beaches boast plenty of different characters. Some offer history lessons, while others are havens for people looking to cast a line and stay a while. And others are simply designed for the quintessential beach getaway—full of ChickLit novels, sun-kissed cheeks and sandy shoes.

One thing's for sure: North Carolina's 18 best beaches make for memorable getaway destinations year-round.

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18 Best Beaches in North Carolina for Your Next Getaway

1. Emerald Isle

Set on Bogue Banks Island, Emerald Isle offers glimmering Atlantic Ocean vistas as part of Carolina's Crystal Coast. It's a prime spot for fishing, swimming, boating, watersports and sunbathing. The Point is lauded for its otherworldly sunsets.

2. Cape Lookout National Seashore

This sprawling national seashore spans 56 miles and numerous barrier islands. Shackleford Banks is known for its opportunities to sit, sunbathe and share space with about 100 feal horses. Camping, kayaking and shelling are other favorite ways to spend time in these parts.

3. Nags Head

A lauded beach destination, Nags Head is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast. It's an ideal spot to fly a kite, hang glide and hike.

4. Bald Head Island

A 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland, Bald Head Island has a no-cars rule. You'll get around by foot, golf cart or bike here. The 14-mile shoreline is home to more than 250 bird species, a North and South beach and tranquility you won't find on the mainland.

5. Cape Hatteras

Situated on 70 miles of beach on the barrier Island of Hatteras, this spot is home to sand dunes, maritime forests, wind and waves. The black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse structure in the nation and the second tallest in the world. And, frankly, it's the most stylish.

6. Duck

The name itself may pique your interest—and you'll be glad it did. Home to Sanderling Resort, with an onsite spa and family-friendly vibes, Duck welcomes all. You'll find plenty of chances to swim and dive into water sports.

7. Ocracoke Island

This gem of an Outer Banks village is known for its miles of unspoiled beaches and relative quiet compared to other hot spots. It gives guests a sense of a truly great escape. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and visiting the landmark 1823 Ocracoke Lighthouse, with its sweeping views of the Pamlico Sound, are to-do's to consider for your itinerary. It's also home to a haunted history. As legend has it, Ocracoke Island was a favorite play of Blackbeard the Pirate.

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8. Topsail Island

This 26-mile barrier island off the Carolina coast is home to three main waterfront towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. North Topsail has dog-friendly spots and maritime forests. Surf City is the most tourist-friendly, with a foodie and retail therapy scene. To the south, Topsail Beach offers throwback coastal charm and pristine terrain.

9. Oak Island

This charming beach town provides plenty of things to do during a stay. The Oak Island Nature Center is lauded for its hiking and fossil displays, and Ocean Crest Pier is a hub of fishers.

10. Corolla Beach

This Outer Banks beach may be popular but has yet to lose its laidback seaside character. When not on the beach, vacationers can walk down memory lane in the Historic Corolla Village, where sandy streets feature wooden signs and shops with amiable keepers. But the most famous draw is the wild Spanish Mustangs permitted to roam free.

11. Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is home to a bustling pedestrian boardwalk with bars, restaurants, ice cream, arcades and rental shops with bikes and surfboards. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel at the amusement park that's been around since the late 1800s.

12. Wrightsville Beach

This walkable beach town makes it a cinch to roll out of bed, slip on flip-flops and head to the sand for a day by the sea. But it's also popular among active types — surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are all popular pastimes. Refuel at the seafood restaurants serving local fare.

13. Atlantic Beach

Located along the Crystal Coast, Atlantic Beach is well-developed. You won't feel like you're on a remote island here. But you will have access to plenty of biking and water sports, chances to fish and history to explore. Fort Macon State Park, used during the Civil War, is nearby. Pro tip: Take a pre-hibernation-season trip by visiting in the fall when baby sea turtles often hatch.

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14. Swansboro

Hailed as the "Friendly City by the Sea," Swansboro mixes seaside vibes with southern charm. It was so charming that Nicholas Sparks used it as the setting for his book The Guardian. Though hit hard by Hurricane Florence in 2018, Swansboro has rebounded and remains a fun place to shop, dine, paddleboard and sit by the water reading a romance novel (or any novel).

15. Kitty Hawk

This coastal town rose to world fame on December 17, 1903, when the Wright brothers completed the first controlled-powered airplane about four miles south at Kill Devil Hills. Today, the 1,890-acre maritime forest Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve is home to diverse plant life like American breeches and bald cypress.

16. Kure Beach

Fish off the nation's oldest fishing pier. Take in al fresco shopping and concerts at Ocean Front Park and Pavilion. Spot sea lions, tiger sharks and gators (oh my) at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Or, simply enjoy the biggest attraction of them all: The sandy shores that give way to Atlantic Ocean views.

17. Holden Beach

Holden Beach is set at the midway point between Wilmington, N.C. and Myrtle Beach, S.C. Its small-town charm and quiet beaches make it a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Biking, boating and eating lunch on the deck at one of the area's sea-to-table restaurants are all common.

18. Sunset Beach

This beach near the North Carolina-South Carolina border lives up to its name. Its south-facing position lets people see the sun rise and set over the water from late fall to early spring—making it an ideal respite outside peak travel season.

Next up, 20 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in America—No Passport Required!