Among the states with the largest coastline, North Carolina ranks seventh overall with 300 miles of sandy beachfront, and second when limited to the East Coast alone. Lots of people focus on the Outer Banks and Wilmington beaches when they think about places to go boating in North Carolina, but those are far from the only options.
Every scene is more breathtaking than the one before it, whether it’s a breathtaking sunset, untamed horses charging through the salty spray, or gigantic sand dunes reaching for the sky. In North Carolina, you will find eight of the most breathtaking beaches.
Brunswick Islands
The Brunswick Islands are a delightful getaway with six beaches, bordered by the popular tourist destinations of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. Hidden gems with stunning beaches are hard to beat, and places like Sunset Beach, Bald Head Island, and Oak Island provide that with a charming small-town vibe.
While the entire coastline is breathtaking, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox at Sunset Beach is an absolute must-see. The picturesque scenery is set by the mailbox, which unexpectedly rises from a background of sugar-white sand and wind-swaying sea oats.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Everyone visiting North Carolina’s world-famous Outer Banks should make a point of seeing Jockey’s Ridge, the highest dune system on the Atlantic Coast. The celestial dunes here are as breathtaking as they are similar to the famous mounds in White Sands National Park in New Mexico. Stunning Jockey’s Ridge, adorned with colorful kites and hang gliders, will stay with you long after you’ve gone home.
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Wrightsville Beach
The ideal beach town is this bright and cheery neighborhood. White beach, blue-green sea that seems to go on forever, and the sun that never sets. Only a short distance from the beach are several eateries, nightclubs, and stores. Additionally, there is an exquisite variety of oceanfront and harborfront rental houses and condos.
A sunset ride along the Intracoastal Waterway is a great opportunity to take in the area’s untamed beauty while also increasing your chances of seeing dolphins surface for airborne selfies and a variety of coastal birds in flight.
Shackleford Banks
Included in the 28,000 acres of land and ocean that make up the Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina, this barrier island is a portion of that larger protected area.
While the whole National Seashore is well-known for its unspoiled beaches, the sole inhabitants of Shackleford Banks—a herd of wild Spanish horses known as the Shackleford Horses—are the reason for the island’s fame. Take the Island Express Ferry to reach this breathtakingly beautiful location, which can only be reached by boat.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Postcards and screensavers abound featuring the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s famous black-and-white spiral-striped lighthouse, but nothing beats actually seeing it in person. On the southern tip of the Outer Banks lies Cape Hatteras, which, in 1937, was designated as the first national seashore in the United States.
Stopping for photos every couple steps is a possibility due to the abundance of things to observe, which include a vast array of habitats, plants, and animals.
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Topsail Island
Surrounded by ocean on three sides, Topsail is one of the most picturesque barrier islands in North Carolina. It is located about an hour north of Wilmington and goes unnoticed by most. Each of the three neighborhoods—Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach, and Surf City—has its own unique glitz and glamour. So, you’ll be surrounded by wonderful people and breathtaking scenery no matter where you walk on the 26-mile island.
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Along North Carolina’s eastern coast run the 175 miles of the Outer Banks, and breathtaking scenery can be found at every turn. One must view the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge at its northernmost point to believe it exists.
Maritime forests, sand dunes, and shrub thickets abound in the region between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound; all of it is undeveloped, unspoiled, and eagerly awaiting exploration. The wild horses of Currituck County are the county’s most famous attraction, and a safari-style tour of the beaches here is the best way to see them.
Conclusion
The tranquil coastlines, abundant wildlife, and postcard-worthy views of North Carolina’s coastline draw visitors year-round. From the Brunswick Islands’ isolated beaches to Jockey’s Ridge’s towering dunes, each site on this list is distinctive. North Carolina’s coastal beauties offer limitless possibilities to relax, explore, or watch a stunning sunset. Be charmed by each site, and you’ll return to this amazing length of the East Coast with lifelong memories.
Source: I have consulted various sources for the blog namely Southern Living and OnlyinyourState.
