North Carolina's Best Coastal Towns · Emerald Island · Southport · Beaufort · Bald Head Island · Oak Island · Ocracoke · Atlantic Beach. This charming little port city on the southern edge of the Outer Banks, not to be confused with the South Carolina city of the same name (which is pronounced differently), has a bustling marina in the center of the city and is dotted with historic buildings that date back to the 18th century. Beaufort is home to the wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum and is just a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reserve. Look for wild horses and dolphins on the other side of the water as you stroll along the downtown promenades.
Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry to enjoy the best bombing at Shackleford Banks. What's not to like about Oriental, a city with more than three times as many ships as inhabitants all year round? That connection to water through fishing, recreational boating, rowing and boating (Oriental is known as North Carolina's boating capital) defines the maritime charm of this community on the wide Neuse River, which flows into Pamlico Sound. Those who need a beach in their daily plans will find a quick fix in small Town Beach, and the expansive tracts of Atlantic Beach aren't far away either. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community, known for preserving the Eastern dialect, has also become a popular spot for retirees.
Harkers Island has a post office, a few restaurants, and a grocery store, and is primarily prized for its small-town atmosphere and slow pace of life at a pleasant and easy pace. Stay in a house located next to the strait for great views of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Hatteras is the starting point for the ferry to Ocracoke, but there's more to this small fishing town. Charter fishing trips, kitesurfing and kitesurfing are popular activities here, in addition to exploring the sand dunes of Cape Hatteras National Shore.
Hatteras is also home to the Atlantic Cemetery Museum, with exhibits spanning five centuries of maritime history and piracy. Just a short drive away, you can visit the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. North Carolina's coastal cities offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, rich history and Southern charm. From the historic streets of Beaufort to the pristine beaches of the Emerald Isle, each city offers a unique coastal experience.
Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, these charming communities along the Crystal Coast and beyond promise unforgettable memories and the warmth of Southern hospitality. North Carolina's coastal cities attract visitors with their irresistible combination of sun-drenched beaches, rich history and Southern hospitality. Located between Indian Beach and Emerald Isle, Salter Path offers a quiet escape from the busiest coastal cities. The rest features 22 miles of pale sand, North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, locally-owned stores, and a community of beautiful beach houses.
For a little more nature, you can go to Carolina Beach State Park for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and watching Venus's cool carnivorous flytrap. North Carolina has more than 300 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and countless communities scattered along it. Perhaps there isn't a North Carolina beach destination as suitable for a family vacation as Duck, the northernmost city on the Outer Banks. For Ryan Shelton and Josh Lemke, residents of North Carolina and owners of a vacation rental they call Beach Please, one of the best coastal towns is Oak Island, thanks to their dog-friendly nature.
North Carolina's coastline comprises 300 miles of barrier island beaches, each with its own unique environment and variety of things to do. Everyone can enjoy beaches in both the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway, including dogs, who can go to the beach with their owners all year round (but must be on a leash from May 15 to September 30). Consider your environmental impact by practicing proper beach labeling, respecting wildlife, and participating in beach cleaning initiatives, if possible. The city is home to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, which offers an immersive view of the diverse marine life of the region.
North Carolina's coastline is dotted with charming coastal towns that cater to families and travelers of all ages. Duck has dedicated a great deal of energy and funds to nourishing its beaches (included among the best-restored beaches in 2015), but it's important to note that access is only for residents and renters of vacation properties. This barrier island city has amenities for the whole family, such as a municipal park with a water park, skating rink and mini golf, and the nearby North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores.
