North Carolina's Best Coastal Towns · Emerald Island · Southport · Beaufort · Bald Head Island · Oak Island · Ocracoke · Atlantic Beach · Wrightsville. 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 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. At the southern end of the coast and a short distance from the bustling city of Wilmington, this quiet coastal town located on a 4-mile-long barrier island has a lot of charm, from a bird nesting sanctuary on the southern end to its iconic Johnnie Mercers fishing pier. Combine an Atlantic surf environment, a world focused on boating and SUP on Banks Channel, miles of wide beaches and a deep bank of old Carolina beach cabins for sale and rent, and you'll get a sense of the magic that makes Wrightsville Beach totally fun. Who doesn't love Oriental, a city with more than triple the number of ships than inhabitants all year round? This 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 at Pamlico Sound.
Those who need a beach in their daily plans will find that small Town Beach is a quick fix, 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 prized primarily for its small-town atmosphere and slow, pleasant pace of life. Stay in a house located next to the strait for magnificent 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. A short drive away, you can visit the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Wrightsville Beach is famous for its crystal clear waters and wide sandy beaches. Locals appreciate the active lifestyle, with opportunities to surf, paddle and run “the loop”, a popular fitness trail. Oak Island offers a serene coastal environment with less tourist traffic compared to other coastal towns. Residents enjoy extensive beaches, fishing piers, and a variety of local restaurants and fish markets.
The island's 10 miles of sandy shoreline provide ample space for relaxation and recreation. Corolla is famous for its wild horses and pristine beaches. The area is less commercialized and offers a quiet haven. Activities include climbing the Currituck Beach lighthouse, exploring the Whalehead Club's historic mansion, and enjoying sports aquatic.
Duck is known for its walking-friendly village atmosphere and for its pet-friendly boardwalk along Currituck Sound. Residents and visitors enjoy boutique stores, local restaurants and a variety of water activities. The city hosts the Duck Jazz Festival every year on Hispanic Heritage Day weekend, which encourages a strong sense of community. While popular with tourists, Duck maintains the relaxed charm of a small town.
Salvo offers a quiet, relaxed lifestyle with pristine beaches and access to Pamlico Sound. It's less touristy and provides a haven if you're looking for a bit of solitude. Nags Head combines classic beach charm with modern amenities. Locals love Jockey's Ridge State Park, which houses the highest natural sand dunes on the East Coast, perfect for hang gliding and watch the sunset.
The city offers a variety of dining and shopping options. Places like Oak Island and Salvo tend to offer more affordable housing compared to some of the more exclusive areas like Figure Eight Island or Bald Head Island. Carolina Beach and Oak Island are popular with families thanks to their attractions, schools, and close-knit communities for children. Salvo, Beaufort and parts of Oak Island offer a quieter, less touristy environment, ideal for residents seeking peace and space.
Cities near Wilmington, such as Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight Island, benefit from close proximity to strong school systems and educational resources. 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.
For the best of North Carolina's coastal cuisine, look for restaurants that source their seafood locally. The city is home to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, which offers an immersive view of the region's diverse marine life. Despite being just 2 miles off the coast of North Carolina, just south of Wilmington, this 3-by-1-mile barrier island seems like a secret hideaway from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. Locals like to walk along Front Street, visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum and take boat trips to nearby islands.
For Ryan Shelton and Josh Lemke, North Carolinians and owners of a vacation rental they call Beach Please, one of the main coastal cities is Oak Island, thanks to its dog-friendly nature. Because North Carolina has 3,000 miles of coastline (including more than 300 miles of barrier beaches), there are many wonderful towns and ports that are just a short boat ride from the sand. The annual North Carolina seafood festival, held every October, is a must-have event for foodies. Perhaps there isn't a beach destination in North Carolina as suitable for a family vacation as Duck, the northernmost city of the Outer Banks.
For more information on how to plan your visit to North Carolina's beautiful coastal cities, including accommodation options, events and local attractions, visit the Crystal Coast, North Carolina vacation planning guide. The rest features 22 miles of pale sand, North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, locally-owned stores, and a community of beautiful beach homes. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach getaway, an adventurous vacation, or a trip back in time, North Carolina's coastal cities promise unforgettable memories and experiences that will leave you wanting to return. Visiting North Carolina's coastal cities offers more than just a beach vacation; it's an opportunity to adopt a different lifestyle.
North Carolina's coastal cities attract visitors with their irresistible combination of sun-drenched beaches, rich history and Southern hospitality.
