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 three times as many ships as 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.
The Emerald Island is a popular destination for beach lovers and vacationers. Read more Beaufort offers brilliant ocean views, charming boutiques and delicious restaurants. Read more As the largest community on the Crystal Coast, Morehead City also offers many common amenities. Read more Explore 56 miles of pristine beach surroundings on the Cape Lookout National Shore.
Read more With wide tracts of coastline, Pine Knoll Shores is the perfect retreat for beach lovers. Read more Located just east of Beaufort, the picturesque island of Harkers is a popular destination for anyone who wants it. Without a doubt, the charm of coastal towns such as Carolina Beach and Kure Beach lies in the splendor and tranquility of their natural environment. To wake up every day to the kaleidoscope of colors when the golden sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, or to spend quiet and peaceful nights under the canopy of countless bright stars, these are the simple yet magical moments that elevate daily life to something truly enchanting. 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. Travelers who like to learn something during their travels can spend an hour at the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Front Street or take boat-building classes at Harvey W.North Carolina has more than 300 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and countless communities scattered along it. By participating in responsible tourism, you're helping to ensure that North Carolina's coastal cities remain vibrant and beautiful for generations to come.
For the best of North Carolina's coastal cuisine, look for restaurants that source their seafood locally. An education system recognized for its high quality is part of the Carolina Beach lifestyle. Because North Carolina has 3,000 miles of coastline (including more than 300 miles of barrier beaches alone), there are many wonderful towns and ports just a short boat ride from the sand. When you pause and reflect on the priceless gifts that Carolina Beach and Kure Beach bestow upon their residents, it's hard to understand why anyone wouldn't want to call these beautiful, warm, and inviting cities home. In short, year-round living in Carolina Beach means adopting a balanced and vibrant lifestyle, along with a community spirit that thrives year-round.
Visiting North Carolina's coastal cities offers more than just a beach vacation; it's an opportunity to adopt a different lifestyle. 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. For a little more nature, you can go to Carolina Beach State Park for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and watching the cool carnivorous Venus flytrap. This barrier island town has facilities for the whole family, such as an urban park with a splash area, skating rink and mini golf, and the nearby North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores.
The annual North Carolina seafood festival, held every October, is a must-have event for foodies. North Carolina's coastal cities attract visitors with their irresistible combination of sun-drenched beaches, rich history and Southern hospitality.
