There's one beach in North Carolina that has sand and waves that rival even the dreamiest beaches on the Gulf Coast, and that's Emerald Island. When you think of America's blue waters, what do you think of? The first thing I think about is going directly to the Florida Gulf Coast or perhaps to the Florida Keys. Behind that, the water of Big Sur, California. Other than that, I personally wouldn't describe any water from the United States as blue. Well, I'm sure Hawaii would fit that description, but I've never personally experienced it.
The most beautiful water I've ever seen? Without a doubt, the Turks and Caicos Islands. The blue-green color of the water is unlike anything I have experienced in the world. It makes even the beautiful waters of the Bahamas seem unsatisfactory. I grew up going to beaches in South Carolina and have also done some visits to beaches in North Carolina.
And one word I would never use to describe water in either state is blue. That's why I was so surprised when our friends at SIXT contacted a study that said a North Carolina beach had some of the bluest waters in the United States. You'll find Duck, North Carolina, a little north of Kitty Hawk. In fact, it's the northernmost city on North Carolina's Outer Banks.
It got its name aptly because of the popularity of duck hunting in the area in the 1900s. The beaches are reserved for residents and guests. There's a mile-long waterfront lined with shops and restaurants, and if you're in North Carolina, you might be familiar with Duck Donuts. The popular chain originated in Duck, North Carolina.
Do you want to know more about Duck? Learn more here. Atlantic Beach is part of North Carolina's Crystal Coast or the outer shores of the south. Coastal Living magazine has rated it as one of the best beaches. Visitors love the wide variety of places to stay and things to do, including top-notch restaurants to visit after a day at the beach. Pier fishing is also a popular pastime, or if you're in the mood for a more active adventure, Fort Macon State Park is just a short walk from town.
Get all the information on how to plan a visit to Atlantic Beach here. Wild Horses couldn't let me go, that's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the Corolla North Carolina. And while yes, this Outer Banks town is famous for its wild horses, there's so much more to enjoy. This includes miles of secluded beaches, historic sites, wildlife and, of course, the incredible coastal cuisine you'd expect from any coastal town.
You'll find Carolina Beach just south of Wilmington. Visitors rave about Carolina Beach's waterfront, which has that nostalgia-filled old-time beach feel. Carolina Beach State Park offers panoramic views of the Cape Fear River. There is also a wide variety of hotels and restaurants.
As they say there, there is only one Carolina beach. Get everything you need to plan your visit here. Emerald Isle, North Carolina, is perfect for families and couples alike, with delicious seafood, oceanfront homes, and beautiful beaches. Emerald Isle, located on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, is famous for its crystal clear waters. The pristine coastline and captivating blue waters make it the ideal destination for beach lovers looking for a beautiful and refreshing swimming experience.
Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach is easily one of the most picturesque beaches in North Carolina, thanks to its crystal clear waters and always clean strips of sand. which stretch four miles along the coast. The area has 44 public access points, so it's not difficult to get to the water, but that also means it can get a little crowded during the holidays. The real draw of Wrightsville Beach is the waves.
They are soft enough in summer for beginners to get their feet wet while surfing, but the waters start to wreak havoc when autumn comes and the area becomes home to numerous national surfing competitions. While Florida's beaches are praised for looking like the Caribbean and having otherworldly blue waters, beaches in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia have to work a little harder to win his followers. With its stunning beaches, enthralling history and a wide range of activities, Nags Head offers an enchanting North Carolina coastal getaway. To compile this list, they looked at US News & World Report data on the best beaches in North Carolina and then used Google search data to determine which of these beaches are most interesting to North Carolinians.
Other picturesque beaches along the North Carolina coast include Topsail Island, which has 26 miles of pristine coastline. Carolina Beach, located near the historic city of Wilmington, is the ideal destination for families in North Carolina. Topsail Beach is a quiet coastal town ideal for families, with restaurants, a lively live music scene, shopping and wide beaches. Last summer, North Carolinians were amazed by a rare but totally natural phenomenon that caused the ocean along the Crystal Coast to glow with a brilliant blue glow that people previously only associated with places like the Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Immerse yourself in North Carolina's rich biodiversity and local wildlife at the Center for Wildlife Education or take on exciting challenges at Corolla Adventure Park. Wrightsville Beach, a popular North Carolina coastal destination, offers visitors a lively beach experience filled with water sports, shops, restaurants and nightlife. For nature lovers, explore Carolina Beach State Park and its various hiking trails, including the Flytrap Trail, where you can spot native Venus flytraps. Choose from a variety of vacation rentals and oceanfront homes to enjoy a comfortable stay and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones in Holden Beach, North Carolina.
South Beach has calm waters perfect for families, while East Beach is the ideal spot if you're looking for some fun on the waves. While Emerald Island sand doesn't have the same sugary whitish distinction as Florida's quartz sand beaches, its stretches of coastline tend to take on a light khaki and even whitish color, which is a far cry from Graham's cookie-colored, mineral-rich sand found on other North Carolina beaches.
