The 9 Best Beaches in North Carolina

Featuring more than 300 miles of coastline beaches, North Carolina is home to some of the many great beach towns in the country. Not only will you find pristine white sand beaches and rolling dunes in North Carolina, but you also will find that nearly every beach is complemented by a charming coastal town of its own.

Whether you’re looking for an excuse to plan a road trip, want a change of atmosphere, or are just a fan of ocean vibes, North Carolina has more beach offerings than one might initially assume. Below we break down the 9 best beaches in Nort Carolina, to help you begin planning your ideal beach trip.

The Pamlico Sound is considered to be one of the top attractions in North Carolina's Outer Banks and it is home to some of the top beaches North Carolina. Along the sound, you will discover plenty of public access points, all of which allow you to easily access some of the softest sand and most perfect waves in the Carolinas. Watersports are particularly popular in the Pamlico Sound, with many beachgoers enjoying activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing and fishing. If you are going to spend a day on the beach in the Pamlico Sound area, don't leave before the sun sets. This is one of the best places to catch an open water sunset in North Carolina, allowing you to end your day soaking up the beauty and grandeur of the North Carolina coast.

While many of the top North Carolina beaches offer public access points, Duck is a beach town in the Outer Banks without any public access. In order to get onto the beach, you will need to rent one of the vacation homes with beachfront access or purchase property along the beach. As a result, the beach in Duck is relatively quiet, giving you all of the peace and privacy you need to enjoy the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean. Duck is also a popular beach for those with pets, because dogs are welcome along the shores.

Located in the heart of the Outer Banks, Nags Head has long been a favorite vacation destination among families. This community offers many public beach access points, bringing in locals and visitors alike for endless days of fun in the sun. With lifeguard stations scattered along the coast, visitors have a feeling of safety to these beaches during the summer months. In addition, there are guards who patrol the beach on ATVs, looking out for those who are playing in the surf and enjoying their day near the ocean.

Situated along the North Carolina Crystal Coast, Emerald Isle is a favorite beach among North Carolina locals. It’s unique in the sense that it offers public access points to both the oceanside beaches and sound side beaches, giving visitors the opportunity to select the day on the shore that works best for them. Waves tend to be rougher and more erratic on the ocean, while the sound is quieter and easier to play in. With picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, playgrounds and more, the Emerald Isle beaches are filled with amenities that people look for when they want to spend a day in the surf and sand.

Considered to be one of the best barrier island beaches in North Carolina, Atlantic Beach is where modern amenities meet spectacular natural views. There are four public access points in Atlantic Beach, making this one of the most accessible public beaches in North Carolina. Regardless of the access point that you choose, you will find plenty of amenities, including outdoor showers, foot-washing stations, modern restrooms, picnic facilities and more. During the summer, you will have to pay for parking at these beaches, but there are plenty of spots available.

Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Carolina Beach is one of the best beaches in North Carolina near Wilmington. Perhaps the most notable attraction on this beach is the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, which is a historic boardwalk area that has been beloved by locals and vacationers alike for more than a century. Featuring amusement rides and charming shops, this boardwalk is the kind of place where summer memories are made. In addition, visitors will enjoy many oceanfront activities, such as paddleboarding, charter fishing, surfing and more.

Found on the Brunswick Islands, Sunset Beach is one of the southernmost beaches in North Carolina. Not only is it considered to be one of the best beaches in North Carolina, but it's recently been ranked as one of the top beaches in the world. While its name implies that this is the perfect place to end your day in North Carolina, you can truly enjoy a full day of adventure along this stretch of uninterrupted white sand. During any stroll along the shore, you will be able to collect shells as you listen to the lapping waves and soak up the serenity of this special place.

Topsail Island spans more than 26 miles long and its idyllic beach is located on the southern tip of the island. Even during the peak summer months, visitors will find that this beach is quieter than others that are found along the North Carolina coast, making it a favorite among those who are searching for an authentic Carolina experience. One of the most unique activities to enjoy on this beach is shark tooth hunting. You will have the best luck when the tide is low.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a protected span of shoreline in the Outer Banks and it's famously home to some of the most magnificent wildlife in North Carolina. Visitors not only come to play in the sand at the beach, but they also enjoy visiting the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. If you are lucky, you may also catch sea turtles nesting or harbor seals sunbathing.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to North Carolina today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.