Best Beaches in North Carolina

Whether you’re planning a romantic vacation, relaxing beach vacation or a vacation with kids, we have got a nice round up of the best beaches in North Carolina for families, couples and dog owners:

Kure Beach

First on our list of best beaches in North Carolina is Kure Beach, which was named recently on our list of top 10 most beautiful beaches in the US.
Best Beaches in North Carolina
Best Beaches on East Coast
Kure Beach truly offers a nice break from the typical beach-side resort so, if you’re looking for tranquility Kure Beach is no doubt, one of the best family beaches on the east coast.


Kure Beach is also a short drive from Wilmington NC (see places to visit in Wilmington NC) where you can do some shopping, a stone-throw from Fort Fisher Aquarium and a short ferry ride the historic town of Southport.

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks is without a doubt, one of the best beaches in North Carolina for a nature-type vacation (see things to do in the Outer Banks NC).

In fact, if you are looking for a beach spot in North Carolina where you can enjoy both the tranquility of nature as well as fun outdoor activities, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is definitely the spot for you!
Cape Hatteras in North Carolina

You’ll be able to do everything from boogie boarding, deep sea fishing and kayaking to bird-spotting and horseback riding.

Kids will also love it in Cape Hatteras National Seashore since they’ll be able to go crabbing, shoreline fishing and clamming.

Crystal Coast Beaches

If you’re looking for beach vacation spots in North Carolina with pristine shorelines, dog-friendly, and offering plenty of opportunities for activities like golfing and wildlife viewing, look no further than Crystal Coast.

The beaches along Crystal Coast are some of the best beaches in North Carolina, especially for family with kids and dog walkers.
Crystal Coast in North Carolina

The stunning beaches of Emerald beach and Atlantic Beach are great for beach activities like kite surfing and walking your dogs (on leash), while Indian Beach is a great for spotting bottlenose dolphins.
Emerald beach in North Carolina

You’ll be able to enjoy adventurous pursuits such as wreck diving off the Crystal Coast for sunken WWII U-boats and centuries-old ship-wrecks.

You can also visit Fort Macon State Park where you’ll be able to book guided tours and enjoy civil war reenactments.
Indian Beach in North Carolina
interesting places to visit in North Carolina
Crystal Coast is also home to a handful of golf courses, the Pine Knoll shores Aquarium (see top ten aquariums in the US) and Cape Lookout National Seashore where you can visit on a short ferry ride from Harkers Island and enjoy picnicking, beach camping and wildlife viewing.

Brunswick Beaches

Brunswick Beaches are no doubt, some of the best beaches in North Carolina for a relaxing family beach vacation with kids and a romantic weekend getaway.
Holden beach in North Carolina
top summer destinations in the US
Brunswick Beaches are located in southern North Carolina which boast some of the warmest waters. Some of the most popular Brunswick beaches are Ocean Isle, Long Beach, Holden Beach and Sunset Beach.
Ocean Isle in North Carolina

Sunset Beach is particularly a popular spot as it’s home to the Ingram Planetarium, and it’s just 30 minutes drive from North Myrtle Beach, which is one of the top best beach vacation spots in South Carolina.

Long Beach in Oak Island is also popular for dog owners and walkers. In fact, if you love your walks, Long Beach is not far from the Oak Island Nature Center where you’ll find many more nature trails.
Long Beach Oak Island in North Carolina

Both Ocean Isle and Holden Beach are also popular for pier fishing and camping, as well as catamaran and charter rental for deep sea fishing trips.

Hints and Tips

You’ll find more dog-friendly beaches in North Carolina the further north you head in places like the Outer Banks (Nags Head and Corolla Beach).

See. family vacation spots in North Carolina
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