North Carolina Beaches - Rivers & Lakes in NC

Waters that soak into you

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a beach vacation, and North Carolina’s 300-mile barrier island coastline doesn’t disappoint. But those aren't our only waters worth exploring. Visit the mountains for whitewater rafting and river tubing, or immerse yourself in water sports on our many inland lakes.

Explore

Arts & Entertainment (1,382)

furniture, museums, gaming, film sites, etc.

Refine Search

Eat & Drink (2,585)

restaurants, food tours, breweries, wineries, etc.

Refine Search

History & Heritage (545)

historic sites, cherokee history, ghosts, etc.

Refine Search

Kids & Family (355)

theme & water parks, gems, zoos, aquariums, etc.

Refine Search

Natural Attractions (415)

beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc.

Refine Search

Outdoor Adventures (933)

camping, hiking, fishing, water sports, etc.

Refine Search

Romantic Getaways (100)

romantic attractions, spas, health & wellness, etc.

Refine Search

Sports (539)

golf, motorsports, horseback riding, etc.

Refine Search

Beaches, Rivers & Lakes

Waters that soak into you

Things To Do

Location

Interest

Season

Content Type

Filter Arts & Entertainment

Filter Eat & Drink

Filter History & Heritage

Filter Kids & Family

Filter Natural Attractions

Filter Outdoor Adventures

Filter Romantic Getaways

Filter Sports

Freeman Park Recreation Area

Carolina Beach

Plan an Iconic Trip to the Outer Banks

Article

Seeing the Ocean

Firsts That Last

Big Weekend Getaway in Little Washington

Sweepstakes

10 Perfect Places to Watch the Sunrise

List

Directory

Related Activities & Attractions

Make Your Family Beach Vacation Extraordinary at Carolina Beach

Trip Idea

Firsts That Last | Jazmene and Peyton

Video

Directory

Related Events

Oak Island Pier

Oak Island

Catawba River Outdoors

Marion

Visit Wilmington and Its Island Beaches

Trip Idea

Rumbling Bald Resort: A Blue Ridge Mountain Getaway

Article

Sanderling Resort: The Ultimate Outer Banks Experience

Trip Idea

A Family-Friendly Weekend on Bald Head Island

Trip Idea

Walk in Blackbeard’s Footsteps in North Carolina

Trip Idea

Flatwater Paddling in Eastern North Carolina

Trip Idea

Fishing & Dining on Ocean Piers

List

2-Day Beach & Outdoor Getaway to Lake Norman

Trip Idea

Go Wild: 4 National Forests to Explore

Article

Discover Your Favorite Brunswick Islands Getaway

Trip Idea

Mountain Trout Fishing in Western North Carolina

Article

9 Spots for Seafood on the North Carolina Coast

List

Wilson Creek, a Wild and Scenic River

Collettsville

Fill Your Feed with Fall: 9 Instagrammable Fall Spots

List

Charlotte Cycleboats

Cornelius

6 Reasons to Plan a Fall Trip to the Coast

List