Crystal Coast

These south-facing beaches are home to cool small towns, Cape Lookout National Seashore and the nation’s best wreck diving.

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Known For

  • 85 Miles of Coastline
  • Cape Lookout Lighthouse
  • Home of “America’s Favorite Town”
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore
  • Wild Spanish Mustangs
  • Scuba Diving & Water Sports

Albemarle & Pamlico Sounds

Visit our first state capitol at Tryon Palace, walk in Blackbeard’s footsteps in Bath, and enjoy year-round sailing, fishing and paddling.

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Known For

  • Charming Small Towns & Colonial History
  • Birthplace of Pepsi
  • Nicholas Sparks Book & Film Sights
  • Tryon Palace
  • Blackbeard & Pirate History
  • River Fishing & Paddling

Brunswick Islands

On our southernmost shores you can enjoy 35 golf courses, Calabash seafood and family-friendly beaches boasting sunrise and sunset views.

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Known For

  • 6 Beaches on 5 Barrier Islands
  • “North Carolina’s Golf Coast”
  • Safe Haven Movie Locations
  • “Old Baldy” and Oak Island Lighthouses
  • Home of Calabash-Style Seafood
  • Bald Head Island Conservancy

Wilmington Area

Tour the Historic River District, board Battleship North Carolina, and enjoy the surf and sand at Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville beaches.

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Known For

  • 3 Family-Friendly Island Beaches
  • “Hollywood East” TV & Movie Sights
  • Airlie Gardens
  • Wilmington Historic District
  • Surfing & Water Sports
  • Battleship North Carolina

Inner Coastal Plain

Pair Revolutionary and Civil War historic sites with local flavor ranging from fine dining and craft beer to muscadine wine and barbecue.

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Known For

  • Skylight Inn & Barbecue Stops
  • Home of the “Birthplace of Independence”
  • Civil War Battlefields
  • Vivian Howard's Chef & the Farmer Restaurant
  • Duplin Winery

Outer Banks & Currituck

Visit Cape Hatteras, stand where the Wright brothers took flight and watch wild horses run free along the shores of our northern coast.

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Known For

  • 100+ Miles of Beaches
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore
  • The Lost Colony
  • Kiteboarding & Water Sports
  • 4 Coastal Lighthouses
  • Wild Spanish Mustangs

Topsail Area

This tranquil beach destination located on our southern coast is a haven for anglers, boaters, campers and visitors looking to unwind.

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Known For

  • 3 Quiet, Low-Key Beaches
  • Fishing
  • Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue
  • Boating & Water Sports
  • Lejeune Memorial Gardens