Visit North Carolina
  • Travel Guides
  • E-News
  • 1-800-VISITNC
  • Things to Do
  • Cities & Regions
  • Events
  • Plan Your Visit
Close Menu
Search Visit NCMenu
  • Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean on the Currituck Outer Banks
  • Vacation rentals on Topsail Beach
  • Wild Spanish mustangs on the Currituck Outer Banks
  • Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Crystal Coast
  • Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash on North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks
  • The George on Wilmington’s Riverwalk
  • Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q Sandwich in Salter Path
  • Carolina Beach, one of three island beaches near Wilmington
  • Sail on the Neuse River

North Carolina Coast

Otherworldly isn’t that far away

The North Carolina coast comprises 300 miles of barrier-island beaches, each with its own unique vibe and variety of things to do. And quaint coastal towns and endless activities guarantee there’s always something new to explore – a fresh perspective in a familiar setting that brings visitors back year after year.

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.

Explore Region

Known For

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

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.

Explore Region

Known For

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

Crystal Coast

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

Explore Region

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

Brunswick Islands

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

Explore Region

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

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.

Explore Region

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.

Explore Region

Known For

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

Wilmington Area

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

Explore Region

Known For

  • 3 Family-Friendly Island Beaches
  • “Hollywood East” TV & Movie Sights
  • Airlie Gardens
  • Wilmington Historic District
  • Surfing & Water Sports
  • Battleship North Carolina
 See something wrong? Tell us about it.
Visit NC FacebookVisit NC TwitterVisit NC InstagramVisit NC YouTubeVisit Pinterest
Firsts That Last - North Carolina
Ratings Powered by TripAdvisor TripAdvisor
1-800-VISITNC
Contact UsGet ListedMedia
Project 543
Group Travel
Retire NC
Film NC
Sports NC
Ratings Powered by TripAdvisor TripAdvisor
United KingdomCanadaGermanyMexicoChina
© 2023 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina   EDPNC - Privacy - Terms of Use - Accessibility   FIRSTS THAT LAST and the NC design are registered service marks of the EDPNC.
Close Search