Visit North Carolina
  • Travel Guides
  • E-News
  • 1-800-VISITNC
  • Things to Do
  • Cities & Regions
  • Events
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Firsts That Last
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
  • View from Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Crystal Coast
  • Edenton, home to three National Historic Landmarks
  • 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

North Carolina Coast

After our beaches take your breath away, you’ll breathe a little easier

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.

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
  • Wilmington Historic District
  • Battleship North Carolina
  • Surfing & Water Sports
  • Airlie Gardens

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

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
  • Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue
  • Lejeune Memorial Gardens
  • Boating & Water Sports
  • Fishing

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

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

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

  • Home of the “Birthplace of Independence”
  • Skylight Inn & Barbecue Stops
  • Vivian Howard Restaurants
  • Civil War Battlefields
  • 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.

Explore Region

Known For

  • 100+ Miles of Beaches
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore
  • Kiteboarding & Water Sports
  • Wild Spanish Mustangs
  • 4 Coastal Lighthouses
  • The Lost Colony
Visit NC FacebookVisit NC TwitterVisit NC InstagramVisit NC YouTube
Ratings Powered by TripAdvisor TripAdvisor
1-800-VISITNC
Contact UsGet ListedMedia
Project 543
Group Travel
Retire NC
Film NC
Sports NC
United KingdomCanadaGermanyMexicoChina
© 2018 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina   EDPNC - Privacy - Terms of Use   FIRSTS THAT LAST and the NC design are service marks of the EDPNC.
Close Search

See All Results