9 Perfect Places to Watch the Sunrise in North Carolina

Rise and shine – there’s much to do in North Carolina. Start your adventure early with a win-win by taking in a beautiful sunrise while reducing your impact thanks to exploring at a lesser-visited time. You won’t miss the sleep. We promise.

1 Lake Norman

From both boat and dock, the sights on Lake Norman are stunning (photo: Visit Lake Norman/Fred Cerbini)

1 Lake Norman

20 miles north of Uptown CharlotteSee on mapSee on map

At 32,500 acres, Lake Norman is the largest body of water entirely in North Carolina. Its sunrises are as impressive, and they’re best seen from a boat. Sail your vessel from one of the many launches to either Davidson or Reedy creeks, which flow east to west. If you don’t have a boat, rent one, or drive to Beatties Ford launch in Denver, where the lake is wide and the best view is from the dock.

2 Brunswick Islands

Sunset Beach Pier during sunrise in Brunswick Islands
Enjoy the view of the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean from the Brunswick Islands (photo credit: NC's Brunswick Islands)

2 Brunswick Islands

Southern CoastSee on mapSee on map

These are North Carolina's southernmost barrier islands. Oak Island has family-friendly activities, our state’s youngest lighthouse, 60 public beach access sites and beautiful sunrises. Before summer sunrises, watch for nesting sea turtles. And winter brings another special sight: When the sun is low in the southern sky, the islands’ east-west orientation means they’re among the only places on Earth to see sunrises and sunsets from the same beach.

3 Waterrock Knob

Sleep in a little and still be able to catch the sunrise at Waterrock Knob

3 Waterrock Knob

Near Maggie ValleySee on mapSee on map

Attention sleepyheads: The sun rises later the farther west you travel. Enjoy an extra 30 minutes of shuteye by heading to Waterrock Knob instead of Hatteras. You’ll find it at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 451.2. Use the parking lot at the visitors center, which opens later and has a few ecology exhibits and a gift shop. You can see the sunrise there, or take the 1.2-mile moderate hike to the 6,292-foot peak, where you’ll also see the Great Smoky Mountains and Maggie Valley.

4 Morrow Mountain State Park

Grab a seat and take in the amazing views at the top of Morrow Mountain (photo: Derrick Smith Photography)

4 Morrow Mountain State Park

AlbemarleSee on mapSee on map

Head to the top of the park’s namesake mountain, where you’ll find parking and an easy 0.8-mile trail. Unobstructed views to the east look over Lake Tillery. Winter sunrises are later, about 7:30 a.m., so be at the park when it opens at 7 a.m., or stay at one of more than 100 campsites to be on time for earlier summer sunrises. Then you can spend the day touring a restored 19th-century doctor’s home, swimming in the pool, or fishing from shore or boat.

5 Corolla

Stay in a vacation rental in Corolla and catch the sunrise each day of your trip

5 Corolla

Currituck Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

Here, wild horses will watch the sunrise with you. Historians believe they arrived with Spanish explorers hundreds of years ago. Today, the protected herds roam near where paved NC Highway 12 ends in Corolla, and travel then continues by foot or off-road vehicle on the beach. Horses can be anywhere – from surf to backyards – so keep your eyes open and maintain a distance of at least 50 feet.

6 Jordan Lake

After the sunset, take a morning stroll on nature trails at Jordan Lake

6 Jordan Lake

MoncureSee on mapSee on map

West of Raleigh and south of Durham, you’ll find 13,900-acre B. Everett Jordan Reservoir. A popular boating, swimming and fishing site, it offers some of the best sunrise views near the Triangle. Head to the north side of the NC Highway 751 bridge or west side of the US Highway 64 bridge, where there’s parking at a boat launch.

7 Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Pick your spot on the beach and watch the sunrise over Cape Hatteras National Seashore

7 Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

This is our state’s easternmost point and the first to see the sunrise. Use any of the beach accesses to walk or wade with some of the more than 400 bird species. Once the sun is up, learn more about seashore ecology at Hatteras Island Ocean Center. Its interactive exhibits are interesting for visitors of any age.

8 Linn Cove Viaduct

8 Linn Cove Viaduct

LinvilleSee on mapSee on map

It’s hard to find a bad Blue Ridge Parkway view, especially at the Linn Cove Viaduct, which wraps around the eastern face of Grandfather Mountain. View it and the sunrise from the visitors center at Milepost 304.4 or from one of the trails that goes under it. A short drive north is Blowing Rock, a small village with shopping, dining and plenty of cabins to rent, whether for a romantic getaway or family reunion. Most have their own sunrise view.

9 Onslow County

fishing at sunset with Just Got Reel Inshore Charters
photo credit: Onslow County Tourism

9 Onslow County

Onslow CountySee on mapSee on map

Onslow County’s rural coastal plains, towns and scenic beaches offer many opportunities to begin your day with a sunrise. Set your alarm and stroll onto the beach straight from your vacation rental or resort, or book an early morning fishing charter with Pogie’s or Just Got Reel Inshore Charters and catch the views (and some fish) from the water. For a more primitive approach, camp under the stars – then step out of your tent to welcome a sunrise – on Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park.

North Carolina State Parks offer a variety of nature activities, but this also includes potential hazards. Take care, be safe and enjoy. And visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.

Updated February 20, 2023
About the Author
Pete M. Anderson

Pete M. Anderson

Pete M. Anderson is a Gastonia-based writer whose work also has appeared in Business North Carolina, Carolina Sportsman and Thousand Islands Life. He enjoys exploring North Carolina, especially its diverse fishing holes, local race tracks and world-renowned barbecue joints.

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