14 Best North Carolina Beaches to Visit

Beautiful beaches can be found in North Carolina. Since the 1930s, North Carolina beaches have been a top destination for families. You could visit the Outer Banks, Wrightsville Beach, or even Topsail Beach. Rental cottages and beach houses are popular on the coast as people go to escape the heat, enjoy the ocean breezes, swim in the Atlantic waters, and have a good time with friends and family.

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Warm weather is here and so is beach vacation time! This year, make sure you head to your favorite beaches to enjoy some fun in the sun. Whether you want to catch a tan, take a nap, or swim in the ocean North Carolina has some great beach options just for you. From a family-friendly getaway to a nice baecation, you won't have to travel far for the perfect vacation destination.

U.S. News put together a list of the best beaches in North Carolina to help you plan your next getaway. They considered scenic views, nearby amenities, and the opinions of travel experts to compose the list. Have you been to each of these destinations? If not, check out these North Carolina beaches and start planning your next vacation.

14. Kure Beach

13. Kitty Hawk

12. Carolina Beach

11. Nags Head

10. Duck

9. Atlantic Beach

8. Wrightsville Beach

7. Oak Island

6. Topsail Island

5. Ocracoke Island

4. Corolla/Currituck Beach

3. Cape Hatteras

2. Bald Head Island

1. Emerald Isle

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Randi MoultrieEditor

Randi Moultrie is a Charleston, South Carolina native and has been in the radio industry for the last few years in Charlotte. Randi started with Beasley Media Group as an intern in 2019 and is now thriving in the digital world. Randi enjoys writing about her favorite foods (especially pizza) and all things fashion and travel. As one who loves taking trips to find new foods, it’s not surprising that she enjoys writing about both!