North Carolina’s coastline stretches for over 300 miles, offering a diverse range of charming coastal towns that cater to every taste and preference. From the bustling beach towns to the serene fishing villages, there’s a coastal town in North Carolina that’s perfect for your next vacation. Here’s a list of the 10 best coastal towns in North Carolina:
1. Wilmington
2. Wrightsville Beach
3. Carolina Beach
4. Kure Beach
5. Oak Island
6. Topsail Beach
7. Emerald Isle
8. Atlantic Beach
9. Morehead City
10. Kitty Hawk
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach town, a romantic getaway, or a place to enjoy the outdoors, you’re sure to find it among the 10 best coastal towns in North Carolina. So start planning your next vacation today and experience the beauty of North Carolina’s coast.
1. Wilmington
Wilmington is the largest city on North Carolina’s coast and offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation. The city is home to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, and the Cameron Art Museum. Wilmington is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of parks, gardens, and walking trails. The city is located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and offers beautiful views of the riverfront.
Things to do in Wilmington:
- Visit the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial
- Explore the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
- Stroll through the Cameron Art Museum
- Enjoy the outdoors in one of Wilmington’s many parks or gardens
- Take a boat tour of the Cape Fear River
2. Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a popular beach town located just a few miles from Wilmington. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Wrightsville Beach also has a lively downtown area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. The town is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Things to do in Wrightsville Beach:
- Spend a day at the beach
- Go surfing or paddleboarding
- Explore the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
- Shop and dine in the downtown area
- Take a walk or bike ride along the Wrightsville Beach Greenway
3. Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is another popular beach town located just a few miles from Wilmington. The town is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and its wide, sandy beaches. Carolina Beach also has a lively boardwalk with plenty of shops, restaurants, and arcades. The town is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun at the beach.
Things to do in Carolina Beach:
- Spend a day at the beach
- Stroll along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- Visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- Go fishing or crabbing
- Play a round of golf at the Carolina Beach Municipal Golf Course
4. Kure Beach
Kure Beach is a small beach town located just a few miles from Wilmington. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Kure Beach also has a charming town center with several shops, restaurants, and bars. The town is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Things to do in Kure Beach:
- Spend a day at the beach
- Go surfing or paddleboarding
- Visit the Kure Beach Pier
- Dine at one of the many restaurants in town
- Take a walk or bike ride along the Kure Beach Greenway
5. Oak Island
Oak Island is a small island community located just a few miles from Wilmington. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Oak Island also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The island is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Things to do in Oak Island:
- Spend a day at the beach
- Go surfing or paddleboarding
- Visit the Oak Island Lighthouse
- Dine at one of the many restaurants in town
- Take a boat tour of the Intracoastal Waterway
6. Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach is a small beach town located on the Topsail Island. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Topsail Beach also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The town is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Things to do in Topsail Beach:
- Spend a day at the beach
- Go surfing or paddleboarding
- Visit the Topsail Island Museum
- Dine at one of the many restaurants in town
- Take a boat tour of Topsail Island
7. Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle is a small beach town located on the Bogue Banks. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Emerald Isle also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The town is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Things to do in Emerald Isle:
- Spend a day at the beach
- Go surfing or paddleboarding
- Visit the Emerald Isle Museum
- Dine at one of the many restaurants in town
- Take a boat tour of Bogue Sound
8. Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is a small beach town located on the Bogue Banks. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Atlantic Beach also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The town is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Things to do in Atlantic Beach:
- Spend a day at the beach
- Go surfing or paddleboarding
- Visit the Atlantic Beach Museum
- Dine at one of the many restaurants in town
- Take a boat tour of Bogue Sound
9. Morehead City
Morehead City is a small city located on the Bogue Banks. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Morehead City also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The city is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Things to do in Morehead City:
- Spend a day at the beach
- Go surfing or paddleboarding
- Visit the Morehead City Museum
- Dine at one of the many restaurants in town
- Take a boat tour of Core Sound
10. Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk is a small town located on the Outer Banks. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Kitty Hawk also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The town is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
