United States of America

North Carolina Beaches

North Carolina, located in the United States of America, boasts several beautiful beaches, including Sunset Beach in Brunswick Islands. This 3-mile sandy shore offers visitors a serene environment for swimming and pier fishing. The beach's most notable feature is the 900-foot-long wooden fishing pier, which offers a unique fishing experience at a reasonable fee.

Guided tours of the pier are also available for a nominal fee of $1. Check out our guide below for a complete list of beaches in North Carolina.

Jump to other sections below:
Top Beaches in North Carolina Beaches for Every Taste Best Time to Visit North Carolina North Carolina Beaches Map Where to Stay?

Discover our top picks

Top Beaches in North Carolina

Carolina Beach
1
TOP-TIER BEACH
North Carolina
Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a vibrant and fun-filled location, often compared to a full-time carnival. It is known for its beautiful views and a boardwalk that ...

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Carova Beach
2
TOP-TIER BEACH
North Carolina
Carova Beach

Carova Beach is a 12-mile stretch of beach located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This beach is unique in that it is only accessible by 4-wheel...

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Corolla Beach
3
TOP-TIER BEACH
North Carolina
Corolla Beach

Corolla Beach is a beautiful and enjoyable destination located on the border of Virginia and North Carolina. It is known for its long stretches of ope...

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Kitty Hawk Beach
4
TOP-TIER BEACH
North Carolina
Kitty Hawk Beach

Kitty Hawk Beach is a popular beach destination known for its cleanliness and beauty. The beach is wide, providing ample space for beachgoers. Its loc...

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Ocracoke Beach
5
TOP-TIER BEACH
North Carolina
Ocracoke Beach

Ocracoke Beach is a renowned beach located on the east coast. It is characterized by its soft, expansive sand and clean, beautifully colored water. Th...

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Emerald Isle Beach
6
North Carolina
Emerald Isle Beach

Emerald Isle Beach is a well-maintained beach known for its clean and beautiful environment. The beach is characterized by its warm water, which is ho...

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North Topsail Beach Town Park
7
North Carolina
North Topsail Beach Town Park

North Topsail Beach Town Park is a beautiful oceanfront location known for its warm water and less touristy atmosphere. The beach is making a comeback...

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Seaforth Beach
8
North Carolina
Seaforth Beach

Seaforth Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach is known for its clean environment and ample parking facilities. It is...

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Sunset Beach, Brunswick Islands
9
North Carolina
Sunset Beach, Brunswick Islands

Sunset Beach, located in Sunset Island, North Carolina, USA, is a renowned and picturesque 3-mile (4.83 km) sandy shore. It offers a perfect ambiance ...

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Wrightsville Beach
10
North Carolina
Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a popular destination known for its natural beauty and vibrant community. The beach is easily accessible with numerous entry poi...

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Kure Beach
11
North Carolina
Kure Beach

Kure Beach is a charming coastal community nestled in North Carolina, offering a serene and naturally beautiful environment for visitors. It is within...

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Sandling Beach Recreation Area
12
North Carolina
Sandling Beach Recreation Area

Sandling Beach Recreation Area is a popular lake beach known for its warm water with cool undercurrents and hot sand. The beach is equipped with ameni...

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Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach
13
North Carolina
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach is a tranquil and serene location on the East Coast of North Carolina. Known for its natural beauty, it offers v...

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Coquina Beach
14
North Carolina
Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach is a picturesque location situated a short 20-minute drive from Kill Devil Hills. Known for its spaciousness and tranquility, it is a fa...

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Holden Beach
15
North Carolina
Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a serene location known for its clean and relaxing environment. The beach is characterized by its coarse sand and lack of seashells. D...

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Sunset Beach Seashore
16
North Carolina
Sunset Beach Seashore

Sunset Beach Seashore is a beautiful and serene location, known for its stunning views of the sunsets, unobstructed by buildings along the dunes. The ...

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Avon Beach
17
North Carolina
Avon Beach

Avon Beach is a picturesque beach located in the small city of Avon. It is known for its clean, uncrowded shores and the beautiful blue water. The bea...

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Bald Beach
18
North Carolina
Bald Beach

Bald Beach is a popular destination for families and individuals alike. Its location is convenient, being close to restaurants and apartments availabl...

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Our selection of beaches to do the things you love

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in North Carolina

Sand Beaches in North Carolina

Family Friendly Beaches in North Carolina

Party Beaches in North Carolina

Accessible Beaches in North Carolina

Wild and Remote Beaches in North Carolina

Balancing weather, sea temperature and more

Best Time to Visit North Carolina

The best time to visit North Carolina in United States of America is during the summer months of June to August. The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for swimming in the sea and spending time on the beach. The water temperature is also perfect for water activities, such as surfing and kayaking. Outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, are also popular during this time due to the comfortable temperatures. However, it is important to note that these months are also peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. If you're looking for a quieter time to visit, the spring and autumn months can also be great choices, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery.

The fastest way to find the best North Carolina Beaches

North Carolina Beaches Map

Where to Stay?

Explore the map below for accommodations and their rates. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Best Beaches in North Carolina, Destination by Destination

Explore North Carolina

Gastonia
Gastonia Beaches
Duck
Duck Beaches
High Point
High Point Beaches
Lake Lure
Lake Lure Beaches
Salisbury
Salisbury Beaches
Thomasville
Thomasville Beaches
Mooresville
Mooresville Beaches
Durham
Durham Beaches
Concord
Concord Beaches
Knotts Island
Knotts Island Beaches
Greensboro
Greensboro Beaches
Sylva
Sylva Beaches
New Bern
New Bern Beaches
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach Beaches
Salisbury
Salisbury Beaches
Morganton
Morganton Beaches
Mocksville
Mocksville Beaches
Corolla
Corolla Beaches
Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills Beaches
Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Beaches
Bryson City
Bryson City Beaches
Cullowhee
Cullowhee Beaches
Sanford
Sanford Beaches
Huntersville
Huntersville Beaches
Lake Toxaway
Lake Toxaway Beaches
Lenoir
Lenoir Beaches
Charlotte
Charlotte Beaches
Calabash
Calabash Beaches
Raleigh
Raleigh Beaches
Holden Beach
Holden Beach Beaches
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock Beaches
Banner Elk
Banner Elk Beaches
Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley Beaches
Waynesville
Waynesville Beaches
North Topsail Beach
North Topsail Beach Beaches
Sapphire
Sapphire Beaches
Kitty Hawk Beach
Kitty Hawk Beach Beaches
Concord
Concord Beaches
Davie
Davie Beaches
Wanchese
Wanchese Beaches
Ocracoke
Ocracoke Beaches
Nags Head
Nags Head Beaches
Greensboro
Greensboro Beaches
Pine Knoll Shores
Pine Knoll Shores Beaches
Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle Beaches
Southern Shores
Southern Shores Beaches
Chatham
Chatham Beaches
Brunswick
Brunswick Beaches
Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount Beaches
Kure Beach
Kure Beach Beaches
Hatteras
Hatteras Beaches
Rosman
Rosman Beaches
Whalebone
Whalebone Beaches
Hendersonville
Hendersonville Beaches
Salvo
Salvo Beaches
Manteo
Manteo Beaches
Rodanthe
Rodanthe Beaches
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Beaches
Cary
Cary Beaches
Wake Forest
Wake Forest Beaches
Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk Beaches
Statesville
Statesville Beaches
Asheville
Asheville Beaches

More Local Beaches

More Beaches in North Carolina

Frisco Beach
Frisco Beach
Nags Head Beach
Nags Head Beach
Jordan Lake Beach
Jordan Lake Beach
Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach
Pebble Beach Healing Springs
Pebble Beach Healing Springs
Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach
Black Pelican Beach
Black Pelican Beach
Lake Powhatan Swimming Beach
Lake Powhatan Swimming Beach
Pineapple Beach
Pineapple Beach
Ramp 49 Frisco Beach
Ramp 49 Frisco Beach
Bald Beach
Bald Beach
Gatlin Beach
Gatlin Beach
Lake James Beach
Lake James Beach
Pea Island Beach
Pea Island Beach
Raleigh Beach
Raleigh Beach