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The Top 6 Beaches to Visit in North Carolina

September 7, 2026 By Kevin Ekmark Leave a Comment

NC beach

Looking for a fun and relaxing beach vacation for your family in North Carolina? Look no further than these top five beaches that offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities. From the Outer Banks to Wilmington, these beaches offer something for everyone.

With miles of pristine coastline, these beaches are perfect for families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation. From sandy shores to historic landmarks, North Carolina’s beaches offer something for everyone. Here are the top five beaches to visit in North Carolina for your next family getaway.

Wrightsville Beach

Located just 10 miles east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is a popular destination for families and water sports enthusiasts alike. With its crystal-clear water, wide sandy beach, and gentle waves, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. The beach is also lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it easy to grab a bite or souvenir after a day of fun in the sun.

Oak Island

Oak Island is a quiet, family-friendly beach destination located in Brunswick County, North Carolina. This beach is perfect for families looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Oak Island is known for its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and historic landmarks, including the Oak Island Lighthouse. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and golfing.

Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills is one of the most popular beaches in the Outer Banks, and for good reason. With its wide beach, gentle surf, and historic attractions, it’s perfect for families who want to combine fun and learning. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing and surfing, and the nearby Wright Brothers National Memorial offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of flight.

Carolina Beach

Located just south of Wilmington, Carolina Beach is a favorite destination for families who want a laid-back beach vacation with plenty of activities. In addition to its wide sandy beach, the town offers a boardwalk with amusement rides, games, and live music, as well as a fishing pier and plenty of restaurants and shops. Carolina Beach also offers one of our favorite inshore saltwater fishing spots. Visitors can also take a ferry to nearby Masonboro Island, which offers secluded beaches and great opportunities for birdwatching and hiking.

Nags Head

Located in the heart of the Outer Banks, Nags Head is known for its scenic beauty, historic attractions, and family-friendly beaches. The town’s 11-mile long beach offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, and the nearby Jockey’s Ridge State Park is home to the tallest sand dune on the East Coast.

In conclusion, North Carolina’s beaches offer a wealth of opportunities for families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation. From the crystal-clear waters of Wrightsville Beach to the towering lighthouse at Oak Island, there’s something for everyone. So why wait? Start planning your next family getaway to one of North Carolina’s beautiful beaches today!

Holden Beach

We’ve visited Holden Beach quite a few times. It’s a beautiful beach, and very quiet. There’s not a ton to do beyond the beach, renting a beautiful home with a pool, shark tooth hunting, and golf. There are a few golf courses within 20-30 minutes, and I highly recommend booking a tea time or two during your stay. The beach is pristine and very quiet. Houses mostly dot the island, so you’re not competing for spots on the beach every morning. There’s no need to park your beach tent at 6am on your vacation.

The downside is that there aren’t a lot of restaurants, and you need to leave the island if you’re looking for groceries or some delicious ice cream (we highly recommend Beaches-n-Cream).

Filed Under: North Carolina Tagged With: Activities, beach, family friendly

About Kevin Ekmark

Kevin Ekmark is an Atlanta native. After a 3 year adventure in Colorado, he now calls Raleigh, NC home. Kevin loves peanut butter, bourbon, travel, football season, and rare meat.

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