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Where Water Shapes the Land
The North Carolina coast comprises 320 miles of barrier-island beaches, each with a unique vibe and plenty of things to do. Quaint coastal towns and endless activities guarantee there’s always something new to explore.
Exploring responsibly is part of North Carolina's identity and helps ensure our beaches and coastal natural spaces stay pristine for generations to come.
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore
At Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the land is always changing with barrier islands shifting and waves carving new paths, but the incredible feeling of being here stays the same.
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Historic Lighthouses
North Carolina’s lighthouses don’t just stand against the wind and waves, they stand against time itself. From the towering black-and-white diamonds of Cape Lookout to the quiet glow of Ocracoke, each one has guided sailors home for generations and still watches over the shifting sands of the Outer Banks.
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Coastal Courses
Playing a coastal course in North Carolina means embracing the elements. Play the wind, read the tides and take in the view — because whether you're teeing off beside a windswept marsh or putting with the ocean at your back, this is golf at its most scenic.
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Small-Town Charm
Tucked between the dunes and the docks, North Carolina’s coastal towns are the kind of places where history lingers in the charming storefronts, seafood is measured by the hour it was caught and a good conversation is as easy to find as sand on the beach.
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Truly Untamed
North Carolina’s wild Spanish mustangs are descendants of shipwrecked horses that refused to be tamed, still roaming the Outer Banks as they have for centuries, from the shores of Corolla to the windswept flats of Shackleford Banks.
Points of Interest
There’s real, and then there’s North Carolina real. These are the kind of rare places and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Coastal Camping
Land, Sea and Sky
From the windswept dunes of the Outer Banks to the quiet coastal forests, North Carolina’s coastal region offers some of the clearest night skies on the East Coast. Just lay back, look up and let the universe put on a show.
Trip Itineraries for You
Whether you’re drawn to coastal vineyards and riverfront boardwalks or the wild landscapes shaped by wind and water, these itineraries map out some of the best ways to explore North Carolina’s coastal side.
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Coastal Winery & Vineyard Tour
Spend three days touring amazing vineyards, tasting delicious wines, and exploring quaint towns and charming destinations.
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Easy Escape to Leland
Get to know Leland, a charming town of scenic beauty, located minutes from Wilmington’s attractions and beaches.
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A Family-Friendly Wildlife Tour
Visit aquariums, a sea turtle center and zoo, go on boat tours throughout the Crystal Coast and Topsail area.
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Coastal Adventure on a Budget
Jacksonville’s wallet-friendly destinations help you enjoy three days on the coast, exploring local charm, beaches and history.
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Flatwater Paddling in Eastern NC
Enjoy three days of quiet paddling on the tannic waters of lazy coastal rivers, amid ancient bald cypress in old millponds and on intimate creeks.
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