Splashing into summer: A guide to North Carolina’s best beaches

Lucia Marks, Staff Writer

June 1, 2026

Wild Spanish horses stroll along the water’s edge at Corolla Beach in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, in 2021. Photo used with permission of Bottie Kittle via Unsplash.

North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. If you walk the coast, you’ll find everything: wide open sands on the Outer Banks, hidden pockets for a quiet escape, and friendly towns that seem stuck in time. Whether you are looking to catch a wave, spend a lazy afternoon with your family, or just enjoy the water, North Carolina’s beaches provide countless opportunities to enjoy the coast. Here are four North Carolina Beaches worth visiting this summer.

The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks are one of North Carolina’s most famous coastal destinations. Stretching for more than 100 miles along a chain of barrier islands, the area is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and wide-open beaches. The Outer Banks offer a variety of experiences, from bustling beach towns to remote stretches of coastline.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Outer Banks, North Carolina. (Lucia Marks)

When visiting the Outer Banks, visitors will never get bored. Visitors can explore numerous destinations along North Carolina’s iconic 100-mile stretch. Some notable spots include the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where the first powered flight took place, the six historic lighthouses, Corolla’s wild horses, and Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest living dunes on the East Coast.

Wrightsville Beach

Located just outside Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is one of North Carolina’s most popular beach destinations. Known for its clear blue water, soft sand, and lively atmosphere, the beach attracts visitors from all over the country. Its proximity to Wilmington means there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities nearby, making it a great choice for travelers interested in beach time and other entertainment. Nisha Ramikrishnan (‘29) told the GH Falcon why she enjoys Wrightsville Beach so much. “I really love the atmosphere there,” Ramakrishnan said. “It’s like my home away from home; there is no better place to visit in North Carolina”.

Wrightsville Beach is especially popular for water sports. Surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and boring are all common activities. Visitors can explore the Wrightsville Beach Loop, a scenic walking and biking trail, or enjoy fresh seafood at one og the many local restaurants. For those who enjoy an active beach experience, Wrightsville Beach offers something for everyone.

Emerald Isle

Located on the Crystal Coast, Emerald Isle is known for its beautiful blue waters and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. While it remains a popular vacation spot, it is generally less crowded than some of North Carolina’s larger beach towns. The combination of its beautiful views and welcoming environment makes it a favorite among families and residents alike.

One of the most popular attractions is Bogue Inlet Pier, where visitors can fish, watch the sunset, and enjoy the ocean view. Emerald Isle Woods Park offers walking trails through maritime forests, while Bogue Inlet Point is known for shelling and dolphin sightings. Camila Jiminez (‘29) said, “When I visit Emerald Isle, my family always stops by the point. It’s so peaceful, I love watching the sunset from there.” With beautiful water and views, Emerald Isle is a favorite destination for a relaxing stay on the East Coast.

Holden Beach

For those looking to escape large crowds, Holden Beach offers a quieter and more laid-back experience. This small coastal town is often considered the best family beach in North Carolina because of its slower pace and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike busier

destinations, Holden Beach is a slower oasis perfect for those who want to relax.

Visitors can spend their days swimming, fishing, kayaking, or simply walking along the scenic shoreline. The Point, at the western end of the island, is one of its most scenic spots. Local restaurants such as Provision Company and Casraways are popular stops that offer fresh local cuisine.

Whether visitors are seeking adventure, history, family fun, or relaxation, North Carolina’s coastline offers a beach for every interest. From the energetic shores of Wrightsville Beach to the peaceful community at Holden Beach, each destination showcases a different piece of the lovely state of North Carolina.

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About the Contributor

Lucia Marks, Staff Writer

Lucia Marks is a freshman in her first year as a member of the GH Falcon staff. She previously enjoyed taking a creative writing course that introduced her to many forms of media, from movies to nonfiction writing, and increased her interest in journalism. Her favorite book is the Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, and her favorite movie is Forrest Gump. Outside of school, she can be found taking an active role in her community through babysitting and volunteering as a part of her church’s leadership team. Her ideal weekend would be spent at the beach, and she is excited to use her writing skills for the GH Falcon.