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Seashore cities are famously laid-back. They’re the kind of locations the place time strikes just a little slower, itineraries are versatile, and the one required resolution is determining what to eat for dinner. That is significantly true in North Carolina, a state with greater than 300 miles of shoreline and numerous seashore cities that embrace this leisurely way of life accented by surf, sand, and probably the most stunning sunsets you’ve ever seen.
Selecting which seaside vacation spot to go to, nevertheless, may be tough. Some vacationers favor the Outer Banks, the place you’ll discover cities like Duck and Nags Head. Others wish to retreat to the Crystal Coast, Topsail Seashore, or the Wilmington space in the summertime months. There’s additionally the Brunswick Islands, a set of barrier islands, tiny cities, and broad, sandy seashores that really feel hours away from any main metropolis. All of it relies on what you’re on the lookout for.
To assist slender the search — whether or not you’re planning for a week-long household trip or a fast weekend getaway — we known as in a couple of residents to share their high picks. Learn on to find the perfect seashore cities in North Carolina, in accordance with native specialists.
Wrightsville Seashore
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Wrightsville Seashore, which comes advisable by Dean Neff, chef and co-owner of Seabird in close by Wilmington, is the right place for anybody who feels at dwelling on the water — or is excited by native buying, informal eats, and contemporary seafood. ‘[I] like Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar for tuna poke bowls, juices, and good espresso — and in case you are on the lookout for a extra rowdy seashore bar scene, Crimson Canines is the place,” says Neff. “I additionally love Motts Channel, an incredible family-owned seafood market proper on the water that sells every kind of native fish, like hogfish, when it is in season. I wish to enter via the again loading dock so I can chat up the mongers about what they simply introduced in.”
Oak Island
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For Ryan Shelton and Josh Lemke, North Carolina locals and house owners of trip rental @BeachPlease_OKI, Oak Island tops the listing of greatest seashore cities because of its dog-friendly nature. “Canines are welcome, on a leash, anytime,” says Shelton. This laidback way of life additionally extends into each aspect of life on Oak Island, and most guests spend their days lounging on the seashore, traversing the city’s bike paths, or fishing from Oak Island Pier. Come mealtime, Lemke says you’ve got a couple of choices: “Make your personal coastal shrimp boil or go to Koko Cabana, Salt 64, or Ruby’s, that are a few of our regionally owned favourite eating places.” And whereas summer time is a spotlight on Oak Island, they suggest coming within the spring and fall, when “you’ll have milder temperatures and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.”
Corolla
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You may keep as busy or do as little as you need when visiting Corolla, an Outer Banks village tucked between the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. In the event you fall into the previous class, begin by reserving a two-hour journey with Corolla Wild Horse Excursions, whose guides will enable you to witness the magic of the world’s wild horses (that are descendants of colonial Spanish mustangs). A go to to the Currituck Seashore Lighthouse, the place you possibly can climb the 220 steps to the highest, can be a well-liked exercise, as is a day spent at Whalehead, a vivid yellow, Twenties-era mansion-turned-museum. Lastly, no journey to Corolla is full with out catching some rays on Corolla Seashore, exploring Historic Corolla Village, and having fun with a barbecue platter from Corolla Village Barbecue.
Salvo
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“Salvo is among the most scenic and rural untouched seashore areas I’ve ever visited,” says Neff. Technically a census-designated place with a inhabitants of simply over 200, Salvo has a couple of small grocers, deal with outlets, and an artwork gallery — however that’s about it. “Off the overwhelmed path and simply north of an uninhabited part of the Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore, it’s the perfect place to unplug and get in contact with nature. It’s simply you, the seashore, and the water. And at evening I’ve by no means seen so many stars,” he provides.
Nags Head
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If the phrase “North Carolina seashore city” conjures up pictures of towering sand dunes, chances are you’ll be pondering of Nags Head. An extended-time favourite for household holidays, the barrier island city shouldn’t be solely charming in its personal proper, however it’s additionally the perfect base camp for exploring different Outer Banks cities and close by factors of curiosity — like Hatteras Island and Roanoke Island. However if you wish to keep on the town on your whole journey, that’s okay, too. With 12 miles of sandy shoreline and over 30 public seashore entry factors, you possibly can simply spend every day in a seashore chair with a great guide. Nonetheless, if you wish to uncover the aforementioned dunes — generally known as the East Coast’s tallest dune system — head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Right here, you’ll doubtless see different guests attempting their hand at flying kites, kiteboarding, or windsurfing.
Southport
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“Solely quarter-hour from Oak Island, Southport has a quaint foremost road for buying, and there are nice eating places on the water,” says Shelton. In the event you’re craving Southern fare and contemporary seafood, he says you possibly can’t miss the “absolute gem” Mister P’s Bistro. Exterior of its culinary scene, Southport leans closely into its position as a picture-perfect harbor city (it’s situated the place the Cape Concern River and the Atlantic Ocean converge). In reality, chances are you’ll even acknowledge it because the setting of some films and TV reveals, together with “Protected Haven” and The Summer time I Turned Fairly. To correctly get your bearings, guide a room on the Robert Ruark Inn, a historic bed-and-breakfast in downtown Southport, and request a tour from the proprietor, who will assist level out movie places and different factors of curiosity within the space.
Bald Head Island
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In the event you’re staying in Southport and need to discover a distinct seashore city for the day, Lemke recommends taking the ferry to Bald Head Island. Whereas it’s not your typical seashore city — no passenger vehicles are allowed — the village is among the most unusual and enjoyable locations within the state. Residence to North Carolina’s oldest still-standing lighthouse, Previous Baldy, Bald Head Island is greatest explored by golf cart or bike, each of which may be rented on the island. “Cruise round in your rented golf cart, climb the lighthouse, play golf, and benefit from the expansive stunning seashore,” he says. “The ferry experience alone is definitely worth the journey.”
Beaufort
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Beaufort, North Carolina, pronounced like “bow-furt,” is a historic fishing village with unbeatable water entry, a walkable downtown, and a roster of native eating places you’ll bear in mind lengthy after your seashore trip. To gas your tour of the Beaufort Historic District — or a day on the seashore — pop into Beaufort Grocery Co. for pancakes and a BeauGro Bloody Mary, if it’s that form of morning. For lunch, Black Sheep makes home made, coal-fired pizzas, however you’ll undoubtedly need to save room for one thing candy from Beaufort Creamery. Vacationers who wish to pair a little bit of schooling with their travels can spend an hour on the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Entrance Avenue or take a boat-building class at Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Heart.
Carolina Seashore
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“In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit extra distant, I like to recommend Carolina Seashore,” says Neff, who describes the seashore city as a vacation spot with “a number of character.” In traditional seaside vogue, the Carolina Seashore Boardwalk is populated with carnival video games, amusement rides, and road meals distributors. For a bit extra nature, head to Carolina Seashore State Park (dwelling to the Venus flytrap) to strive your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. After working up an urge for food, observe Neff’s options and have a number of the well-known glazed donuts from Britt’s Donut Store or a fish sandwich from The Sandspur.
Duck
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There’s maybe no North Carolina seashore vacation spot as match for household holidays as Duck, the northernmost city on the Outer Banks. Vacationers of all ages can benefit from the mile-long Duck Boardwalk alongside the Currituck Sound, paddleboard and bike leases from Duck Village Outfitters, and the number of seashore reads from Geese’ Cottage & Downtown Books. So far as lodging, you’ll have a couple of choices. These with bigger teams ought to think about renting a seashore home from Southern Shores Realty or Twiddy & Firm Realtors — however Sanderling Resort can be a well-liked alternative, significantly in the event you’re excited by luxurious facilities and an unbeatable beachfront location. Irrespective of the place you select to remain, one factor’s for sure: You completely can not go away Duck with out grabbing a contemporary donut from the unique Duck Donuts.
