Best Surfing Beaches in North Carolina

Carolina Beach, located on Pleasure Island in North Carolina, offers a laid-back beach experience with a vintage boardwalk, pristine beaches, and a variety of activities. The town is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, featuring a scenic boardwalk perfect for evening strolls, an arcade, and numerous dining options. Visitors can enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, or exploring the nearby Carolina Beach State Park. The area also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including live music nights on the boardwalk.
Carolina Beach is situated about 12 miles south of Wilmington International Airport and shares the island with Kure Beach. The town has a rich history, having been rebuilt after Hurricane Hazel in 1954. Today, it offers a mix of old-fashioned seaside fun and modern amenities.
The beach is accessible and offers a range of accommodations, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Indian Beach is a charming coastal community nestled between Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle on Bogue Banks, North Carolina. It offers a tranquil atmosphere with scenic maritime forests and beautiful beaches. The town is small, with a total area of 1.5 square miles, and has a rich history, having been named after the Indian burial mounds discovered there. Indian Beach provides a family-friendly environment with plenty of outdoor activities and access to local seafood restaurants.

The beach itself features a single public access point with amenities like picnic tables, showers, and restrooms. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports and activities, making it an ideal spot for family vacations. The nearby Crystal Coast offers a range of attractions, including the North Carolina Aquarium and Fort Macon State Park.

Indian Beach is also known for its conservation efforts, particularly its involvement in the Bogue Banks Sea Turtle Project, which works to protect sea turtles nesting in the area.

Holden Beach's classical, serene charm makes this a favorite amongst the families that visit. The beach offers a pristine, soft strip of sand and an array of water sports that supplements its old-town feel.

Public Access At Dawson Street - Ocean Isle Beach is a serene and picturesque beach located in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. The beach is approximately half a mile long and features soft, white sand, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure activities. It offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful beach experience. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing, among other activities. The beach is named after William Dawson, one of the first settlers in Ocean Isle Beach, adding a touch of historical significance to its charm.
Ocean Isle Beach itself is a small coastal town known for its family-friendly atmosphere and stunning beachfront. The town provides a peaceful vacation setting with minimal traffic and no billboards, preserving its natural beauty. The beaches here are renowned for their gentle surf, making them suitable for swimmers of all skill levels.
The area is also rich in nearby attractions, including Sunset Beach and the Ingram Planetarium, offering a mix of natural beauty and educational experiences.

Onslow Beach, located within the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, offers a serene and family-friendly beach experience. It is accessible to authorized DoD ID cardholders and provides a range of activities and amenities, including volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a Marine Mart for convenience. The beach is known for its pristine sandy shores and clear waters, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Onslow Beach is part of a larger coastal area that includes North Topsail Beach, known for its tranquil beauty and rich history. North Topsail Beach is a laid-back destination with beautiful beaches, maritime forests, and a variety of wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles.
North Topsail Beach is situated on Topsail Island, offering a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like surfing, fishing, and kayaking. The town has a rich history, including its role in World War II and its significance as a Civil Rights landmark.
The area between North Topsail Beach and Onslow Beach offers a mix of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Coquina Beach is a serene and undeveloped stretch of shoreline located in the Outer Banks, near Nags Head, North Carolina. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling beach towns, with its natural dunes and expansive sandy beaches. The beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, ensuring it remains free from commercial development and maintains its pristine beauty. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, though they should be mindful of the strong currents and rough surf that can occur. The beach is accessible by foot or via 4WD vehicles with a permit, making it a unique spot for both relaxation and adventure.
Coquina Beach is named after the colorful coquina clams found in the area, adding to its natural charm. The beach is also known for its historical significance, being the final resting place of the shipwreck Laura Barnes, which ran aground in 1921. This blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes Coquina Beach a fascinating destination for those seeking a more secluded beach experience.
Its proximity to Nags Head and other Outer Banks towns provides easy access to amenities and attractions, yet it feels miles away from the crowds, offering a peaceful retreat for those who visit.

Corolla Beach, located in the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina, is a serene and picturesque destination known for its pristine beaches and unique attractions. The area offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway from urban life. Visitors can enjoy the historic Corolla Village, the iconic Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and the majestic Whalehead Club. The beach is also famous for its wild Spanish Mustangs, which roam freely in the area. With its beautiful landscapes and laid-back vibe, Corolla is an ideal spot for family vacations and nature lovers alike.

The community of Corolla has a rich history, dating back to early European settlements and American Indian hunting grounds. Today, it attracts thousands of visitors each summer, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The beach itself is less commercialized compared to other coastal destinations, providing an unspoiled and peaceful environment for relaxation and recreation.

Corolla's natural beauty extends beyond its beaches, with opportunities for kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and exploring the surrounding wildlife reserves. The area's charm is enhanced by its eclectic mix of local shops and family-friendly restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines from seafood to Italian and Mexican dishes.

Carova Beach, located in the northernmost part of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, offers a serene and secluded beach experience. It is known for its pristine, undeveloped beaches and the presence of wild horses roaming freely. The area is accessible only by 4x4 vehicles, adding to its charm as a secluded getaway. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, beachcombing, and surfing in a peaceful environment. The nearby town of Corolla provides amenities and attractions for those seeking more than just beach time.
Carova's natural beauty and lack of development make it a haven for those seeking solitude and connection with nature. The absence of paved roads and commercial establishments contributes to its tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.
For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, Corolla offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and recreational activities, including golfing and nature trails.

Nags Head Beach, located on the Outer Banks in North Carolina, is a historic and vibrant coastal destination. It is renowned for its wide sandy beaches, rich history, and diverse activities. The area offers a blend of old and new, with traditional oceanfront cottages and modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and beachcombing, as well as exploring nearby attractions like Jockey's Ridge State Park, the largest sand dune on the East Coast. The town is also known for its fishing piers, including Jennette's Pier, which offers stunning views and a variety of events. Nags Head has been a popular vacation spot for over 150 years, attracting families and adventurers alike with its natural beauty and lively atmosphere.

The beach itself is a major draw, with numerous public access points and amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Lifeguards patrol much of the beach, ensuring safety for swimmers and surfers. The surrounding area is filled with boutiques, surf shops, and a variety of dining options, making it an ideal base for exploring the Outer Banks.

Nags Head's unique history and natural wonders make it a standout destination. The town's name is derived from a legend about shipwreckers using lanterns on ponies to lure ships ashore, highlighting its rich maritime past. Today, it remains a beloved spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure by the sea.

Kitty Hawk Beach, located in the heart of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, offers a serene and vibrant coastal experience. It is known for its relatively narrow shorelines and oceanfront homes that are just steps away from the sand. The area features seasonal lifeguards and patrols during the summer months, along with a historic fishing pier that is open to the public for a small fee. Visitors can enjoy easy access to nearby golf courses and the Kitty Hawk Woods Nature Reserve. The beach is part of a lively community with a variety of restaurants, shops, and activities nearby.

The Outer Banks, including Kitty Hawk, are famous for their wide, sandy beaches and rich history, including the Wright Brothers National Memorial in nearby Kill Devil Hills. The area is perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for surfing, kayaking, and other water sports.

Kitty Hawk is less populated than its neighboring towns, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, making it a more laid-back destination for beachgoers. It offers a blend of natural beauty and local charm, with plenty of options for dining and entertainment.

Avalon Pier, located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, is a beloved landmark on the Outer Banks. This historic pier, built in 1962, stretches about 696 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, offering a quintessential beach experience. It is known for its fishing opportunities, scenic views, and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy fishing, arcade games, and stunning sunrises and sunsets. The pier is open from March to November, with varying hours depending on the season. It features a bait and tackle shop, snack bar, and arcade, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and entertainment.
The surrounding area of Kill Devil Hills is vibrant, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby. The town is famous for its beaches and is often referred to as the heart of the Outer Banks. It offers a mix of peaceful residential areas and lively beachside venues, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a lively yet relaxing vacation.
Avalon Pier's unique charm and the town's rich history, including its connection to aviation, make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Outer Banks.

Emerald Isle Beach, located on the western end of Bogue Banks in North Carolina, is renowned for its pristine beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach is part of the Crystal Coast, offering stunning emerald-green waters and soft white sand. It has been voted as one of the best beaches in North Carolina and the South, attracting thousands of tourists each summer. The area is rich in history, having been inhabited by Native Americans and later developed into a thriving beach town. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and water sports, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.
The beach is lined with homes, duplexes, and condominiums, providing ample accommodation options for visitors. Additionally, Emerald Isle is known for its excellent fishing spots and is a nesting site for protected sea turtles. The town's development has been carefully managed to maintain its natural beauty and family-oriented vibe.
With its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife, Emerald Isle offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it a cherished vacation spot for families and nature lovers alike.

Ocracoke Beach, located on Ocracoke Island in North Carolina, is renowned for its pristine and secluded shoreline. It is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, offering 16 miles of undeveloped beach that provides a serene and natural experience. The island is accessible only by boat, which adds to its charm and isolation from the rest of the Outer Banks. Ocracoke Beach has been recognized as one of the best beaches in the U.S., with Lifeguard Beach being a top spot for visitors. The beach offers activities like swimming, surfing, and shelling, and its gentle ocean floor makes it ideal for beachcombers and families alike.
The island itself is small, with a quaint village that offers a mix of local shops, restaurants, and historical attractions like the Ocracoke Lighthouse. The laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty make Ocracoke Beach a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure.
With its unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm, Ocracoke Beach is a gem of the Outer Banks, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Rodanthe Beach Access is a picturesque beach located in Rodanthe, North Carolina, known for its stunning white sand and serene atmosphere. It offers a length of approximately 2 miles, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. The beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, providing a natural and unspoiled environment for visitors. It features amenities like restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and an oceanfront gazebo, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers alike.
The beach is also popular for activities such as surfing, fishing, and beach bonfires, which require permits. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak summer months, ensuring safety for swimmers.
Rodanthe's charm extends beyond the beach, with nearby attractions like the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station offering additional experiences for visitors.

Buxton Beach, located in central Hatteras Island, North Carolina, offers a serene and picturesque coastal experience. It is known for its pristine beaches, which are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, providing ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is surrounded by natural beauty, including the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and exploration. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from water sports to hiking in the nearby Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve. The area is also rich in local culture, with numerous shops, restaurants, and community events that reflect the island's laid-back charm.

The beach itself is well-maintained, with free parking available at local beach accesses. However, driving on the beach requires an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) permit, which can be obtained from the National Park Service. This unique feature allows visitors to explore the coastline in a more adventurous way. The community is mindful of noise and environmental impact, ensuring that the natural beauty of the area is preserved for future generations.

Buxton Beach is a haven for those seeking a tranquil beach experience combined with outdoor adventure and local charm.

Duck Beach, located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is a serene and picturesque destination known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The beach offers a peaceful retreat with its pristine shores and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, surfing, and kayaking. The town of Duck is famous for its charming boardwalk, boutique shopping, and diverse dining options, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.
The beach itself is public and accessible through private communities and rental homes, ensuring that visitors have ample opportunities to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. With its family-friendly environment and pet-friendly policies, Duck Beach is an ideal vacation spot for families and pet owners alike.
The surrounding landscape is characterized by maritime forests and soundfront views, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Bald Head Island Beach is a serene and picturesque destination located at the tip of Cape Fear, North Carolina. The island is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring unspoiled beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. It is accessible only by ferry or private boat, adding to its secluded charm. The absence of gasoline-powered vehicles creates a peaceful environment, where transportation is limited to bicycles, electric golf carts, and walking. The island's unique geography allows the sun to rise and set over the Atlantic Ocean, making it a breathtaking sight. With a rich history, including the iconic Old Baldy lighthouse, Bald Head Island offers a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Bald Head Island is also a haven for nature lovers, with over 10,000 acres dedicated to nature preserves. The island is home to one of North Carolina's largest sea turtle nesting sites and is listed as a National Marine Fisheries Service's 'index beach.' Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from kayaking through salt marshes to exploring the island's diverse ecosystems.

The island's history is marked by its role in the American Revolution and Civil War, with remnants like Fort George and Fort Holmes. Today, it offers a tranquil retreat with upscale amenities, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking an unplugged beach experience.

Crystal Pier, located in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is a quintessential seaside escape offering stunning ocean views, fishing adventures, and a charming atmosphere. The pier stretches into the Atlantic Ocean, providing a perfect spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying the ocean breeze. It is a hub of activity with families picnicking, couples capturing memorable moments, and children playing in the nearby surf. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by the sound of waves and seabirds. Visitors can enjoy nearby dining options offering fresh seafood and local delicacies. The pier has a rich history, originally built in 1939, and has been a popular spot for fishing and dining over the years.

Crystal Pier is nestled along the beautiful coastline of Wrightsville Beach, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists. The area offers a variety of activities and attractions, including surfing and sunbathing on the light beige sand beach. The pier itself is a historic landmark, having been rebuilt and renovated over time to maintain its appeal and functionality.

Visitors can enjoy the Oceanic Restaurant, located at the base of the pier, which offers upscale seafood dining with outdoor seating options. The area is also known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, making it a picturesque spot for photography and relaxation.