Coastal North Carolina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bonner Bridge is one of North Carolina's most well known man-made structures of it's kind (The Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway is probably the most well known). This location makes for a great getaway at the Outerbanks to spend an entire day (and night). The location is popular for fishing and is ideal for landscape and astro photography. You can have lots of fun on some of the dunes, although getting the sand out afterwards is a big hassle. This is one of my favorite images from this location. I love the warm light tones and the shadows that create a contrast in the foreground sand. It is created from a single exposure with only minor modifications made to adjust overall contrast and brightness. If you are interested in wildlife, the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge is nearby and is a very popular location. Thank you for stopping by. #NC #Sunset #Bridge #OBX #BonnerBridge #colorful #roadtrip #weekend #goldenhour #beaches #abandoned #USA #beach #history
One of the northernmost towns along the coast in North Carolina, Duck is an idyllic town on the shores of the Currituck Sound. This shot was taken from the town's boardwalk while looking West over the sounds. It is advisable to visit the location in Winter as that is off season - so you can spend more time taking in the beauty of the North Carolina coastline and also sunsets are usually much more picturesque around the time owing to the cooler temperatures and lower amount of atmospheric haze. Plenty of things around Duck to see. Further north, there is the Currituck Lighthouse where you can climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse. North of Corolla, there is an area where you can drive along the coast on the sand - 4X4s a must. Here you can spot some Spanish Mustangs, horses out in the wild. If you're lucky, you can spot them running along the beach in the surf. I'd recommend taking a tour through the Corolla Wild Horse Fund - the money from the tours is used to help the wild horses in every which way possible and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Thank you for stopping by and for the support. #colorful #goldenhour #weekend #waterlust #bestof5
My first attempt at a serious panorama of the Milky Way, our home galaxy. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse provides an ideal location since it faces the right direction to compose such a panorama while maintaining the balance in the image. This shot is composed of 6 vertical shots shot at 30 degrees of rotation and merged in Photoshop. Added to the usual difficulties of shooting and composing a panorama at night, this night was crazy hot with nighttime temperature in the mid 80s, no breeze and humidity so high that the lens had to be wiped after every exposure. On top of it, the mosquitoes had a field day running rings around me and no amount of bug spray helped. But in spite of all that, I managed to walk away with an image and experience that does appeal to me.
If you're looking for great camping on the beach, wildlife, fishing, lighthouse tours, nature preserve hikes and a interesting mix of ocean and marsh environments Hatteras Island is the place for you!!!
Outer Banks sunset at Cape Hatteras! #waterlust

Where to stay in Coastal North Carolina

Bodie Island Light Station was placed on the National Register of Historical places by the United States Department of Interior 2003

South Nags Head

While visiting South Nags Head, you might make a stop by sights like Outer Banks Beaches and Bodie Island Lighthouse.

South Nags Head
Silhoutted Ocean Pier at Sunrise

Long Beach

Long Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Caswell Beach and 57th Place West Access Park.

Long Beach
Default Image

Wilmington Beach

While there might not be top attractions in Wilmington Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Carolina Beach Lake Park and Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Wilmington Beach
Eating dinner and watching the sunset on the Boardwalk in Wilmington, NC

Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington is known for its stunning river views, and with sights like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Cape Fear River, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wilmington.

Downtown Wilmington
The historic landmark footbridge in Currituck Heritage Park leads to the Whalehead Club. This is located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Whalehead Beach

While visiting Whalehead Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Outer Banks Beaches and Currituck Beach.

Whalehead Beach
Oak Island Lighthouse Beams into the Seafoam at Fort Caswell

Caswell Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and monuments in Caswell Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Oak Island Lighthouse or Caswell Beach.

Caswell Beach
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
301 N Water St Wilmington NC
The price is 3.849.310 ₫ per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
3.849.310 ₫
4.349.720 ₫ total
19 Apr - 20 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,479 reviews)
Hotel is dated but a great location to everything downtown. Enjoyed my stay there! The staff is very friendly.

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Comfort Inn University

Comfort Inn University

2.5 out of 5
151 S College Road Wilmington NC
The price is 2.283.892 ₫ per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
2.283.892 ₫
2.580.799 ₫ total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,287 reviews)
One of the elevators was broken and there were long waits for the second elevator

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Comfort Inn University
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is 2.458.524 ₫ per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
2.458.524 ₫
2.778.132 ₫ total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (244 reviews)
Great Location remodel looks brand new !

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
See all 25,893 properties in Coastal North Carolina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and Les and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (294 reviews)
Room was spacious with all conveniences yet it had a stale smoke smell. After a 3 week stay, we had to wash all clothing when we got home. The configuration of the complex was odd and not easily navigated, especially to beach access. Only one elevator for the entire building. Check-in was frustrating ...

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

A Place at the Beach
Barrier Island Station

Barrier Island Station

2.5 out of 5
1245 Duck Rd Kitty Hawk NC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Duck Boardwalk and Nor'Banks Sailing are ...
7.8/10 Good! (307 reviews)
Lovelies family resort. Friendly staff. Not really near anything except one average seafood restaurant. Need a car. Nice indoor pool, sauna, hot tub. Small gym.

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Barrier Island Station
Ocean Pines Resort

Ocean Pines Resort

3.5 out of 5
1445 Duck Road Kitty Hawk NC
Stay at this beach holiday home in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Nor'Banks Sailing and The Sanderling Spa ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (136 reviews)
It's outdated, the water pressure is weird, and none of the tub drain clogs worked. But the area was nice, it was clean, and the people were friendly. You get what you. Pay for on this one.

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Ocean Pines Resort
See all properties in Coastal North Carolina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Pier at Holden Beach in NC

Holden Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Holden Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Supply. Wander the marina or discover the sunrises in this family-friendly area.

Holden Beach
Wrightsville Beach showing a beach as well as a small group of people

Wrightsville Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Wrightsville Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to South End. Take in the festivals and sunrises in the area.

Wrightsville Beach
Aerial panorama view of Wilmington North Carolina historic district along the Cape Fear river, with the North Carolina battleship with cloudy sky

Riverwalk

After visiting Riverwalk, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Wilmington. Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its festivals.

Riverwalk
FFHFRM The University of North Carolina at Wilmington campus, North Carolina, USA

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Enjoy the student vibe at University of North Carolina at Wilmington during your visit to Wilmington. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Park and Cupola (gazebo) on west end of campus of East Carolina University

East Carolina University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of East Carolina University during your travels in Greenville. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

East Carolina University
BJR9AT View of Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach, North Carolina USA

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Bring the family to Carolina Beach Boardwalk and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Carolina Beach. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Cities near Coastal North Carolina

Wilmington which includes an administrative building

Wilmington

Unidentifiable african american woman relaxing at Jacksonville beach, looking at the sun going up at the sea. Beatiful sunrise

Jacksonville

Merchant's Millpond State Park in northeastern North Carolina in late May. Dominant trees are water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) and baldcypress (Taxodium distichum).

Ahoskie

Always nice to see the lighthouse.

Buxton