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
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!!!

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 Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

South Nags Head
Coastal secret

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
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
OBX

Whalehead Beach

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

Whalehead Beach
Sunset

Corolla Light

If you're spending some time in Corolla Light, Whale Head Bay and Whalehead are top sights worth seeing.

Corolla Light
Walking the beach of Corolla.

Ocean Sands

While visiting Ocean Sands, you might make a stop by sights like Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches.

Ocean Sands
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 ₹11,921 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
₹11,921
₹13,470 total
28 Jan - 29 Jan
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! (1,435 reviews)
Breakfast was ok

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn

John Yancey Oceanfront Inn

2 out of 5
2009 S Virginia Dare Trl Kill Devil Hills NC
Stay at this beach hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,860 reviews)
The room was very clean. Staff was accommodating, from front desk to staff in the breakfast room, although staff at check-in could not tell me where the closest Visitor center may be located. Seems like something they should know. Great location, very central to everything and beach location very ...

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

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John Yancey Oceanfront Inn
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is ₹7,008 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
₹7,008
₹7,919 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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! (167 reviews)
Room was spacious and comfortable

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
See all 25,881 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! (281 reviews)
We very much enjoyed our stay. Staff was friendly and helpful. The facilities were good. The apartment, while somewhat dated, was clean and functional. While there were limited kitchen supplies, we had brought some with us, so all was good. We enjoyed the location and beach. We would return!

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

A Place at the Beach
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (134 reviews)
It was a fast check in, the room was spacious, and our family had an amazing time

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Ocean Pines Resort
Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

3 out of 5
715 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,270 reviews)
This is our 2nd. Time here wonderful just steps from the beach ⛱️ rooms were very clean 👍 and as for the kitchen has everything you need to cook. Just bring the food 😊 can't wait to make plans for next year. I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
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

Views of the Holden's Beach in NC with ocean front properties in the background

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
Cape Hatteras National Seashore featuring a sandy beach

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Rich in beautiful views, wildlife and great beaches, this national park is a coastal treasure known to have been visited by the legendary pirate Blackbeard.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
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
Wrightsville Beach showing a beach as well as a small group of people

Wrightsville Beach

4/5(1 review)

This picturesque barrier island offers consistent waves for surfers, a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Wrightsville Beach
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
Pretty oceanfront beach rentals; Shutterstock ID 45397519; Purchase Order: -

Carolina Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Carolina Beach during your travels in Carolina Beach? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Carolina Beach

Cities near Coastal North Carolina

Wilmington which includes an administrative building

Wilmington

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

Duck

Elizabeth City North Carolina in Front of Forbes Bay and Pasqoutank River

Elizabeth City

North Myrtle Beach showing a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

North Myrtle Beach

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