BeachMapThe Best Beaches in North Carolina
North Carolina’s coast runs from the wild Outer Banks barrier islands down to the Cape Fear beaches near Wilmington. The Outer Banks lean on free public access points and beach driving, while the southern towns mix free street parking with paid lots near the piers.
56 beaches mapped · Summer 2026 · updated June 19, 2026
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Top beaches & swimming spots
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New Hanover County
Wilmington’s go-to surf-and-paddle beach — clean sand, a long pier, and an island where nearly every public spot is metered or pay-by-app, so budget for parking on summer days.
Surf spotTicketedView on the live map → -
Pleasure Island
A classic boardwalk town with a fishing pier, arcade, and amusement rides — paid and metered lots cluster near the boardwalk and fill fast on warm weekends.
Family beachTicketedView on the live map → -
Pleasure Island
The quieter end of Pleasure Island, anchored by an old wooden pier — parking is mostly free street and small lots, so the limited spaces go early on busy days.
Family beachFreeView on the live map → -
Outer Banks
A long stretch of central Outer Banks sand dotted with free public access points and bathhouses along the beach road — easy to find a spot, with lifeguarded sections in summer.
Public beachFreeView on the live map → -
Outer Banks
The busy heart of the northern Outer Banks near the Wright Brothers Memorial — numerous free public beach accesses, though the closest small lots fill on peak afternoons.
Public beachFreeView on the live map → -
Crystal Coast
The Crystal Coast’s most popular beach on Bogue Banks, with a lively oceanfront “circle” — paid lots sit near the action, with some free street parking a short walk away.
Family beachTicketedView on the live map →
Hidden gems & dog beaches
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Wild, undeveloped barrier-island sand under the iconic lighthouse — National Seashore access is free, but you’ll need an ORV permit to drive onto the beach itself.
Hidden gemFreeView on the live map → -
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
A consistently top-ranked, ferry-only island beach inside the National Seashore — free Seashore parking, but plan around the ferry schedule since there’s no bridge.
Hidden gemFreeView on the live map → -
Topsail Island
The laid-back south end of Topsail Island — quiet family sand with small, free public access lots that fill quickly, so an early arrival pays off.
Hidden gemFreeView on the live map →
More beaches
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Township of Currituck
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Township of Shallotte
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Township of Kinnakeet
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Township of Smyrna
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Township of Smithville
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Township of Lockwoods Folly
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Township of Salem
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Township of Smith
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Township of Portsmouth
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Harkers Island
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Township of Smithville
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Township of Cedar Island
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Township of Nags Head
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Township of Poplar Branch
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Township of Beaufort
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Township of Smithville
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Havelock
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Township of Federal Point
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Township 2
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Township of Swansboro
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Township of Lockwoods Folly
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Township of Lockwoods Folly
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Unorganized Territory of Camp Lejeune
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Township of Morehead
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Township of Morehead
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Township of Bath
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Township 5
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Township of Contentnea Neck
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Township of Bath
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Township of Smithville
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Township of Currituck
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Township of Masonboro
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Township of Stump Sound
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Township of Smithville
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Township of Shallotte
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Township of Shallotte
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Township of Hatteras
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Unorganized Territory of Camp Lejeune
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Township of Harnett
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Township of Trent
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Township of Morehead
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Township of Bath
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Township of Kinnakeet
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Township of Stump Sound
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Township of Topsail
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Township 5
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Township of Shallotte
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North Carolina beaches: FAQ
- Which North Carolina beaches have free parking?
- The Outer Banks lean free — Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and the Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke National Seashore accesses all offer free public parking, as do Kure and Topsail (limited lots). Wrightsville, Carolina Beach, and Atlantic Beach mostly charge or meter.
- Which NC beach is best for surfing?
- Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington is the state’s most popular surf spot, with Cape Hatteras drawing experienced surfers for its bigger, more exposed swells. Check the live map for which lots are still open.
- Do I need a permit to drive on Outer Banks beaches?
- Yes — to drive onto Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke National Seashore beaches you need an ORV (off-road vehicle) permit; parking in the access lots is free without one. Always check seasonal beach-driving closures first.
More United States
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- Beaches in Connecticut →
- Beaches in Delaware →
- Beaches in Florida (Atlantic Coast) →
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- Beaches in Hawaii →
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- Beaches in Louisiana →
- Beaches in Maine →
- Beaches in Maryland →