North Carolina Beaches Map: Towns And Coast

Headed to the beaches of North Carolina, don’t forget your map as you’ll undoubtedly be amazed by the number of white sandy beaches that dot the coast, along with unique and quaint little towns.

North Carolina is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations in the United States. A look at the map of the state of North Carolina shows its extensive coast on the Atlantic Ocean.

The state of North Carolina is divided into 100 different counties but in this article, we will just look at their main beaches and coastal towns.

So, if you are planning on visiting the amazing coast of North Carolina, you will find plenty of suggestions here.

Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is one of the communities on the Bogue Banks, in Claret County.

It is a popular beach resort that was built in the late 19^th century. Atlantic Beach has been connected to Morehead City by a bridge built in 1928.

Image of North Carolina taken from Google Maps

Pine Knoll Shores

Pine Knoll Shores is also a town in Carteret County. But it is also smaller and quieter than its neighbor Atlantic Beach.

It is a good option for those looking for a quieter coastal town. It is famous for its State Aquarium.

Shackleford Banks

Shackleford Banks is a barrier island system. It is located in Carteret County.

What makes this beautiful barrier island so famous are its feral horses that roam the land there. The banks are also famous for their shell deposits. If you like to collect shells, this should be on top of your list of places to visit in North Carolina.

You can visit Shackleford Banks by boarding a ferry from Beaufort, Morehead City, or Harkers Island.

Barbecue is an incredibly democratic food. It’s cheaper than McDonald’s in many places and far more delicious. On the other hand, the only reason it can be that cheap is they use commodity hogs, the worst of the worst, which is – you know, it’s an idustry kind of ruining North Carolina. – Michael Pollan

Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is a village in Brunswick County, just east of the Cape Fear River.

This village is only accessible by ferry from South Port (20-minute ride). One of the most noticeable things about it is the absence of cars, as most people use some sort of golf cart for transportation. Bald Head City is also famous for the sea turtles that nest there.

Topsail Island

Topsail Island is a barrier island accessible from the mainland on two bridges: one connected to Surf City, and another one to North Topsail Beach.

Topsail Island is a sea turtle sanctuary and has beautiful beaches. This place is perfect for families and those who love fishing.

Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a town in New Hanover County.

It is part of the Wilmington metropolitan area after the annexation of the Wilmington Beach community in the year 2000.

One of its main points of interest is the Boardwalk.

Carolina Beach has a lot to offer. In fact, you will find there everything that you might expect from a seaside resort in North Carolina: long white sandy beaches, boardwalk, carnival rides, etc.

“North Carolina is strong because our people are strong. They define our state by their hard work, committment to families and neighbors, their willingness to sacrifice so that their children can have a chance to forge their own path.” — Kay Hagan

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a town in New Hanover County.

The town has a beach that is four-mile-long, and it also has an interior island known as Harbor Island.

One of the strong posts of this town is that it is easily accessible. Wrightsville Beach is close to Wilmington and its airport.

The only problem with this town is that, because it is so easily accessible, it is also hugely popular. That means that it can be quite busy at times. So, if you are looking for a quiet time, you might consider other options in North Carolina.

Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle is a town in Carteret County.

Located entirely on Bogue Banks, Emerald Isle is part of the Crystal Coast. The population of the island grows every summer, as tens of thousands of people choose Emerald Isle as a place to spend the hottest months of the year.

This place is a popular destination for Spring break, but it can be enjoyed all year round. In fact, some people might prefer to visit at other times of the year. If you are looking for a quiet break, the western part of the island is where you should go.

Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills is a town in Dare County, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

This town is still remembered as the place where the Wright Brothers flew the world’s first successful airplane in 1903. But the town did not exist as such back then.

Apart from its historical importance, Kill Devil Hills is a beautiful location with pretty little cottages and an amazing beach.

Ocracoke

Ocracoke is an unincorporated town at the southern end of Ocracoke Island.

The town has a place in history as Ocracoke Island is where the infamous English pirate Blackbeard died in 1718.

Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a town in Brunswick County.

This seaside town is part of the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. Holden Beach is located on a barrier island.

Nags Head

Nags Head is a town in Dare County.

It is a hugely popular tourist destination famous for its many famous sandy beaches and the sand dunes in Jockey’s Ridge.

The town most likely gets its name from one of the Nag’s Heads on the coast of England.

The Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve has been a National Natural Landmark since 1974.

The town has three different popular piers:

Nags Head Pier.
Jennette’s Pier.
Outer Banks Pier.

But the town has many landmarks such as the Bodie Island Lifesaving and Coast Guard Station, the Bodie Island Light Station, the First Colony Inn, the Markham-Albertson-Stinson Cottage, the Mattie Midgett Sore and House, Nags Head Beach Cottages Historic District, the Sea Foam Motel, and the UUS Huron (1875).