These NC beach towns are among the best in the South, according to Southern Living
If you’re craving a trip to the coast, you may want to venture out to a few North Carolina destinations voted as top travel spots across the region.
As part of its annual South’s Best awards, Southern Living released a list of the 50 best beach towns based on survey results among readers who rated their favorite places across the South.
Of the state’s 320-mile coastline, here’s which North Carolina beach towns ranked among the best of the best:
Oak Island (No. 50)
“Feeling the breeze in your hair is only one golf cart rental away on this low-key barrier island, one of six beaches that constitute the Brunswick Islands,” the report says. “Its south-facing shores offer prime views of the sun rising and setting. And don’t miss the two fishing piers, North Carolina’s newest active lighthouse, and some of the finest shelling in the state.”
Hatteras Island (No. 48)
“The country’s tallest brick lighthouse stands proudly on Hatteras Island, right between Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean,” the report says. “Located in the Outer Banks, an area dubbed ‘The Graveyard of the Atlantic’ for its long history of shipwrecks, this place has a rich past and some of the best birding on the East Coast. Activities like fishing, windsurfing, and horseback riding are never far away in this sporty community.”
Topsail Beach (No. 46)
“Along with Surf City and North Topsail Beach, this retreat is one of three towns that make up the 26-mile-long Topsail Island,” the report says. “With around 500 full-time residents, unspoiled shores, and no high-rises in sight, peace is easy to come by. Every time of year is special here, but summer, when loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay their eggs, is truly amazing.”
Ocracoke (No. 43)
“A boat or private plane are the only ways to reach this 16-mile-long secluded town, but once there, getting around is as simple as walking or renting a bike,” the report says. “Ocracoke Village is home to galleries, restaurants, and shops, while the rest of the island is composed of protected beaches and marshlands that provide seemingly endless room for outdoor adventures.”
Duck (No. 39)
“A town as quaint as its name, Duck — home to fewer than 1,000 residents — is abundant in both waterfowl and welcoming charm,” the report says. “Lovely vistas unfold at every turn on the isle that’s tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. A 1-mile-long boardwalk captures the essence of the place, with a variety of stores and restaurants (don’t miss The Blue Point), as well as opportunities to observe wildlife and sunsets.”
Beaufort (No. 38)
“This fishing village with century-old homes, idyllic marinas, and pristine beaches could be plucked from a vintage postcard,” the report says. “You can learn more about the area’s seafaring history with a kayak trek across Taylor Creek or a ferry ride to Shackleford Banks, a barrier island that’s home to wild horses believed to have descended from those that survived Spanish shipwrecks over 500 years ago.”
Emerald Isle (No. 35)
“Taking the scenic route is inevitable in this easygoing community, where white sands and blue-green waters reign (hence the name),” the report says. “Perched on the 85-mile-long collection of barrier islands known as the Crystal Coast, this under-the-radar place encourages slow living and quality time by the ocean. Sunbathing and water sports like paddleboarding can be enjoyed in any season due to the mild weather.”
Nags Head (No. 32)
“North Carolina’s first tourist colony (established in the 1830s) is still a popular vacation spot thanks to its classic beach-town appeal,” the report says. “Stay in an oceanfront cottage, book a paddleboard tour, and eat a boatload of whatever is fresh at seafood shacks like Sam & Omie’s, which has been around since 1937.”
Wrightsville Beach (No. 28)
“This quaint village has upscale stores and restaurants (many on the water), beautifully preserved historic homes, and a stunning coastline that’s popular for surfing,” the report says. “More than 40 public access points make it simple to get out onto the water, or you can enjoy your surroundings on The John T. Nesbitt Loop, a 2.5-mile paved walking trail. After a long day, head to Kohl’s Frozen Custard for a sweet treat.”
Travel tips & recommendations from our readers
Several of these towns were also voted as fan-favorite beaches by our readers. Here is a list of other restaurant recommendations and activities you may want to add to your beach bucket list if you’re visiting the coast:
- Oak Island: Kai Joe’s, Fishy Fishy Cafe, Mr. P’s Bistro, Oak Island Sub Shop, Provision Company, Salt 64, Shagger Jacks
- Topsail Beach: Surf City Ocean Pier, Jolly Roger Inn and Pier, The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
- Ocracoke: Back Porch, Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar
- Duck: Blue Point, Duck Donuts, Paper Canoe
- Nags Head: Tail Of The Whale
- Wrightsville Beach: Cape Fear Seafood Company, King Neptune Restaurant, Oceanic Restaurant, SUNdays, South Beach Grill
Other award-winning vacation spots
North Carolina has swept up several Southern Living’s 2025 South’s Best Awards, including:
Best Classic Hotels: Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands
Best Resorts: The Inn on Biltmore Estate and The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa in Asheville
Best New Hotels: The Cozy Mountain Retreat in Highlands
Best Cities: Asheville and Wilmington
You can find the full list of the best beach towns in the South online at southernliving.com.
This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "These NC beach towns are among the best in the South, according to Southern Living."
.jpg)