This beach has the clearest water and whitest sand in NC, Southern Living says
One North Carolina beach stands out for its unusually clear water and light-colored sand, rivaling even the Gulf Coast’s most celebrated shores, according to Southern Living.
The magazine spotlighted Emerald Isle as a hidden gem along the state’s Crystal Coast, also known as the Southern Outer Banks. While Atlantic Coast beaches don’t always receive the same praise as those in Florida, Southern Living says Emerald Isle’s white sand and blue-green waters set it apart as a laid-back destination families return to year after year.
Beaches elsewhere in North Carolina are often known for darker, murkier water, according to Southern Living, but off Emerald Isle, the ocean takes on a clearer turquoise hue. They noted that a rare natural phenomenon last summer, driven by fewer tropical storms and lighter offshore winds, allowed sediment to settle, revealing especially vibrant, clear water reminiscent of the Caribbean.
The sand also distinguishes the beach, Southern Living says. While not as white as Florida’s quartz beaches, Emerald Isle’s shoreline trends light khaki to off-white – noticeably lighter than the mineral-heavy sand found on many other North Carolina beaches.
Beyond sunbathing and swimming, Southern Living recommended surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling and diving to take advantage of the clear conditions. The area is also known as part of the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” where divers can spot marine life and shipwreck remnants beneath the surface.
Other top NC travel destinations
Southern Living recently recognized Boone as the one place in North Carolina everyone should visit, highlighting it for its outdoor adventures, rich history, walkable downtown, nearby High Country attractions, upgraded lodging and diverse dining scene.
Last year, Oak Island, Hatteras Island, Topsail Beach, Ocracoke, Duck, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Nags Head and Wrightsville Beach were on Southern Living’s list of 50 best beach towns in the South, The Charlotte Observer reported.
North Carolina 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.
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.
This story was originally published February 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM with the headline "This beach has the clearest water and whitest sand in NC, Southern Living says."
