Coastal North Carolina, NC

Travel 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

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in South Nags Head, Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center are top sights worth seeing.

South Nags Head
Silhoutted Ocean Pier at Sunrise

Long Beach

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

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
OBX

Whalehead Beach

5/5(1 area review)

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

Whalehead Beach
Eating dinner and watching the sunset on the Boardwalk in Wilmington, NC

Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington is beloved for its stunning river views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Cape Fear River.

Downtown Wilmington
Walking the beach of Corolla.

Ocean Sands

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Ocean Sands, Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Ocean Sands
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Wilmington Beach

While Wilmington Beach isn't home to many top sights, Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach State Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Wilmington Beach
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 ₩164,436 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
₩164,436
₩185,813 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,456 reviews)
The customer service was excellent. The hotel itself could use a refresh. Fairly dated and dingy. But the staff was great. Beware if you are driving a stick shift that the valet cannot always drive one so you end up parking yourself!

Reviewed on Feb 24, 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
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,880 reviews)
Excellent place for the price! Really good restaurant right across the street.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

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John Yancey Oceanfront Inn
Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is ₩112,959 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
₩112,959
₩127,645 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,066 reviews)
Rooms are always clean.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Sleep Inn
See all 26,023 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
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
Nice area and amenities, all with beachfront access.

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

A Place at the Beach
Barrier Island Station

Barrier Island Station

2.5 out of 5
1245 Duck Rd Kitty Hawk NC
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Duck Boardwalk and Nor'Banks Sailing ...
7.8/10 Good! (306 reviews)
Kitchen was not really a kitchen just a fridge sink and a hotplate and a few pans but we didn't use any of that anyway

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025

Barrier Island Station
Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas

Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas

3.5 out of 5
4724 N. Croatan Hwy Kitty Hawk NC
Book a stay at this golf condo in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Sea Scape Golf Links and Monument ...
Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas
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

4/5(211 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Holden Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Supply. Wander the marina or discover the sunrises in this relaxing area.

Holden Beach
FFHFRM The University of North Carolina at Wilmington campus, North Carolina, USA

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

4.5/5(304 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University of North Carolina at Wilmington as part of your travels around Wilmington. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Cape Hatteras National Seashore featuring a beach

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

4.5/5(369 reviews)

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
Wrightsville Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Wrightsville Beach

4.5/5(729 reviews)

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

Wrightsville Beach
Aerial panorama view of Wilmington North Carolina historic district along the Cape Fear river, with the North Carolina battleship with cloudy sky

Riverwalk

After visiting Riverwalk, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Wilmington. Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its festivals.

Riverwalk
Park and Cupola (gazebo) on west end of campus of East Carolina University

East Carolina University

4.5/5(201 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of East Carolina University, during your travels in Greenville. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

East Carolina University

Cities near Coastal North Carolina

Aerial View of Hotels and a Marina on the Trent River in New Bern North Carolina

New Bern

Wilmington showing an administrative buidling

Wilmington

a flag in front of the headquarters of the marine expeditionary force during the Amphibious Bold Alligator Exercise organized by the US Navy and the Marine Corps

Jacksonville

Merchant's Millpond State Park in northeastern North Carolina in late May. Dominant trees are water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) and baldcypress (Taxodium distichum).

Ahoskie