The northernmost and most remote Outer Banks beach community, accessible only by 4×4 vehicles driving on the beach. No paved roads, stores, or commercial development. Famous for wild horses that roam freely among beach homes.
North Carolina Beaches
Oak Island
Family-oriented beach town with 10 miles of shoreline and over 60 public beach access points. Features two fishing piers, Oak Island Lighthouse, and a relaxed atmosphere with small-town charm.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Features Bear Island, a 3-mile-long barrier island accessible by ferry or kayak. Offers pristine beaches with limited development, primitive camping, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing.
Avon Beach
Located on Hatteras Island, Avon offers wide beaches with good fishing conditions and water sports. Features Avon Pier, rental homes, and proximity to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Known for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Currituck Beach
Home to the historic red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club. Features a mix of developed beaches with amenities and remote 4×4-accessible areas. Known for its natural beauty and wild horses.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Untouched barrier islands accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat. Features the iconic diamond-patterned Cape Lookout Lighthouse, historic Portsmouth Village, primitive camping, and the best shelling in North Carolina.
Coquina Beach
Part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, featuring the remains of the Laura A. Barnes shipwreck. Known for wide, uncrowded beaches with bathhouse facilities, and excellent for shell collecting and ghost crab hunting at night.
Indian Beach
Small, quiet beach town on Bogue Banks between Emerald Isle and Pine Knoll Shores. Features less crowded beaches, good surfing conditions, and easy access to both sound and ocean waters.
Rodanthe Beach
Made famous by the Nicholas Sparks novel and movie “Nights in Rodanthe.” Features excellent conditions for watersports including kiteboarding and surfing. Home to the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station historic site.
Ocean Isle Beach
Family-oriented beach town with a 7-mile stretch of shoreline. Features the Museum of Coastal Carolina, Ocean Isle Pier, and sea turtle protection program. Known for its clean beaches and relaxed atmosphere.