Central Outer Banks beach town home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Features family-friendly beaches with lifeguards, numerous restaurants, and entertainment options. Known for consistent waves for surfing and bodyboarding.
Pristine barrier island accessible only by ferry or private boat, famous for its wild horses (Shackleford ponies) and exceptional shelling opportunities. Features undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, and primitive camping with no facilities.
The oldest of the Crystal Coast beach towns, featuring the renovated Circle area with restaurants and activities. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, fishing opportunities from Oceanana Pier, and proximity to Fort Macon State Park.
Historic beach town famous for the Wright Brothers’ first flight. Features wide beaches with public access points, vacation rentals, and proximity to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Known for good surfing conditions.
A small, family-friendly beach town featuring North Carolina’s oldest fishing pier, the historic Fort Fisher Civil War site, and the North Carolina Aquarium. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and clean beaches.
A family-oriented beach with a small-town feel, known for being one of North Carolina’s least-developed barrier islands. Features 8 miles of south-facing beaches, fishing pier, boat ramp access, and turtle watching.
A car-free island accessible only by ferry, featuring 14 miles of pristine beaches, a historic lighthouse (Old Baldy), maritime forests, and a sea turtle conservation program. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and eco-tourism.
An upscale beach community with a charming village atmosphere. Features a mile-long soundside boardwalk with shops and restaurants, pristine beaches, and the Duck Town Park with events and concerts.
A quiet, family-friendly beach on Topsail Island, known for excellent shell collecting and sea turtle nesting. Features the historic Missiles and More Museum, the Jolly Roger Pier, and uncrowded beaches with vacation rentals.
Famous for its wild Spanish mustang horses that roam freely along the shoreline. Features wide, uncrowded beaches, the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and upscale vacation rentals. Many areas require 4×4 vehicles for access.