Discover the state’s top coastal stretches, from Duck to Sunset Beach.
Take your pick of pristine sandy stretches on quiet barrier islands or lively beach towns.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashoreoffers 56 miles of beach across several barrier islands.
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Shackleford Banks, for one, is ideal for swimming and lounging on the beach.
It’s also home to more than 100 wild horses.
The diamond-painted Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a star along this coast, too, standing 163 feet high.
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Many are close to hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Spend your days lounging on 16 miles of white-sand beaches or fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing.
The gentle waves at South Beach attract families, while East Beach has bigger swells.
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Beaches are uncrowded and sea turtles nest along the shores in late summer and fall.
From mid-May through September, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest along Topsail’s coast.
Enjoy the area’s fishing piers, marina, and water sports.
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Tours are available year-round, though children under nine are not allowed to climb the tower.
you’re free to also learn about local wildlife and see fossils at theOak Island Nature Center.
Spend your time here exploring the dunes and marshland or kayaking around Currituck Sound.
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TheKitty Hawk Woods Reserveencompasses 1,824 acres of maritime forest, including rare plants and vegetation.
A nearby seasonal concession stand offers ice cream, arcade games, and souvenirs.
While away the day fishing, golfing, birding, or biking surrounded by nature.
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The area has many outfitters that will hook you up with kayaking, Jet Skiing, or surfing gear.
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