The North Carolina Coast

North Carolina's 300-plus mi of coastline are fronted by a continuous series of fragile barrier islands. Broad rivers lead inland from the sounds, along which port cities have grown. Lighthouses, dunes, and vacation homes (often built by out-of-staters) dot the water's edge. There are battle sites from the American Revolution and the Civil War, elegant golf links, and kitschy putt-putt courses. Aquariums, fishing charters, and museum outreach programs put you up close and personal with the seashore critters. North Carolina's small towns (mostly of 1,000 to 3,000 people) offer genuine warmth and hospitality.

The coast is generally divided into three broad sections that include islands, shoreline, and coastal plains: the Outer Banks (Corolla south through Ocracoke, including Roanoke Island), the Crystal Coast (Core and Bogue Banks, Beaufort, Morehead City, and the inland river city of New Bern), and the greater Cape Fear region (Wrightsville Beach through the Brunswick County islands, including Wilmington). The Outer Banks are visible from space: th a thin, delicate tracing of white are the barrier islands, which form a buffer between the Atlantic Ocean and the mainland.

Although other states' coasts have turned into wall-to-wall hotels and condominiums, much of North Carolina's coast belongs to the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation. This arrangement keeps much of the coast accessible to the public for exploration, athletic activities, picnicking, and camping. Still, property values have skyrocketed as summer residents' dream houses continually replace generations-old beach cottages.

Some of the coast closes during midwinter, but even the colder season is a special time to visit. You can escape both crowds and peak prices but still enjoy seafood, beaches, and museums. Whether you're seeking peace or adventure, you can find it on the coast.

Less »