Getting Oriented

You could pick a destination and stick to it, but touring the entire Carolina coast is doable in four to five days, especially in spring and fall when traffic is lighter. Drive here from nearby locales or fly into airports at Wilmington, New Bern, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, or Norfolk, Virginia, then rent a car. A vehicle is essential for navigating the coast here, as little public transportation is available. State-operated vehicle ferries and smaller private ferries run between islands and provide an enjoyable, relaxing tour. Boat touring is another option. Dozens of marinas line the shore, and the intracoastal waterway runs the length of the North Carolina coast.