Coastal North Carolina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bonner Bridge is one of North Carolina's most well known man-made structures of it's kind (The Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway is probably the most well known). This location makes for a great getaway at the Outerbanks to spend an entire day (and night). The location is popular for fishing and is ideal for landscape and astro photography. You can have lots of fun on some of the dunes, although getting the sand out afterwards is a big hassle. This is one of my favorite images from this location. I love the warm light tones and the shadows that create a contrast in the foreground sand. It is created from a single exposure with only minor modifications made to adjust overall contrast and brightness. If you are interested in wildlife, the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge is nearby and is a very popular location. Thank you for stopping by. #NC #Sunset #Bridge #OBX #BonnerBridge #colorful #roadtrip #weekend #goldenhour #beaches #abandoned #USA #beach #history
Bonner Bridge is one of North Carolina's most well known man-made structures of it's kind (The Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway is probably the most well known). This location makes for a great getaway at the Outerbanks to spend an entire day (and night). The location is popular for fishing and is ideal for landscape and astro photography. You can have lots of fun on some of the dunes, although getting the sand out afterwards is a big hassle. This is one of my favorite images from this location. I love the warm light tones and the shadows that create a contrast in the foreground sand. It is created from a single exposure with only minor modifications made to adjust overall contrast and brightness. If you are interested in wildlife, the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge is nearby and is a very popular location. Thank you for stopping by. #NC #Sunset #Bridge #OBX #BonnerBridge #colorful #roadtrip #weekend #goldenhour #beaches #abandoned #USA #beach #history
One of the northernmost towns along the coast in North Carolina, Duck is an idyllic town on the shores of the Currituck Sound. This shot was taken from the town's boardwalk while looking West over the sounds. It is advisable to visit the location in Winter as that is off season - so you can spend more time taking in the beauty of the North Carolina coastline and also sunsets are usually much more picturesque around the time owing to the cooler temperatures and lower amount of atmospheric haze. Plenty of things around Duck to see. Further north, there is the Currituck Lighthouse where you can climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse. North of Corolla, there is an area where you can drive along the coast on the sand - 4X4s a must. Here you can spot some Spanish Mustangs, horses out in the wild. If you're lucky, you can spot them running along the beach in the surf. I'd recommend taking a tour through the Corolla Wild Horse Fund - the money from the tours is used to help the wild horses in every which way possible and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Thank you for stopping by and for the support. #colorful #goldenhour #weekend #waterlust #bestof5
My first attempt at a serious panorama of the Milky Way, our home galaxy. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse provides an ideal location since it faces the right direction to compose such a panorama while maintaining the balance in the image. This shot is composed of 6 vertical shots shot at 30 degrees of rotation and merged in Photoshop. Added to the usual difficulties of shooting and composing a panorama at night, this night was crazy hot with nighttime temperature in the mid 80s, no breeze and humidity so high that the lens had to be wiped after every exposure. On top of it, the mosquitoes had a field day running rings around me and no amount of bug spray helped. But in spite of all that, I managed to walk away with an image and experience that does appeal to me.
If you're looking for great camping on the beach, wildlife, fishing, lighthouse tours, nature preserve hikes and a interesting mix of ocean and marsh environments Hatteras Island is the place for you!!!

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Where to stay in Coastal North Carolina

Bodie Island Light Station was placed on the National Register of Historical places by the United States Department of Interior 2003

South Nags Head

While visiting South Nags Head, you might make a stop by sights like Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

South Nags Head
Silhoutted Ocean Pier at Sunrise

Long Beach

Long Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Caswell Beach and 57th Place West Access Park.

Long Beach
OBX

Whalehead Beach

While visiting Whalehead Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Currituck Beach and Corolla Beach.

Whalehead Beach
Eating dinner and watching the sunset on the Boardwalk in Wilmington, NC

Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington is known for its stunning river views, and with sights like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Cape Fear River, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wilmington.

Downtown Wilmington
Walking the beach of Corolla.

Ocean Sands

While visiting Ocean Sands, you might make a stop by sights like Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches.

Ocean Sands
Sun Setting at Currituck Lighthouse Outer Banks North Carolina

Corolla Light

If you're spending some time in Corolla Light, Whale Head Bay and Whalehead are top sights worth seeing.

Corolla Light
Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is NZ$136 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$136
per night
8 Mar - 9 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,059 reviews)
Awesome

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Sleep Inn
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
301 N Water St Wilmington NC
The price is NZ$219 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$219
per night
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,445 reviews)
Loved our room, will definitely come back

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is NZ$150 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$150
per night
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (192 reviews)
Clean lobby, parking lot, and friendly staff.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
See all 26,024 properties in Coastal North Carolina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and Les and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
Nice area and amenities, all with beachfront access.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

A Place at the Beach
RIGHT ON THE BEACH - special rates spring Larry's Lazy Susan HC Elevator PETS

RIGHT ON THE BEACH - special rates spring Larry's Lazy Susan HC Elevator PETS

North Topsail Beach NC
Stay at this beach holiday home in North Topsail Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a water park. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
This rental is directly on the ocean and has wonderful views. There is a great deal of room plus the house is truly decorated as a beach house. We had a wonderful week especially since the house is conveniently located.

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

RIGHT ON THE BEACH - special rates spring Larry's Lazy Susan HC Elevator PETS
Barrier Island Station

Barrier Island Station

2.5 out of 5
1245 Duck Rd Kitty Hawk NC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Duck Boardwalk and Nor'Banks Sailing are ...
7.6/10 Good! (306 reviews)
Kitchen was not really a kitchen just a fridge sink and a hotplate and a few pans but we didn't use any of that anyway

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025

Barrier Island Station
See all properties in Coastal North Carolina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Views of the Holden's Beach in NC with ocean front properties in the background

Holden Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Holden Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Supply. Wander the marina or discover the sunrises in this relaxing area.

Holden Beach
FFHFRM The University of North Carolina at Wilmington campus, North Carolina, USA

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Enjoy the student vibe at University of North Carolina at Wilmington during your visit to Wilmington. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Cape Hatteras National Seashore featuring a sandy beach

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Rich in beautiful views, wildlife and great beaches, this national park is a coastal treasure known to have been visited by the legendary pirate Blackbeard.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Wrightsville Beach showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Wrightsville Beach

This picturesque barrier island offers consistent waves for surfers, a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Wrightsville Beach
Aerial panorama view of Wilmington North Carolina historic district along the Cape Fear river, with the North Carolina battleship with cloudy sky

Riverwalk

After visiting Riverwalk, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Wilmington. Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its festivals.

Riverwalk
Park and Cupola (gazebo) on west end of campus of East Carolina University

East Carolina University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of East Carolina University during your travels in Greenville. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

East Carolina University

Cities near Coastal North Carolina

new bern north carolina town riverfront scenes

Kinston

Virginia Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

Virginia Beach

Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills, Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA. Site of first manned flight

Kill Devil Hills

Kitty Hawk Pier at sunrise, North Carolina

Kitty Hawk

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