The beach just isn’t the beach when it’s overcrowded and packed to the sea with spring-breakers, vacationing families, and everyone and their cousins. Most go to the beach to unwind and relax by the ocean. What’s the point of sunbathing if the sun is blocked by someone else’s umbrella or beach chair? If you’re looking to get away without being surrounded by other beachgoers, there are plenty of small beach towns in North Carolina. The following are some of the best, secluded beach gems in North Carolina.
Emerald Isle Beach
Located on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, Emerald Isle is a nice little spot on the Southern Outer Banks. Emerald Isle is home to a wide array of ice-cream bars, martini and margarita bars, and local restaurants and eateries. The beach, itself, is rarely crowded, except, of course, by an abundance of sea turtles.
Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro, North Carolina
Commonly referred to as Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park is a barrier island three miles long. Only accessible by ferry or personal water-based transportation, like kayak or canoe, this nice, little nest in Swansboro, North Carolina is a secret jewel of the East Coast. Hammocks Beach State Park is largely unspoiled, offering vacationers nothing but sand, sea, and natural adventure.
Nag’s Head Beach
Despite a wide variety of hotel prospects and things to do, Nag’s Head Beach is one of the least crowded in North Carolina. In addition to being pet-friendly, Nag’s Head Beach hosts a ton of annual events, including those for motorcycle enthusiasts even seafood festivals. Nag’s Head Beach is perfect for couples and families looking to unwind and enjoy the North Carolina coast.
Avon Beach
As the center of Hatteras Island, Avon, North Carolina, is renowned for being a clean and quiet place for families to vacation and enjoy the sand, sea, and sky. The area offers cottage rentals and is a recognized hub for shelling since the inhabiting sealife is mostly undisturbed.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is one of the best small beach towns in North Carolina for nightlife and surfing, offering visitors an increasingly large choice of bars, restaurants, and surf shops. The town is known for its public beaches and has become a quiet haven for visitors from all over the country, but don’t let that deter you from Atlantic Beach. It still reserves its peace and quiet, rest assured.
Wrightsville Beach
East of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is known as the most accessible beach in North Carolina. This means that vacationing visitors will spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the beautiful, white sands and glimmering ocean at Wrightsville Beach. This beach offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other outdoor activities, but don’t let its allure and accessibility fool you. Wrightsville Beach still retains a relatively secluded air, being another one of the least crowded beaches in the entire state of North Carolina.
Holden Beach
Holden Beach is widely renowned and popularized as a family beach, you can find plenty of quiet and lonesome areas to enjoy the summer sun. Holden Beach offers plenty of things to do as well as some of the best surf fishing in North Carolina. Holden Beach is fun for the whole family, with calm beaches, restaurants, and plenty of vacation rental homes to choose from.