The best NC beaches for families
Ah, the beach. The rolling waves, the salt-tinged wind and the sand between our toes make us feel joyful and calm.
A visit to the beach and family adventures go hand in hand. There is no better way to make happy memories than to explore an oceanfront paradise with your loved ones—and North Carolina is the perfect place for it.
North Carolina is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but which ones are best for families?
If you live in North Carolina, it's almost certain you will be visiting a beach in the near future. Read on to learn about the best NC beaches for families.
Old Lighthouse Beach, Cape Hatteras
Located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks near Buxton, Old Lighthouse Beach is the perfect family beach destination! It's an excellent place for active families as it is a premier destination for surfers, skimboarders and bodyboarders, and it is also great for paddleboarding and windsurfing. There is fun for the little ones too—Old Lighthouse Beach is perfect for making sandcastles, flying kites and playing with beach toys.
Visit the nearby Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse built in 1868. Hike along the nature trails that run along the beach which offer sand dunes, marshes and thickets, which are great for family exploration. And be sure to keep an eye out for the sea turtles that come to lay their eggs along the sandy coastline.
Carolina Beach
A visit to Carolina Beach is guaranteed to be great fun for the entire family! A white sandy beach that stretches for miles, kids of all ages will find something to do here. Little ones can safely play in the shallow waters of the shoreline and older kids can enjoy more adventurous water sports. In the spring and summer, the kids are under the watchful eyes of beach lifeguards.
At Carolina Beach, families can relax under beach umbrellas or take leisurely strolls along the beach to look for shells and other ocean wonders. But they can also choose to visit the bustling vintage boardwalk, which offers carnival games, amusement park rides and food stands serving carnival favorites. During the summer, the boardwalk has a full schedule of activities, festivals and fireworks shows.
Corolla Beach
For a quieter beach outing with the family, Corolla Beach, in the northernmost region of the Outer Banks, is a perfect destination. It's great for families that want to avoid bustling beaches and large crowds and enjoy a more serene beach environment.
The wide sandy beaches are great for swimming, building sandcastles and exploring the beach for ocean treasures. Or the family can relax under beach umbrellas and take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Keep a lookout for the wild horses that roam here and for the dolphins that swim in the waters offshore. Whether it's to play in the surf, explore the windswept dunes or enjoy a restful beach day, Corolla Beach is the perfect destination.
South Beach, Bald Head Island
South Beach, on Bald Head Island, feels somewhat like a well-hidden secret, and is accessible by boat or ferry and no cars are permitted on the island. It's worth the adventure to get here—South Beach is beautiful. It features long stretches of sand and a shallow shoreline great for kids of all ages, including toddlers.
With white sand and calm waters, South Beach is an oasis for family fun. You can rent all kinds of beach equipment here, including beach umbrellas, chairs, games and water sports equipment.
Don't forget to visit the historic Old Baldy Lighthouse and climb the 108 stairs to the top for panoramic views of all of Bald Head Island.
Wrightsville Beach
One of the top North Carolina beaches for families, Wrightsville Beach features a charming town and miles of pristine white-sand beaches. The beach is practical to access as well. It offers lots of parking, facilities, and many public access points that include restrooms and showers.
Wrightsville Beach is great for all kinds of family water adventures. It's a great place for swimming surfing, sailing, paddle boarding and others. There are lifeguards here during the summer months, but it's always important to check for rip current warnings before accessing the water. The beach is also perfect for out-of-water fun as well, like making sandcastles, flying kites and playing catch.
Kill Devil Hills Public Beach
A pristine white sand beach, Kill Devil Hills is a beach loved by tourists and locals alike. There are lots of great opportunities for family fun here—playing on the soft sand, surfing, boogie boarding or even a game of beach volleyball.
There are active lifeguards on duty during the spring and summer months and the beach features easy parking, restrooms and showers to wash up after a sun-filled day. Don't forget to spend some time at Avalon Pier, which is a great spot for fishing and watching the beachfront action and ocean vistas.
In addition to all the ocean fun, there is also a nearby ecological preserve to explore nearby as well as the popular Wright Brothers Memorial.
Kure Beach
One of the most family-friendly North Carolina beaches, Kure Beach is set on five gorgeous miles of soft white sand. A perfect location for swimming surfing, fishing, boating or beachcombing, it's great for kids of all ages. There are many picnic tables available for use and grills for cooking up lunch or dinner, along with practically located changing rooms and showers.
The beach is also home to the Atlantic Coast's oldest fishing pier and a pirate-themed oceanfront park. Don't miss out on the entertaining and educational North Carolina Aquarium and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. And while enjoying a fun-filled day at Kure Beach, make sure to keep a lookout for the amazing Loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the beach.
Currituck Beach, Corolla
Currituck Beach in Corolla, with vast its vast sandy beaches, is one of the best North Carolina beaches for families. It's a great place for families to enjoy both an active and relaxing beach day.
The Atlantic Ocean is your playground in Currituck Beach—it's a great place for swimming, surfing, kiteboarding and ocean kayaking. The beach is also a great place to watch the beautiful wild horses that have roamed here for hundreds of years.
For another fun activity, consider visiting the Currituck Beach lighthouse. You can climb all 220 steps to the top of the historic red-brick lighthouse for amazing views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Best NC beaches for families
The state of North Carolina offers one of the most loved and beautiful shorelines in the country. There is a beach for every family's preferences, from bustling oceanfront destinations to quaint, quiet beaches best for some R&R. Whatever you prefer, you're guaranteed a great time with your family.
Now that you have discovered the best NC beaches for families, it's time to get out there.
