North Carolina Beach Area Guide

Guide to Exploring the Beautiful Beaches of North Carolina

Topsail Island  

 

Topsail Island is a North Carolina barrier island home to three towns: Surf City, Topsail Beach, and North Topsail Beach. The entire island is a haven for stunning coastal views and the three towns each offer their unique charm. Surf City is the biggest of the three towns with a wide array of options for shopping and dining.

 

Surf City is also home to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center where visitors can learn about conservation and rehabilitation efforts for local sea turtle populations.  Experience this and more when you visit Topsail Island! 

 

Topsail Island at sunset
An aerial view of Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle 

 

North of Topsail Island, Emerald Isle is another popular beach destination on the Crystal Coast. The town began as a fishing community which still remains a top activity for locals and visitors alike. Book a fishing charter to have a professional guide help you cast a line or take your own rod out to the Bogue Inlet Pier!  

 

When you aren't reeling in a catch, explore the other outdoor activities such as surfing, water sports, shopping, dining, and more! Visit Emerald Isle for a quiet beach vacation with stunning stretches of white sands. 

Beaufort 

 

Named in 1713, Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. Also on the Crystal Coast, this charming beach town is a perfect vacation destination. Stroll through historic downtown Beaufort to enjoy the unique shopping and dining opportunities found on Front Street.

 

Dive into the history of the Crystal Coast with a visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Explore the exhibits that tell the story of the local lighthouses, fishing and seafood industries, shipwrecks, and more! Explore Beaufort, NC during a beach vacation on the Crystal Coast! 

A dock at Beaufort, NC