Top 10 Beaches in Outer Banks, North Carolina Coast

March 6, 2022 Rosalyn Ihle

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 100-mile stretch of barrier islands dotted with pristine beaches, quaint towns and historic sites. If you love swimming, kayaking, or surfing, be sure to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. To really experience local culture, explore each coastal village and sample as much food as you can along the way. (Pro tip: Try the catch of the day.) If you’re looking for a history lesson, check out Roanoke Island or the Wright Brothers National Memorial. And of course, no day is complete without watching the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge.
Restaurants in Outer Banks

1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

North Carolina Highway 12, Hatteras Island, NC 27954
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 563 reviews

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A national seashore preserve that has the most extensive stretch of undeveloped seashore along the Atlantic coast.

Reviewed By mikelK1251FN - Clinton, United States

We had a great time here, clean, plenty of space, I recommend you get an off road vehicle permit and drive on the beach.

2. Frisco Beach

Frisco, Hatteras Island, NC
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 162 reviews

Frisco Beach

Reviewed By dzc00k - Arlington, United States

We stayed in Frisco and loved this beach. Great waves, easy parking and access to the beach itself, bathroom and shower as well. Plenty of space to roam on the beach.

3. Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach

Ocracoke, NC 27960 http://www.ocracokebeachfires.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach

Reviewed By williamlO4961CG

Great experience. A perfect way to finish an Ocracoke day. We were fortunate enough to have clear skies to see the Milky Way and a number of shooting stars.

4. Cape Point Beach

Lighthouse Rd Follow Lighthouse Rd to Ramp 44, Hatteras Island, NC 27920 +1 252-473-2111 https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Cape Point Beach

Beach located along North Carolina's Outer Banks that is recommended for surfing.

5. Canadian Hole

Hwy 12 S Between Avon and Buxton, Soundside, Buxton, Hatteras Island, NC 27920
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Canadian Hole

Beach located along North Carolina's Outer Banks that is recommended for windsurfing.

Reviewed By heatherw750

Great place to watch the kite surfers and sunset. Loved the easy walk to the beach and shallow waters, but the rough sand and muddy bottom was not for us. We prefer the ocean side.

6. Currituck Beach

Corolla, NC +1 252-453-0877 http://www.rideobx.com
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 333 reviews

Currituck Beach

Location of the only lighthouse in the state of North Carolina that is still located where it was erected.

Reviewed By hwhi0218 - Buffalo, United States

This beach is gorgeous. Morning and evening seem to be the best time to see the wild horses. You MUST have a 4 wheel drive vehicle to drive on this beach, we saw multiple people attempt it with 2 wheel drive and got stuck. You don’t need a pass to drive on the beach but for $50 you can buy a 10 day pass that allows you to park on the beach and hang out. It was so convenient to be able to throw coolers, beach gear, etc into the back of the truck, drive onto the beach and have everything available right there to use all day.

7. Salvo Beach

Salvo, Hatteras Island, NC 27968
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Salvo Beach

Reviewed By P403BGtraceym - Bluemont, United States

The ocean side had strong waves and riptides so we went to the Sound side and discovered Salvo Beach. The parking is ample, the bathrooms and changing rooms are conveniently located and kept very clean. The water is shallow and calm so it makes it ideal for young children. The beach was not overly crowded. We had plenty of room for four chairs and a cooler. We would recommend this beach!!

8. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

NC Highway 12, Rodanthe, NC +1 252-987-2394 https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Pea_Island/about.html
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 268 reviews

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

This bird-lovers' paradise provides a temporary home to more than 250 types of birds.

Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north end of Hatteras Island just south of the Basnight bridge. The refuge supports migratory birds and endangered species. A couple short trails from the visitor center provide great birding opportunities along the man-made ponds, especially in the winter. A two-story observation tower provides great views over the island. Note dogs are not allowed on the west side of NC-12, but are allowed on the beach east of the highway.

9. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach

Ocracoke, NC
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 285 reviews

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach

Reviewed By mb22727 - Madison, United States

Natural beach with showers, and walkway to the beach. Always clean and the beach is flat backed by sand dunes. Lifeguards on duty for designated swimming zone. We loved it for morning beach walls. Monitored turtle nests line the dunes and we enjoyed learning more about the turtles from the park rangers . Really it can’t be beat ????☀️????

10. Carova Beach

Corolla, Carova, NC
Excellent
78%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 367 reviews

Carova Beach

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