Award-winning beaches in North Carolina attract visitors from around the world who want explore the state's pristine, windswept shores. Also read 10 resorts where you can spend an unforgettable vacation on meets.com.
The best beaches in North Carolina 
Nags Head Beach
This is a very famous beach along Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This beach attracts tourists from all over the world who want to see the giant dunes at Jockey Ridge State Park. These sand dunes are an ideal place for sand boarding and kite flying. Lifeguards patrol most of the beautiful sandy beaches in Nags Head. Gennet Pier juts 304 meters into the Atlantic Ocean and is a great place to cast a line for some exciting fishing. The city has hotels, motels, rental homes and lodgings. Another fantastic activity here is kayaking on the Roanoke Sound.
Manteo
Manteo is a small village on Roanoke Island, one of the islands of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. While Manteo doesn't have a traditional sand and shell beach, it does have an extensive marsh that runs along the shoreline. Visitors to this beautiful city can explore the coastline from the water on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Or you can rent bikes or stroll along the walking paths to explore the coastline from land. Many quaint hotels have rooms you can rent. Manteo is a great destination for a unique beach vacation in North Carolina.
Rodanthe Beach 
Rodanthe is one of three villages on Hatteras Island. The village of Rodanthe is an ideal destination for fishermen and surfers. In the summer people flock here and stay in one of the many houses that can be found in Rodanthe or nearby villages. Visiting anglers fish from the pier here for lunch or to show off their catch. Rodanthe has become a popular destination for visitors since it starred in the film Nights in Rodanthe.
Avon Beach
Avon is in the center of the long, narrow Hatteras Island, home to chain stores and fast food restaurants. Despite the commercialization of this small town, you can still find charming local shops, boutiques and restaurants. The pristine beaches attract people from all over the world to swim, kitesurf or relax on the sand. North Carolina beaches along this coastline are ideal for surfing. Avon Pier allows fishing all day and late into the night. Kure Beach Club in Avon is a great place where visitors can enjoy live music all summer long.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach has won awards for its fantastic amenities and entertainment. Visitors often choose this beach over others because the accommodation options suit different budgets and there are many restaurants to suit all tastes. This pristine beach is accessible from multiple points, making it easy for visitors to grab a spot on the sand without crowds.
Hummocks Beach State Park
This park is located on a small barrier island called Bear Island, which is over 6 kilometers long. Bear Island can only be reached by water. You can rent kayaks and canoes from the park's visitor center and take the paddling trail to explore the island's marshes. Waders and other wild animals nest here. Bear Island is a quiet place to enjoy the beach away from the crowds found at other beaches along the Crystal Coast.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
This national park consists of three undeveloped barrier islands—North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shackleford Banks—that are managed by the National Park Service. The beaches on the barrier islands are a fun place to enjoy shell hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming and camping. The island's beaches, historical sites and natural areas can be explored on foot, by ATV or 4×4. A landmark worth paying attention to is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
Carolina Beach 
Carolina Beach is located in the coastal area of Wilmington, North Carolina. This beach offers a vintage atmosphere with beautiful wide sandy beaches and a charming seaside promenade. Nearby arcades and an amusement park are great for families. The Ferris wheel provides great views of the city and beach. Hiking the trails at Carolina Beach State Park is a great way to experience nature. It hosts an annual music festival that draws crowds.
Holden Beach
Holden Beach is located in the Brunswick Islands region of North Carolina. This charming beach with its small-town atmosphere attracts families who return year after year. Beachgoers can rent equipment for kayaking, surfing, biking and jet skiing. At low tide, tide pools with interesting creatures can be found along the beach.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is located on the border with South Carolina. Since this beach faces south, the sun rises and sets over the water in the fall and spring. This south-facing location provides many opportunities to enjoy the magnificent sunrises and sunsets for which this beach is named. The Kindred Spirits Mailbox is the best attraction of this beach. A collection of notepads in the mailbox allows anyone to write down their thoughts, dreams, poems, prayers, wishes and stories.
