You might know North Carolina’s coast best for the Outer Banks—the string of barrier islands known for pirate treasure and a hit Netflix show—but there’s so much more to explore beyond the OBX. Think sleepy beach towns where turtle hatching season is the highlight of the year, and lively summer hubs where small communities swell from a few thousand to 50,000 sun-seekers chasing music festivals, seafood feasts, and chilled blush wine.
"Once a year, my family would road trip down there for a week of summer fun," says PureWow executive managing editor Catrina Yohay "Think of it as your classic American family vacation: beach, sun and zero plans. If you live in the Northeast, the islands that sit just south of Virginia are close enough to make the drive in a day but far enough away to feel like you're really going on vacation—especially to a 7-year-old." I spoke to longtime North Carolinians as well as repeat summer guests to get intel on the 10 best coastal North Carolina towns to visit—and I’ll wager there’s a satisfying getaway for you here.
