The Carolinas boast some of the most charming coastal destinations on the East Coast, with pristine beaches, vibrant communities, and unique local cultures. From the serene barrier islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks to the historic coastal towns of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, these beach communities offer something for every type of traveler.
Here is a list of 20 spectacular beach towns across North and South Carolina that deserve a spot on your coastal bucket list.
Emerald Isle
This gem on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast lives up to its name with stunning emerald-green waters that shimmer along 12 miles of pristine shoreline. The town maintains a perfect balance of natural beauty and modern conveniences, making it ideal for family getaways.
Visitors can enjoy wide, uncrowded beaches and spectacular sunset views from the Bogue Inlet Pier, a favorite spot for fishing enthusiasts and photographers.
Folly Beach
Often called the “Edge of America,” this laid-back beach town just 12 miles from Charleston embodies coastal charm with its casual atmosphere and excellent surfing conditions. The vibrant downtown area features eclectic shops and restaurants where you can sample fresh seafood after a day on the sand.
The Morris Island Lighthouse is a picturesque landmark visible from the beach’s eastern end, creating the perfect backdrop for sunrise photos.
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Hilton Head Island
This upscale destination combines luxury living with natural beauty across 12 miles of Atlantic coastline. Known for its world-class golf courses and thoughtfully planned development that preserves the island’s lush landscape, Hilton Head offers a sophisticated beach experience.
The bike-friendly community features 60+ miles of public trails winding through maritime forests and alongside pristine beaches where dolphins often play offshore.
Duck
Located on the northern Outer Banks, Duck charms visitors with its pedestrian-friendly village atmosphere and seven miles of uncrowded beaches. The mile-long soundfront boardwalk serves as the heart of town, connecting shops, restaurants, and parks along the Currituck Sound.
Duck Town Park hosts summer concerts and provides the perfect setting for kayaking and paddleboarding adventures with breathtaking sunset views across the water.
Kiawah Island
This private South Carolina barrier island offers an exclusive retreat with ten miles of immaculate beaches and preserved natural splendor. Visitors can explore 30 miles of biking trails that wind through lush maritime forests filled with ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
The island’s world-renowned golf courses, including the Ocean Course that has hosted PGA Championships, provide unforgettable play with Atlantic Ocean views.
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Sullivan’s Island
Just nine miles from downtown Charleston, this historic island town offers a peaceful alternative to more commercialized beaches. The 2.5-mile-long island features wide, pristine beaches backed by beautiful beachfront homes rather than high-rise hotels.
Fort Moultrie provides a fascinating glimpse into American coastal defense history, while the island’s restaurant scene along Middle Street has earned a reputation for exceptional Lowcountry cuisine.
Wrightsville Beach
Known for its crystal blue waters and vibrant atmosphere, this four-mile stretch of beach just east of Wilmington is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The community embraces an active lifestyle with excellent surfing, paddleboarding, and sailing conditions.
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier extends 1,200 feet into the Atlantic, offering spectacular fishing and views of the coastline, while “the Loop,” a scenic 2.45-mile fitness trail, is popular for joggers and walkers.
Corolla
This northernmost Outer Banks town blends natural beauty with fascinating history. Visitors flock to see the famous wild Spanish mustangs that roam freely on the beaches north of town, descendants of shipwrecked colonial horses.
The stunning red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the town’s iconic landmark, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound to those who climb its 220 steps.
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Isle of Palms
This family-friendly barrier island near Charleston features six miles of wide, welcoming beaches with calm waters perfect for swimming. Front Beach serves as the town’s central gathering spot with shops, restaurants, and live music venues like The Windjammer, creating a lively atmosphere.
The island balances natural beauty with amenities, offering championship golf courses, a marina, and plenty of water sports activities.
Pawleys Island
One of South Carolina’s oldest resort areas, this narrow barrier island embodies the local philosophy of “arrogantly shabby” – proudly embracing a rustic, unhurried approach to coastal living. Famous for its hand-woven hammocks, the island preserves its Old South charm with historic homes and unspoiled beaches.
Salt marshes on the western side provide stunning sunset views and opportunities to observe abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.
Beaufort
This historic harbor town on North Carolina’s Inner Banks (not to be confused with its South Carolina namesake) captivates visitors with its maritime heritage and small-town atmosphere. Waterfront boardwalks offer views of boats bobbing in Taylor’s Creek, where wild horses can sometimes be spotted on nearby Carrot Island.
The town’s well-preserved historic district features charming homes dating back to the 1700s, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploring its coastal culture.
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Southport
Sitting at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, this picturesque fishing village has served as the backdrop for numerous films and television shows thanks to its quintessential coastal charm. The waterfront district features white cottages with red roofs, stately sea captains’ homes, and two lighthouses that create postcard-worthy vistas at every turn.
Visitors can take the ferry to nearby Bald Head Island or Fort Fisher for additional coastal adventures.
Nags Head
One of the Outer Banks’ most established beach destinations, Nags Head balances natural beauty with family-friendly amenities across 11 miles of shoreline. Jockey’s Ridge State Park features the tallest living dune system in the eastern United States, offering dramatic views and perfect conditions for hang gliding and kite flying.
The town’s historic cottages, known as the “Unpainted Aristocracy,” showcase a unique architectural style with weathered wood exteriors and wraparound porches.
Edisto Beach
Located on Edisto Island, this uncommercialized beach town offers a glimpse of South Carolina’s coast as it once was, with most businesses locally owned rather than part of national chains. The town’s commitment to preserving its natural environment creates a peaceful retreat where visitors can hunt for fossilized shark teeth along the shore or explore winding creek systems through maritime forests by kayak.
The beach’s east-west orientation provides sunrise and sunset views over the water.
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Ocean Isle Beach
This small barrier island in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offers 7 miles of south-facing beaches with warm, gentle waters ideal for families. The town perfectly balances having enough amenities for comfort while maintaining a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere.
A mini-golf course, museum, and pier provide entertainment beyond the beach, while the island’s position allows for spectacular sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway.
Topsail Beach
Located on the southern end of 26-mile-long Topsail Island, this quiet community offers a pristine shoreline and relaxed atmosphere away from commercial development. The beach’s name comes from pirate ships that once hid behind the island with only their “top sails” visible from the sea.
Today, visitors enjoy excellent shelling opportunities and can learn about the island’s unique history at the Missiles and More Museum, which highlights its role in missile testing after World War II.
Myrtle Beach
As the anchor of South Carolina’s Grand Strand, this lively resort city offers 60 miles of wide, sandy beaches alongside endless entertainment options. The iconic boardwalk and promenade feature amusement rides, arcades, and the 187-foot SkyWheel, which provides panoramic coastal views.
Beyond the beaches, visitors can enjoy championship golf courses, live entertainment theaters, and an impressive array of dining options ranging from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants.
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Carolina Beach
Known for its nostalgic boardwalk atmosphere, this family-friendly destination offers classic beach town experiences with modern amenities. The boardwalk features amusement rides, arcade games, and the famous Britt’s Donuts, a local institution since 1939.
Freeman Park on the north end allows four-wheel-drive vehicles directly on the beach, creating unique opportunities for fishing and camping with oceanfront views.
Atlantic Beach
As the oldest of the Crystal Coast beach towns, this community combines historic charm with modern beach resort amenities. The town serves as a gateway to Fort Macon State Park, where a perfectly preserved Civil War fort stands guard at the eastern tip of Bogue Banks.
Oceanana Pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, providing excellent fishing opportunities and panoramic coastal views, while nearby restaurants serve fresh seafood directly from local fishing boats.
Seabrook Island
This private barrier island near Charleston offers an exclusive coastal retreat with pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. The island maintains strict environmental protections, resulting in unspoiled beaches where loggerhead turtles nest and dolphins practice strand feeding—a unique hunting technique where they herd fish onto the shore.
Beyond beach activities, visitors can enjoy horseback riding along the shore from the island’s full-service equestrian center or play golf on oceanfront courses.
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The Changing Tide
The Carolinas’ beach towns continue to charm visitors with their distinct personalities and natural beauty. From the wild horse sanctuaries of Corolla to the historic streets of Beaufort, these coastal communities preserve their unique identities while welcoming travelers to experience their special slice of Atlantic paradise.
Whether you seek adventure on the waves, relaxation on pristine shores, or immersion in coastal culture, these 20 beach towns offer timeless memories along the Carolina coast.
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