Top North Carolina Beach Vacations

Plan your next beach vacation with Palm Suites and find the perfect Crystal Coast spot on more than 85 miles of North Carolina coastline!

Whether you're here on a family vacation or romantic getaway, Palm Suites offers the perfect accommodations with spectacular ocean views! Discover North Carolina’s gems and spend your sunny days kayaking, parasailing or simply relaxing on the beach! You're guaranteed to find the perfect adventure for everyone. Inquire today and make Palm Suites your home-away-from-home.

Address

602 W Fort MAcon Rd Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 US

Highlights

Adventure and chase a big catch out in the Atlantic Ocean on your next Palm Suites getaway! Surf fishing and pier fishing are also welcome. Your next fishing adventure awaits in North Carolina's coast.

Swaying palms, banana trees, hibiscus blossoms, soft sand beaches. Not what you expect to find at a North Carolina resort. But our No. 1 pick isn’t your average beach resort, which is precisely why it graces the top of our list. The Winds Resort Beach Club gives your vacation a touch of the tropics.

The Winds Resort always keeps you within view of the sparkling ocean. Whether you stay in a convenient guestrooms or a private, six-bedroom cottage, you’ll always feel the island vibe. Each room offers nautical-inspired luxury. Best of all – The Winds Resort isn’t a high rise at its maximum guest capacity; rather, it gives you a personal, intimate beach vacation and lets the natural beauty of Ocean Isle – warm beaches, rolling waves, coastal breeze – take the spotlight. If you’re tired of the ocean, you can choose to swim in any of three pools, including one stunning oceanfront pool with a Tiki Bar. Wander the beautiful, artistic grounds. Sink into a hammock, listening to the rustling palms above you. This resort is an entirely unique experience – a tropical paradise in North Carolina.

Address

The Winds Resort Beach Club 310 East 1st Street Ocean Isle Beach NC 28469

Highlights

When you stay at The Winds Resort, you'll receive a complimentary hot Southern-style buffet breakfast each morning!

Related Onsite Offerings

The Winds Resort Beach Club offers surf lessons on the stretch of beach right in front of the resort.

Southern Shores Realty's collection of more than 500 vacation rental properties gives travelers all they'll need and more when planning an Outer Banks adventure. Whether you're looking for a lavish oceanfront getaway just steps from the sandy shores of the Atlantic, or a sprawling home offering room for your entire extended family, Southern Shores has something that accommodates each and every one of your needs.

With such a large selection to choose from and a range of amenities suited for every group's needs, Southern Shores truly offers the perfect Outer Banks getaway. Choose from private swimming pools with spacious sundecks, wraparound porches and balconies overlooking the ocean, fully equipped gourmet kitchens, and so much more. Looking to stay for a week or a month? Southern Shores has plenty of long term rentals available. There are even options for snow birds who want to call the Outer Banks home for a few month out of the year. When you aren't enjoying the comfort of these amazing vacation homes, spend your days exploring the local seaside villages. Head to the Wright Brothers Museum in Kitty Hawk, "hit the links" at Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf in Nags Head, or check out the historical lighthouses that dot the landscape. It's all waiting for your at Southern Shores Realty. Start planning your own adventure today!

Address

5 Ocean Boulevard Southern Shores, NC 27949

Highlights

Southern Shores Realty offers a great selection of properties designed for larger groups (15+) making this the perfect place to find a rental or two for your next Outer Banks family reunion.

Related activities

Fishing is a popular activity in the Outer Banks, and you can embark on a variety of angling adventures during your next getaway with Southern Shores Realty. You'll find hundreds of miles of coastline to enjoy surf fishing, or you can charter a deep sea expedition for your group.

Oak Island Accommodations offers you the convenience of home with all the luxury of a resort! With over 600 beach vacation homes and condominiums to choose from, you're guaranteed to find your place by the sea to share with family and friends!

Bask in the comfortable pet-friendly rentals overlooking the quiet beaches and peaceful harbors of this unforgettable North Carolina destination. Come listen to the sound of soothing waves gently lapping at your feet while brilliant sunsets blaze over the azure waters of the ocean. This is your place by the sea!

Address

300 Country Club Drive, Oak Island, North Carolina 28465

Highlights

There is over 10 miles of sandy beaches to explore, exciting adventures such as boating, clamming and surf fishing to enjoy at your leisure, and an assortment of delicious restaurants featuring fresh seafood that is sure to satisfy your palette. However you choose to spend your time, you're sure to discover endless fun and entertainment at this incredible North Carolina retreat!

Related activities

Fishing enthusiasts of all ages are sure to have an unforgettable experience when staying with Oak Island Accommodations. Their rentals are located close to the white-sand beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. You can choose between surf or deep sea fishing. Local charters will take you to the best possible spots! Reel in a gigantic yellowfin tuna, blue marlin or king mackerel!

Imagine yourself escaping to a place untouched by the crowds, where the beach is natural and unspoiled the way nature intended it to be. This is what you’ll discover at Sunset Beach, North Carolina- home to our No. 6 choice, The Sunset Inn.

Located on a picturesque island between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC, Sunset Beach is a quaint seaside town where development is limited and the area maintains its quiet, charming coastal allure. And overlooking a saltwater marsh only five minutes from the ocean, you’ll find The Sunset Inn, a place as cozy and charming as the area surrounding it. This unique destination is the ideal cross between a small inn and a large bed and breakfast. The Sunset Inn offers ten standard rooms and four grand rooms, ensuring that you’ll have a comfortable and peaceful stay. Each room offers superb views of the marsh from a private screened in porch, allowing you to enjoy the ocean breeze in any season. Relax in your beautifully appointed guest room, with a style all its own. King beds, private baths, luxurious linens, and a host of modern amenities guarantee your room will become a relaxing respite during your North Carolina vacation. The Sunset Inn has an accommodating staff that will make sure your stay is all you expect it to be and more. Take advantage of the inn’s two outdoor showers, book and video library, and the buffet-style breakfast served each morning. Most importantly, make time to enjoy the white sand beaches of this beloved island. The Sunset Inn will take care of the rest!

Address

9 North Shore Drive, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

Related Onsite Offerings

Ask about The Sunset Inn's discount kayak tours through Summertide Adventure Tours.

With a diverse collection of properties that fit any occasion, Outer Beaches Realty is a superb way to enjoy the gorgeous North Carolina coastline!

Outer Beaches Realty has provided exceptional Hatteras Island vacation experiences for thousands of families and couples throughout the years- yours should be next! Why? Well, start with with the top-notch customer service, and from there go to the top-of-the-line properties. Of course you won't be spending a ton of time indoors; you'll be busy enjoying the stupendous beaches the area is known for! Go swimming, catch a tan, or participate in some beach volleyball- Hatteras Island is practically overflowing with beaches, restaurants, and attractions for you and your party to enjoy!

Address

40227 Tigrone Boulevard Avon, NC 27915

Related activities

The 3,000 acre Buxton Woods is a maritime forest and is perfect for a relaxing hike beneath the canopy of towering oaks.

Plan your next North Carolina family vacation right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean with Topsail Realty! Their selection of more the 150 rental units ensures you'll find an option that fits all of your travel needs and offers a comfortable getaway for you and your family, group, or special someone.

Everything from one-bedroom bungalows to sprawling five- and six-bedroom vacation homes is available during your stay with Topsail Realty. In addition, you'll enjoy great amenities that only add to your stay including full kitchens, flat screen televisions, and spacious living areas. Many of the units feature wraparound private decks, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding natural beauty, and nearly the entire inventory gives you easy access to the beach! Spend your days building sand castles, running in the surf, or just soaking in the sun while you work on your tan. Topsail Island offers an abundance of activities to enjoy during your stay. Head to the seaside shopping area for trinkets to commemorate your stay. Three 18-hole golf courses are conveniently located just a short drive from your accommodations, or schedule a kayak tour with Herring's Outdoor Sports. If you're looking for a thrilling adventure on the water, try a deep sea fishing excursion and reel in your next trophy catch with the help of trained professionals! An unbelievable North Carolina beach getaway is waiting at Topsail Realty.

Address

712 S. Anderson Blvd. Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Fun facts

Topsail Island is a nesting ground for the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle. The nesting for these sea giants takes place from mid-May to mid-August. Head to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center to learn more about these interesting creatures during your stay!

Related Onsite Offerings

For those travelers looking to bring Fido along for the ultimate family beach vacation, Topsail Realty has you covered! They have a selection of pet-friendly units allowing you to keep the entire family together during your next North Carolina getaway. Just make sure to let Topsail know your favorite four-legged friend will be joining you!

Bald Head Island Vacations can help you find the best accommodation for your perfect summer getaway on Bald Head Island, North Carolina.

Bald Head Island is located 20 minutes off North Carolina’s coastline, where Cape Fear River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Transportation on the island is by golf cart and the only high-rise you’ll find is “Old Baldy,” North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse, circa 1817. Bald Head Island boasts 14 miles of unspoiled beaches and 2,000 acres of dunes, as well as a lush maritime forest and 10,000 acres of salt marshes and tidal creeks. Bald Head Island Vacations can help you find the vacation rental you’ve been dreaming of. Choose from houses in a variety of locales, including oceanfront, maritime forest, creek view, and more. Bald Head Island Vacations has impeccable guest relations. With 24-hour phone access, Bald Head staff can help you reserve your transportation, including to and from the airport, the island, and your accommodation, as well as answer questions about the BHI- Southport area. You can also take advantage of the services offered by the concierge, including grocery shopping, valet parking, and reservations for dining. Bald Head Island has a wide array of activities that sure to keep the whole family happy, such as golfing, sailing, kayaking, and more.

Address

2 H Merchants Row, Bald Head Island, NC 28461

Related activities

Blad Head Island has a multitude of activities for visitors, look for rare birds while bird watching, witness newly hatched loggerhead turtles make their way to the ocean at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, or rent a boat and fish out on the open sea.

Fun facts

The island treasures and protects its natural resources through the efforts of the Bald Head Island Conservancy Group. Community volunteers work with UNC-Wilmington marine biologist to sustain the indigenous loggerhead turtles.

The Ramada Plaza Nags Head easily grabs the No. 4 spot on our list. Between its central location right on the beach in Kill Devil Hills and its tastefully decorated rooms with breathtaking views- it’s no surprise that this hotel is one of our Outer Banks favorites!

When you arrive at Ramada Plaza Nags Head, you’ll probably wonder what you should do first. The possibilities are endless. You could choose to unpack and spend the rest of your day relaxing in your comfortable beach-style guestroom or on your private balcony. But having such an amazing view will undoubtedly make you want to venture from your room down to the beach so you can stick your toes in the white sand and blue surf. Grab a beach chair and an umbrella and pick a spot to call your own for the rest of the day. After you’ve had your fill of the beach, plan a wonderful day trip to one of the nearby attractions. The Wright Brothers First Flight Monument and Bodie Island lighthouse are just a few of the things in the area. Perhaps the best part about the Ramada Plaza Nags Head is the fact that you don’t have to leave the hotel to enjoy yourself. You can always lounge on the expansive sundeck or in the indoor heated pool and jacuzzi. Looking for some live entertainment? Stop by Peppercorns, the hotel’s full service restaurant. No matter how you decide to spend your vacation to the Outer Banks, the Ramada Plaza Nags Head will provide you with an ideal stay!

Address

1701 South Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Highlights

Take a trip to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It’s the tallest in the US and was recently relocated back to the beach!

Related Onsite Offerings

The hotel offers 3,643 square feet of meeting space for those looking to host a meeting, presentation, retreat, or any other corporate event.

We think you’ll find our No. 2 choice to be a spectacular and awe-inspiring Outer Banks hotel. At the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk you can walk out the front door and be on the beach, and that's something worth getting excited about.

When you stay at any Hilton hotel, you expect the best– the best rooms, the best amenities, and the best location. Well the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk gives their guests that and more. Not only is every room spacious and equipped with modern conveniences, but you’ll also discover that each guestroom has a breathtaking ocean view that can be enjoyed on your private balcony. The hotel also provides great amenities for both business travelers and vacationers. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-Hour Business Center will help you fulfill your work obligations. Families will love the onsite restaurant and convenience mart. And what kid doesn’t love splashing around in the pool? The Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk has outdoor and indoor swimming pools plus a seasonal Tiki Bar. With so much to do inside the hotel, you might forget about what lies outside the front door– the beach! Umbrellas and beach chairs are provided, so all you need to do is throw on your bathing suit and apply lots of sunscreen. If you’re in the mood to explore, don’t worry! There is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. The Wright Brothers First Flight Monument, Elizabethan Gardens, and Manteo Aquarium are all nearby. The friendly staff at the Concierge Desk will be happy to help you plan the Outer Banks vacation of a lifetime!

Address

5353 N. Virginia DareTrail, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina 27949

Highlights

The Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk is an exceptional wedding destination.

Related Onsite Offerings

The hotel offers a golf package which includes one night of lodging and 18 Holes of Golf at Kilmarlic Golf Club.

The beach is always within reach at Bald Head Island Limited! Come soak in the sun at this tropical treasure, which overlooks the aquamarine Atlantic Ocean from its sandy shores. A beach bummer's paradise awaits at this exceptional stay!

Situated on the sandy shores of Southeast North Carolina, the sun-soaked beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are just outside your door! Bald Head Island Limited is your source for more than 100 homes, condos, and cottages in a wide array of settings. Choose a luxurious lodging that showcases oceanfront golf, one located on 14 miles of acclaimed beaches for romantic strolls and a wealth of water sports, or one that featuers Harbour Village right outside your door. You'll also get a temporary membership to the Shoals and Bald Head Island Clubs, with an acclaimed golf course, kid's programs, tennis, pools, and fitness centers. Visit lighthouses, stroll through maritime forests, and kayak through salt marshes. Bald Head Island is accessible by ferry or boat, with only electric carts, bicycles, and pedestrian traffic. Bald Head Island Limited features a beach experience that is an ocean away from ordinary!

Address

6 Marina Wynd, Bald Head Island, North Carolina 28461

Related activities

Teeming with tuna, flounder, red drum, blue fish, mullet, and pompano, you're sure to hook a trophy catch. Stop by the Bald Head Island Conservancy or the Sail Shop for instructions and let them help you find the best spot on the water for your trip!

Fun facts

The island features 10,000 acres of protected salt marsh, tidal creeks and maritime forest, making for almost endless exploration!

North Carolina’s Outer Banks is everything you’re looking for in relaxation, fun, and adventure.

The Outer Banks beaches are a treasure trove waiting to be explored, so when you’re ready to leave your home-away-from-home, you’ll find plenty to do. Parasailing and stand-up paddle-boarding are popular activities here, but you can also head over to nearby Oregon Inlet for a day of quiet fishing. Don’t forget to spend time exploring the shops and restaurants along the coastal towns of Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and more! After a long day of fun, retreat to your luxury rental from Atlantic Realty. These homes are equipped with modern amenities to ensure your complete comfort and convenience. Relax on your deck and enjoy the views, whip up your favorite meal in the full kitchen, or watch a movie in the spacious living room. Some homes even offer private pools for extra fun!

Highlights

If you can't bear to leave your furry friend at home, bring them along for all the fun. Atlantic Realty offers a selection of pet-friendly accommodations for the four-legged travelers!

Related activities

There's so much to do in the area, that you might not know where to start. One of the best local attractions are the Outer Beaches lighthouses. The four historic lighthouses can't be missed; they offer beautiful views and a rich history you can learn all about!

Related Onsite Offerings

Atlantic Realty’s accommodations range in size and style but all complete equipped with modern amenities. These rentals feature fully-equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, decks or patios, barbecue grills, flat-screen television, and wireless internet. Some even have their own pools so you can go for a swim at any time of the day!

This pick lets you embrace the island attitude: Lean back in your lounge chair, sink your toes in the sand, let the sun warm your skin, listen to the waves roll onto the shore. Ocean Isle Inn provides hassle-free North Carolina beach vacations.

Wake up to a complimentary breakfast at the inn’s seaside garden. Once the sun warms the sand, it’s merely steps to the seven-mile stretch of beach. Or, relax at the oceanfront swimming pool. Ocean Isle Inn is perfect for families, offering a variety of kid-friendly activities nearby – mini-golf, arcades and more! The accommodations at Ocean Isle add a Polynesian flair to your vacation. Each room features hand-crafted teakwood furniture, Spanish tiled floors and unique artwork. Plus, private balconies give you spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean! Spend the afternoon exploring the historic riverfront town of Wilmington, just a short drive away. Or, if you need new beaches to explore, Myrtle Beach is nearby! For a beach vacation with a South Pacific twist, stay at Ocean Isle Inn!

Address

Ocean Isle Inn 37 W First St Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

Average temperature

Average water temperatures at Ocean Isle are 79-80 degrees, June through August.

Related Onsite Offerings

Ocean Isle Inn offers a golf package so that you can take advantage of over 100 courses in the Myrtle Beach area!

At No. 9 is The Sea Ranch Resort, a historic and luxurious beachfront resort in Kill Devil Hills.

The Sea Ranch Resort is one of the oldest resorts on the Outer Banks and we think this destination has gotten better with age. Sea Ranch overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and you’ll enjoy watching the sun rise and set each day from your oceanfront room. This resort is one of the few in the area with exceptional accommodations and amenities. All rooms come equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. There are also 26 two-bedroom condominiums available! But luxurious accommodations aren’t the only thing The Sea Ranch Resort has to offer. Also onsite you’ll find an enclosed heated swimming pool and a brand new restaurant, providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re planning a wedding, the Sea Ranch Resort is a beautiful place to say, “I do!” The staff will help you plan every detail of your big day. Whether you’re getting married barefoot on the beach or having a more formal affair, the Sea Ranch Resort’s luxury accommodations are perfect for this special occasion. You’ll find this No. 9 choice to be exceptional in every aspect!

Address

1731 N. VA Dare Trail MP 7, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Fun facts

Legend suggests that Kill Devil Hills got its name from a buccaneer sitting on the white sandy beach and drinking moonshine that was “strong enough to kill the devil!”

Related Onsite Offerings

You can book your Outer Banks vacation, business event, wedding reception or family reunion at Sea Ranch Resort!

Offering over 20 beach rentals right on Ocean Isle Beach, Williamson Realty is the ideal destination for a North Carolina Beach vacation!

Williamson Realty Vacations offers a variety of different rentals to choose from along the North Carolina coast, many of which are beach front! Ocean Isle is one of three barrier islands in the South Brunswick Island. Staying with Williamson will put you right along all of the best beaches! Take a day to explore Ocean Isle Beach, which was named 2008's Best Restored Beach by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. The degrees in the area are typically 10 degrees warmer than the outer banks, making it an ideal location for your vacation. Enjoy an ideal beach vacation when you stay with Williamson Realty Vacations!

Address

119 Causeway, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

Highlights

The Annual North Caroline Oyster Festival is held the third weekend in October.

Fun facts

Ocean Isle Beach, which was named 2008's Best Restored Beach by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association