sunrise - sea oats and grasses grow on sand dunes of the Outer Banks seacoast of North Carolina

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Coastal North Carolina

The coastline of North Carolina stretches more than 300 miles. Remarkably, it remains underdeveloped and the beach is often visible from coastal roads. Yes, the wall of cottages stretching south from Corolla to Kitty Hawk can seem endless, but for the most part the state's shores remain free of flashy, highly commercialized resort areas. Instead you'll find rugged, windswept barrier islands, Colonial villages once frequented by pirates, and laid-back beach towns full of locally owned ice-cream shops and mom-and-pop motels. Even the most touristy beaches have a small-town vibe.


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foliagé, Rock Cliffs, Whiteside
Mountain Reflection in a Lake - stock photo

Tips & Advice

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Go Beyond

Coastal North Carolina and beyond