4 Must-Visit Beaches Near Raleigh, NC | East Coast Traveler (2024)

4 Must-Visit Beaches Near Raleigh, NC | East Coast Traveler (1)RALEIGH, NC - There are many options if you're looking for the best beaches near Raleigh. In addition to Kure Beach and Holden Beach, you can also head to Lake Lure or Atlantic Beach. If you're looking for something a little different, the Crystal Coast offers some great outdoor activity opportunities. Read on to discover more about these beaches and others in the area.

Where Are The Best Beaches Near Raleigh NC

1. Holden Beach

When planning a trip from Raleigh to Holden Beach, NC, it's helpful to know how far it is from the city to the coast. There's no direct train line, but you can take a taxi from Wilmington. The total driving time is three hours, seven minutes. When you figure out the time it takes to travel from Raleigh to Holden Beach, NC, you can begin planning your trip. Then, when you're ready to head home, you can simply make a reservation at the nearest hotel.

The town is home to many activities, including fishing. There's a pier where even the most novice fisherman can catch a few fish. The beach is well maintained, and the pier has grills and snack bars. You'll find a good spot to sit and relax if you're a beach bum. You can also take your kids to the park's splash pad and picnic shelter. You can also explore the area by bike.



2. Kure Beach

If you're looking for a family vacation destination, you can't go wrong with Kure Beach. This oceanfront community offers beautiful views of the ocean and sound. The neighborhood has plenty of amenities, such as tennis courts and a pool. Plus, there's private beach access, as well. The area has an active homeowners' association (HOA) and posts events regularly on its Facebook page. Many of the homes are managed by Victory Beach Vacations.

While most of the area is residential, the area has a rich history as a confederate fort during the American Civil War. Visitors can visit the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, which contains a museum and a scenic trail around the original fort. You can even go scuba diving and view the remains of the Condor, a Civil War blockade runner. There's a lot to see and do in Kure Beach, and you're sure to find something to do.



3. Atlantic Beach

Located on the southern outer banks of North Carolina's Crystal Coast, Atlantic Beach is great for a day trip. The area is known for its beautiful translucent waters, miles of white-sand beaches, and a barrier reef. The town of Atlantic Beach is situated on the island of Bogue Banks. Bogue Sound runs inland, and the Atlantic Ocean is on the other side. This is one of the best beaches in North Carolina, so many visitors opt to stay at this beach resort for a long weekend or even a week!

There are many ways to get to Atlantic Beach. Bicycle rentals are available at Beachside Bikes, a rental service that is affordable and convenient. In addition to bicycles, you can rent scooters and other types of transportation. For the ultimate fun, check out all the activities in Atlantic Beach and plan your trip accordingly. There's something for everyone in Atlantic Beach. A perfect weekend getaway is guaranteed to be a blast.

4. Lake Lure Beach

If you're planning a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, consider spending the day at Lake Lure Beach. This artificial lake is 720 acres with more than 20 miles of shoreline. The beach is well-maintained and has lifeguards on duty. Water activities at the lake include boating, canoeing, water skiing, and swimming. Visitors can purchase a permit to enter the lake at Town Hall.

There are many different types of vacation rentals in Lake Lure, NC. Cottages and cabins are the most common and are usually clean and well-equipped. Some have jetted tubs and fireplaces. There are also bed and breakfasts in the area. The accommodations at Lake Lure are close to restaurants, shopping, and golfing. The Lake Lure Golf Course is also a favorite of visitors. If you're looking for a more leisurely vacation, try a golf course nearby or head to Chimney Rock State Park.



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4 Must-Visit Beaches Near Raleigh, NC | East Coast Traveler (2024)

FAQs

4 Must-Visit Beaches Near Raleigh, NC | East Coast Traveler? ›

Wrightsville Beach offers something for everyone, and — maybe most importantly — it's the closest beach to Raleigh. The 4-mile long beach island is famous for its walkable town with bars, shops and restaurants.

What ocean beach is closest to Raleigh, NC? ›

Wrightsville Beach offers something for everyone, and — maybe most importantly — it's the closest beach to Raleigh. The 4-mile long beach island is famous for its walkable town with bars, shops and restaurants.

What is the least touristy beach in NC? ›

The climate makes Carolina Beach a great location for water sports such as pier fishing, deep-sea fishing and body surfing.
  • Topsail Beach. ...
  • Cape Lookout. ...
  • Oak Island. ...
  • Holden Beach. ...
  • Sunset Beach. ...
  • Hammocks Beach State Park. ...
  • Kure Beach. ...
  • Indian Beach. You'll find Indian Beach in the Southern Outer Banks (a.k.a. Crystal Coast).

Where do people from Raleigh go to the beach? ›

Wilmington/Wrightsville

Wrightsville Beach is hands down the most accessible beach to get to from Raleigh. If you take Interstate-40 all the way east, you will reach the ocean in just about two hours! This beach is one of North Carolina's busiest beaches in the warm seasons because of its easy access.

What ocean is off the coast of NC? ›

North Carolina's Atlantic coastline runs 320 miles, second in length (behind Florida) among East Coast states.

How long is the drive from Raleigh to the beach? ›

The closest drive to the beach from Raleigh is about 2 hours to Wrightsville Beach.

What is the most peaceful beach in North Carolina? ›

Topsail Beach - Topsail Beach, North Carolina. While it's a tranquil destination today, legend states that Topsail Beach was once frequented by pirates, with the infamous Blackbeard once having prowled the surrounding area. In the modern era, visitors can relax along the water or enjoy surfing, swimming, or fishing.

What is the best beach town near Wilmington NC? ›

If you are looking for the best Wilmington Beach, then you will definitely want to consider Wrightsville Beach. This is a favorite among residents and visitors alike, and it is situated on a barrier island very close to the Intracoastal Waterway.

What are people from Raleigh NC called? ›

Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh
DemonymRaleighite
Time zoneUTC– 05:00 (EST)
• Summer (DST)UTC– 04:00 (EDT)
ZIP Codesshow 276XX
34 more rows

What is the number one tourist destination in NC? ›

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Officially the most popular destination in North Carolina — and the most-visited national park in the United States — this gorgeous park features miles of hiking trails through forests, over hills, and past stunning waterfalls.

What beach in NC has the clearest water? ›

Which beach in North Carolina has the clearest water? Emerald Isle, located in North Carolina's Crystal Coast, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. The pristine shoreline and captivating azure waters make it a top destination for beachgoers seeking a beautiful and refreshing swimming experience.

What is the most tourist visited beach? ›

The top 10 most Visited Beaches include:
  • Cancun.
  • South Beach Miami.
  • Majorca.
  • Cannes.
  • Amalfi.
  • Tenerife.
  • Punta Cana.
  • Bondi Beach.
Apr 4, 2024

What is the closest ocean current to North Carolina? ›

The Gulf Stream, which is what the current is called in this area, flows about 20 miles off the North Carolina coast.

What is the closest ocean current to us in North Carolina? ›

The Gulf Stream is an intense, warm ocean current in the western North Atlantic Ocean. It moves north along the coast of Florida and then turns eastward off of North Carolina, flowing northeast across the Atlantic.

Is Raleigh or Charlotte closer to the ocean? ›

If you're more of a beach person, Raleigh might be better. Raleigh is far enough away to avoid hurricanes and close enough that you can make a day trip out of it. But if you prefer the mountains, Charlotte is the clear winner.

What is Atlantic Beach NC close to? ›

The town is bordered to the south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north by Bogue Sound, which separates it from the mainland. To the east is Fort Macon State Park, occupying the eastern end of Bogue Banks and overlooking Beaufort Inlet, while to the west is the town of Pine Knoll Shores.

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