The weather is warming, midterms are over and Spring Break is almost here. What could that mean other than Beach Time!! North Carolina has numerous fabulous beaches, and everyone knows Emerald Isle, but what other NC beaches are there, which are worth your time and how do you choose? I’ve done the research so you don’t have to and found six beaches that you should consider for this years spring break.
Emerald Isle
Okay, Emerald Isle is a gem, no pun Intended, but why is it so well liked? For one, this is a family destination. There are any number of outdoor activities through spring and summer, and a place to fish or catch glimpses of marine life. Seafood restaurants like Caribsea, Gaffers and Ruckers Johns feature anything from locally sourced fish to burgers to cocktails and live music. A particular favorite spot in Emerald Isle is The Point, a sandbar that provides an exquisite panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful beach sunsets. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Emerald Isle beaches and rentals are aplenty.
Cape Hatteras
If you grew up in North Carolina you may have gone here for a school trip, but I can guarantee it will be more fun without elementary school expectations. Cape Hatteras is famous for its lighthouse which is available to climb and the area is actually known as the “Graveyard of the Sea” because so many ships have run aground on the shifting sand bars in the area. However, on the beach itself, there are long stretches of shore, dunes and marshes that are super fun for exploring with friends. If you like the beach but prefer less swimming and more exploration, this is the place for you.
Topsail
An equally good location for exploring, Topsail is known for its history and sea turtle conservation. This stretch has a host of wonderful restaurants from Breezeway Restaurant to the Beach Shop and Grill plus a number of cozy beach front rentals that offer full amenities and, obviously, beach access! It is said to be less crowded so perfect for a girls spring break getaway if you want some peaceful time with friends in the sand. Now, this all goes out the window in Serenity point on Topsail Beach. Here there is a healthy nightlife with drinks allowed on the sand and numerous bars.
Corolla and Shackelford Banks
Personally, I never miss an opportunity to visit these two locations. Why? Two words, Wild. Horses. Sometime in the 1500’s a number of ships carrying Spanish colonial mustangs crashed on the coast of NC and Virginia and the horses escaped, creating the basis for what we now see as the wild mustangs on our coast. It is recommended to book a guided tour to get the best chance of seeing these horses, but I personally have see them without a tour on three occasions so you may get lucky on your own! Even if it isn’t during spring break, these majestic creatures are worth seeing during your lifetime and always bring joy into my beach trips.
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is known as one of the best party spots on our shore. This beach is home to a ferris wheel, carnival games, surf shop and a plethora of bars. Downsides are a notoriously rough waterfront and less than ideal sand. Carolina beach is for those who like late nights and fun on the town, in a beachy atmosphere.
Wrightsville Beach
Finally, Wrightsville beach. Aptly named after the inventors of the plane, the Wright Brothers who manned the first flight over NC dunes, Wrightsville is a popular destination. Located 15 minutes or less from Wilmington, this beach is usually filled with college students from UNC Wilmington, and teenagers from local high schools. Downtown Wilmington has a number of bars and a roaring nightlife, being a college town, so if that’s the kind of wild spring break you’re looking for, this is the beach for you!
http://outerbankswildhorses.com/#:~:text=Lucas%20Vasquez%20de%20Allyon%2C%20a,North%20Carolina%20region%20in%201521 -more information on the wild horses of NC beaches.