Some of the most beautiful beaches on the north Atlantic coast are found in North Carolina. Family-friendly beaches Swimming, adventure and beauty means these shores are ideal for active family holidays. Look out these North Carolina Beaches for family-friendly beach travel that offer loads of fun and relaxation (and memories for a lifetime).
1. Emerald Isle – A Family Gem on the Crystal Coast
Emerald Isle is always a popular pick for families seeking plenty of wide, sandy space and (usually) calm waters. The beach is perfect to swim and fish, even kayak Numerous picnic areas and playgrounds only enhance its family-friendly nature.
- Activities: Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Family-friendly picnic areas and playgrounds are also available.
- Timings: Open 24 hours, though most activities operate during daylight hours.
2. Carolina Beach – A Blend of Adventure and Relaxation
You can find many things to do, like paddleboarding, fishing and beachcombing in the North Carolina Beach area. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk with arcades and restaurants is an added bonus for families with kids.
- Activities: Paddleboarding, fishing, beachcombing, and exploring the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, which has arcades and eateries.
- Timings: Open 24 hours, but the boardwalk activities are typically available from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
3. Wrightsville Beach – Perfect for Watersports Enthusiasts
Wrightsville Beach is a favorite, especially for families, making it a perfect spot for beach travel. The beach is clean with lots of space for beach games, paddleboarding, and surfing. In addition, its waves are very gentle making it a great place to swim or surf for beginners as well.
- Activities: Surfing, paddleboarding, beach games, and swimming.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. Surf rentals and beachside services usually operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
4. Topsail Beach – Tranquil and Serene
Topsail beach is a family friendly North Carolina Beach where visitors can enjoy cool gentle waves and beautiful sand dunes. Families will have a good time on picnics, dolphin cruises or visiting the educational but fun, Missiles and More Museum with kids.
- Activities: Dolphin-watching tours, picnic spots, fishing, and visits to the Missiles and More Museum.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. Dolphin tours and the museum generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
5. Nags Head – A Beach with a View
Nags Head’s beaches are wide and extend into the shore allowing families to play games, have barbecues, kites, and fish. The region is offered breathtaking views at the Jockey’s Ridge State Park with sand dune climbing being a common activity in the area.
- Activities: Beach games, fishing, kite-flying, and exploring Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
6. Oak Island Beach – Known for its Breathtaking Sunsets
This is a family seeking a combination of beach and park activities. Known to be a quiet place, Oak Island Beach is great for a family picnic, bike ride, and even turtle watching. This hidden gem gives a unique mix of relaxation and fun, making it a fantastic spot for beach travel enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature and quality time together.
- Activities: Beach biking, turtle-watching, picnicking, and enjoying the views.
- Timings: Open 24 hours, but guided activities and tours operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Summer Beach Destinations in the USA
7. Atlantic Beach – Family Fun on the Crystal Coast
Families looking for a mix of the beach and history will love Atlantic Beach. With Fort Macon State Park close bye, families can add a fun learning day to a beach day which is definitely fun for kids with an inquisitive mind.
- Activities: Swimming, historical tours at Fort Macon State Park, fishing, and surfing.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. Fort Macon State Park operates from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
8. Sunset Beach – A Quiet Retreat
Sunset Beach is family friendly, is close to the calm waters and is good for families with small children. The beach is popular due to a site of the Bird Island Reserve where children can discover local wild life.
- Activities: Bird Island Reserve tours, nature trails, and bird-watching.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. Guided tours are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9. Kure Beach – Perfect for Exploring Nature
Perfect for families, Kure Beach is a fantastic destination for Beach Travel, known for its clean sands, as well as its proximity to the North Carolina Aquarium. There are also options for fishing off the pier, nature trails and picnics on the beach.
- Activities: Fishing off the pier, nature trails, North Carolina Aquarium, and picnicking.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. The aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
10. Bald Head Island – A Unique Beach Experience
Bald Head Island is accessible only via the ferry and is popular with families who wish to get away from the busy crowds. Since there are no cars, families can walk or ride bicycles to safely explore the island.
- Activities: Biking, exploring nature trails, and beachcombing.
- Timings: Accessible only by ferry from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. No cars allowed on the island.
11. Hatteras Island – A Classic Beach Escape
Hatteras Island provides a fantastic beach travel suitable for beach combing, kite flying, and picnics. Given the calm waters and the mellow atmosphere it is great for families looking to unwind.
- Activities: Beachcombing, kite-flying, and exploring nearby lighthouses.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. Lighthouse tours generally operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
12. Currituck Beach – History Meets Beach Vibes
For those interested in sightseeing, there is also a place called Currituck Beach that is home to beautiful views and stunning North Carolina Beach. The nearby Currituck Beach Lighthouse further enhances this aspect, making it more fun for the kids and family while widening their knowledge about North Carolina’s history.
- Activities: Visiting Currituck Beach Lighthouse, beach games, and swimming.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. The lighthouse is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
13. Kill Devil Hills – Fun for History Buffs
Among the places to visit, one that is known for the Wright Brothers National Memorial is Kill Devil Hills which is both fun and informative for kids. While enjoying the beach, the kids can learn about the importance of the history of flight.
- Activities: Swimming, fishing, beach games, and visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. The Wright Brothers Memorial is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
14. Fort Fisher – Where History Meets Nature
Families that enjoy a combination of history and nature will equally appreciate Fort Fisher. Families love both North Carolina Beach and the fort fisher state recreation area, as they get to learn some history and see the scenic landscape.
- Activities: Fishing, exploring Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, and nature trails.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
15. Ocracoke Island – A Scenic Family Adventure
Ocracoke Island, reached by ferry, is a lovely, quiet family vacation. Reputed for having pristine shorelines, it is ideal for the families who wish to have a really calm holiday.
- Activities: Swimming, beachcombing, and visiting Ocracoke Lighthouse.
- Timings: Open 24 hours. Ferry access to the island is available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
