Discover 21 Best Beaches to Visit in Charlotte NC

Best Beaches to Visit in Charlotte

When most people think of Charlotte, North Carolina, beaches are not usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, Charlotte is home to several beautiful beaches that are worth visiting. From relaxing on the sand to surfing the waves, there is something for everyone. In this article, we will be exploring the 21 best beaches to visit in Charlotte.

Table of Contents

Introduction
What to pack for your beach trip
Carolina Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Kure Beach
Oak Island Beach
Holden Beach
Sunset Beach
Ocean Isle Beach
Caswell Beach
Bald Head Island Beach
Topsail Island Beach
Surf City Beach
North Topsail Beach
Emerald Isle Beach
Atlantic Beach
Indian Beach
Pine Knoll Shores Beach
Salter Path Beach
Hammocks Beach State Park
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Conclusion
FAQs

What to pack for your beach trip

Before we start exploring the best beaches in Charlotte, let's first talk about what you should pack for your beach trip. You should always bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a beach towel. It's also a good idea to bring a cooler with plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day. If you're planning on swimming or surfing, don't forget your swimsuit and any necessary gear.

Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a popular beach located about two and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its wide sandy beaches, scenic boardwalk, and lively nightlife. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. The Carolina Beach State Park is a great place to go hiking, camping, and fishing. This beach is a great place to go for a weekend getaway or a family vacation.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is another popular beach located about two and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its crystal clear waters, soft sand, and beautiful sunsets. Visitors can enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Wrightsville Beach is a great place to relax and unwind.

Kure Beach

Kure Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located about two and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its pristine white sand, crystal clear waters, and gentle waves. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The Kure Beach Pier is a great place to go fishing or to watch the sunrise. Kure Beach is a great place to go for a quiet and relaxing getaway.

Oak Island Beach

Oak Island Beach is a family-friendly beach located about three hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several parks and nature preserves nearby to explore. Oak Island Beach is a great place to go for a family vacation.

Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located about three hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful sunrises, wide sandy beaches, and excellent fishing. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Holden Beach is a great place to go for a relaxing getaway.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a beautiful and peaceful beach located about three and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its stunning sunsets, wide sandy beaches, and excellent golfing. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. There are also several golf courses nearby for those looking to hit the links. Sunset Beach is a great place to go for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach is a family-friendly beach located about three and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several parks and nature preserves nearby to explore. Ocean Isle Beach is a great place to go for a family vacation.

Caswell Beach

Caswell Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located about three and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful sand dunes, clear waters, and uncrowded beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The Oak Island Lighthouse is also located nearby and is a great place to visit. Caswell Beach is a great place to go for a relaxing getaway.

Bald Head Island Beach

Bald Head Island Beach is a secluded and peaceful beach located about four hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and uncrowded beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The island is also home to several nature preserves and a lighthouse. Bald Head Island Beach is a great place to go for a secluded and peaceful getaway.

Topsail Island Beach

Topsail Island Beach is a family-friendly beach located about four hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Topsail Island Beach is a great place to go for a family vacation.

Surf City Beach

Surf City Beach is a popular beach located about four and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its excellent surfing, beautiful white sand, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Surf City Beach is a great place to go for a fun and active vacation.

North Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located about four and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and uncrowded beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. There are also several nature preserves and parks nearby to explore. North Topsail Beach is a great place to go for a relaxing getaway.

Emerald Isle Beach

Emerald Isle Beach is a family-friendly beach located about four and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Emerald Isle Beach is a great place to go for a family vacation.

Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is a popular beach located about four and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Atlantic Beach is a great place to go for a fun and active vacation.

Indian Beach

Indian Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located about four and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and uncrow ded beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. There are also several nature preserves and parks nearby to explore. Indian Beach is a great place to go for a relaxing getaway.

Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a family-friendly beach located about three and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Carolina Beach is a great place to go for a family vacation.

Kure Beach

Kure Beach is a popular beach located about four hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its excellent surfing, beautiful white sand, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Kure Beach is a great place to go for a fun and active vacation.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a popular beach located about four hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its excellent surfing, beautiful white sand, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Wrightsville Beach is a great place to go for a fun and active vacation.

Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a family-friendly beach located about four hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Holden Beach is a great place to go for a family vacation.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located about four and a half hours southeast of Charlotte. It is known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and uncrowded beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. There are also several golf courses nearby for those looking to hit the links. Sunset Beach is a great place to go for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

Conclusion

Charlotte may not be located directly on the coast, but there are plenty of great beaches within driving distance. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly vacation or a secluded getaway, there's a beach for you. With its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and range of activities, the beaches of North Carolina are not to be missed.

FAQs

What is the closest beach to Charlotte?

The closest beach to Charlotte is Myrtle Beach, which is located in South Carolina and is approximately 175 miles away. However, there are several beaches in North Carolina that are also easily accessible from Charlotte.

What are the best beaches for families in North Carolina?

Some of the best beaches for families in North Carolina include Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Nags Head. These beaches offer a variety of family-friendly activities, such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and exploring the local wildlife.

Can you swim in the waters off North Carolina beaches?

Yes, you can swim in the waters off North Carolina beaches, but it's important to be aware of the potential for strong currents and dangerous rip tides. It's always a good idea to check the local weather and surf conditions before entering the water.

Are there any secluded beaches in North Carolina?

There are several secluded beaches in North Carolina, including Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Hammocks Beach State Park, and Shackleford Banks. These beaches are ideal for those looking for a more private and peaceful beach experience.

What are some of the best activities to do at North Carolina beaches?

Some of the best activities to do at North Carolina beaches include:

Surfing: North Carolina is known for its excellent surfing conditions, particularly in areas like Wrightsville Beach and Cape Hatteras.
Fishing: Whether you prefer saltwater or freshwater fishing, North Carolina's beaches offer a variety of options for anglers of all skill levels.
Wildlife watching: North Carolina's beaches are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and a variety of bird species.
Beachcombing: North Carolina's beaches are known for their abundance of shells and other treasures that wash up on shore.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Many of North Carolina's beaches offer calm waters that are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.

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