Coastal North Carolina, NC

Travel Guide

Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.
Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.
Wilmington showing an administrative buidling
Wilmington which includes interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.
Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of VisitNC.com
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of VisitNC.com

Where to stay in Coastal North Carolina

Outer Banks showing fishing, general coastal views and a sandy beach

South Nags Head

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in South Nags Head, Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center are top sights worth seeing.

South Nags Head
Default Image

Long Beach

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

Long Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ocean Crest Pier and Caswell Beach.

Long Beach
The beautiful Corolla beach

Whalehead Beach

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Whalehead Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Currituck Beach and Outer Banks Beaches.

Whalehead Beach
Wilmington showing an administrative buidling

Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington is beloved for its stunning river views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Cape Fear River and The Cotton Exchange.

Downtown Wilmington
Walking the beach of Corolla.

Ocean Sands

4/5(1 area review)

Ocean Sands might not have many top sights, but Corolla Raceway and Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ocean Sands
Sunset

Corolla Light

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Corolla Light, Whalehead and Outer Banks Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Corolla Light
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
301 N Water St, Wilmington, NC
The price is AED 528 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
AED 528
AED 596 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,096 reviews)
"We had a great time. Was everything it was said to be."

Reviewed on 18 February 2025

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn
2 out of 5
2009 S Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
The price is AED 228 per night from Feb 24 to Feb 25
AED 228
AED 257 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,878 reviews)
Great Place!
"The staff was accomodating and respectful. Ocean view was lovely and we had everything we needed."

Reviewed on 17 February 2025

John Yancey Oceanfront Inn
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront
3 out of 5
1701 S Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
The price is AED 234 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
AED 234
AED 264 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Ramada
"I stay 5-6 times a year with my 9 yo grandson. Our go to place Very convenient. Park under the front awning, load your luggage etc in a cart and take the elevator to your floor. Beds are very comfortable Quiet. Staff are friend and call us by name."

Reviewed on 9 February 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront
See all 25,240 properties in Coastal North Carolina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
3 out of 5
715 W. Fort Macon Rd., Atlantic Beach, NC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,157 reviews)
"We were very pleased with the check in and overall room conditions. Rooms could use some updating. Tile was chipped in several places and toilets were very loose a few cabinets would not stay shut. The room was very clean and spacious. The beds were very comfortable. The down sides were pool heat ..."

Reviewed on 4 January 2025

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
Ocean Pines Resort by Capital Vacations
Ocean Pines Resort by Capital Vacations
3.5 out of 5
1445 Duck Road, Kitty Hawk, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach vacation home in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions The Sanderling Spa and Nor'Banks ...
8/10 Very Good! (99 reviews)
"I loved the oak trees and the birds. Our site had an amazing view of the ocean as we were on the 3rd floor. We saw humpback whales, dolphins, pelicans, terns, grebes, and more. We appreciated our time there and intend to return."

Reviewed on 7 January 2025

Ocean Pines Resort by Capital Vacations
Barrier Island Station, a VRI resort
Barrier Island Station, a VRI resort
2.5 out of 5
1245 Duck Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Duck Boardwalk and Nor'Banks Sailing ...
7.6/10 Good! (292 reviews)
"We got to stay in the upgraded condos! They were beautiful! I had never stayed in the A and B side! Each of one of us had basically an apartment to ourselves."

Reviewed on 23 October 2024

Barrier Island Station, a VRI resort
See all properties in Coastal North Carolina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Holden Beach

Holden Beach

4/5(211 reviews)

Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Holden Beach, a popular beach in Supply. Wander the marina or discover the sunrises in this family-friendly area.

Holden Beach
Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

4.5/5(335 reviews)

Bring the family to Carolina Beach Boardwalk and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Carolina Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Wrightsville Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Wrightsville Beach

4.5/5(729 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Wrightsville Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to South End. Take in the festivals and sunrises in the area.

Wrightsville Beach
Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach

4.5/5(554 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Carolina Beach during your travels in Carolina Beach? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Carolina Beach
University of North Carolina at Wilmington

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

4.5/5(304 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University of North Carolina at Wilmington as part of your travels around Wilmington. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Eating dinner and watching the sunset on the Boardwalk in Wilmington, NC

Riverwalk

After visiting Riverwalk, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Wilmington. Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its festivals.

Riverwalk