The Most Beautiful Islands in North Carolina
A tapestry of enchanting islands, North Carolina’s coast beckons travelers with its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and recreation. From the rugged windswept beaches of Hatteras Island to the charming village of Ocracoke Island, a diverse experience awaits all who journey there. Try a water sport such as kayaking, fishing, or surfing, take a nap or catch a tan on the beach, or dive into the state’s rich history. Whether you are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a glimpse into the past, the islands of North Carolina offer the perfect escape.
Ocracoke Island
Part of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island is known for its unspoiled beaches, delightful village, and the historic Ocracoke Lighthouse. Being remote, this captivating island is accessible only by ferry, plane, or private boat. Originally inhabited by the Native American Hatteras tribe, it later became a haven for pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. The British navy eventually captured and killed Blackbeard off the coast of Ocracoke in 1718, but tales of buried treasure still linger.
Characterized by its pristine beaches, lush maritime forests, and tranquil marshes, the diverse ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildlife. Spot migratory birds such as the swallow, warbler, and ospreys, or catch a glimpse of sea turtles and dolphins. Thanks to its status as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the natural beauty of Ocracoke Island is well-maintained and untouched.
While visiting Ocracoke Island, stroll through the charming village, where historic homes and quaint shops line the streets. Don’t miss the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum to learn about the island’s history and culture. Pay a visit to the iconic Ocracoke Lighthouse. Built in 1823, it is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming, or take a hike on one of the island’s many trails.
Don’t miss out on the island’s culinary delights. Try a local brew, enjoy locally sourced seafood, or treat yourself to a gourmet meal. Celebrate the island’s unique fig history at the Ocracoke Fig Festival, offering cooking demonstrations, tastings, and live music. If figs are not your favorite, immerse yourself in pirate lore at Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree. Catch a reenactment, sword fight, or educate yourself on the island’s pirate past.
With its small town, remote charm, and stunning landscape, Ocracoke Island offers a unique experience for every visitor. Plan your visit around one of the island's festivals and get lost in the community and culture. Or simply enjoy Ocracoke Island’s natural beauty with swimming, hiking, or a nap on the beach.
Hatteras Island
Also part of the Outer Banks, Hatteras Island is famous for its stunning beaches, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and water sports. Stretching over 50 miles, this barrier island offers visitors natural beauty and a vibrant community. Playing a key role in maritime navigation and commerce, this island was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Croatan and Hatteras, later became a strategic location along the Atlantic coast. A hotbed for shipping and shipwrecks, its treacherous waters earned the region the nickname Graveyard of the Atlantic.
As part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the island’s sandy dunes and rich ecosystem are protected, providing a sanctuary for wildlife. Here, you may spot birds such as the pelican and osprey, and other wildlife such as deer and turtles. Go swimming or beachcombing along the shores of Hatteras Island and give fishing a go with surf fishing, pier fishing, or deep-sea fishing.
Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum to learn about the island’s shipwrecks and maritime history. While exploring, visit historic villages like Hatteras and Frisco, where you can find charming cottages and local artisans at work. Climb the 257 steps to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the island and visit the visitor’s center to learn more about the lighthouse and the island’s past.
While enjoying your time on the island, take in a meal at a waterfront restaurant. Taste locally sourced seafood and American classics or have a more refined dining experience at an upscale restaurant.
Plan your visit around one of Hatteras Island’s festival. Day at the Docks is an annual, family-friendly event celebrating the island’s fishing heritage with boat tours and seafood tasting. If you are a fan of birds, go to the Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival. Visit art exhibits or go on a guided tour to learn more about these fascinating creatures. If you can’t make it to one of these festivals, don’t worry. No matter when you go, Hatteras Island offers something for the whole family.
Bald Head Island
Known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, time slows down on Bald Head Island. This car-free island is accessible by ferry, offering water recreation and robust history. A strategic point during colonial times and the Civil War, Bald Head Island is a place of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and dense maritime forests.
Glimpse into the past at Old Baldy Lighthouse. Built in 1817, it is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina, having guided countless mariners through the treacherous waters of the Cape Fear River. As part of the North Carolina Estuarine Research Reserve and the Smith Island Complex, Bald Head Island's natural landscapes are well preserved.
Try wildlife watching, catching sight of loggerhead sea turtles, deer, and a variety of bird species. Shoot your best shot at Bald Head Island Club’s 18-hole golf course while enjoying stunning views of the island. Explore the island’s extensive network of trials or rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the island’s waterways.
After exploring the island, enjoy fresh, regional cuisine. Savor a tasty bite at a casual spot or enjoy the finer parts of life at an elegant restaurant. After a big meal, run those calories off at the Old Baldy Lighthouse Run, an annual racing event. Compete in the 5K, 10K, or fun run while taking in the island’s scenery.
If you’re an angler, plan your visit around the Bald Head Island Fishing Rodeo. Anglers from all over the world gather for this competition, celebrating the island’s rich fishing history. Visiting around the 4th of July? Watch the Independence Day Parade, featuring creative floats, live music, and festivities.
With no shortage of things to do, Bald Head Island may be the perfect destination for your next getaway. From climbing Old Baldy to savoring fresh seafood with an ocean view to simply enjoying the island’s peaceful beaches, Bald Head Island offers an unforgettable experience.
Emerald Isle
Part of the Crystal Coast, Emerald Isle boasts beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and water sports for the daring. Compared to the other islands in this list, Emerald Isle’s history is relatively recent. Purchased in the 1950s, developers dreamed of making this a serene beach community. They called it Emerald Isle, reflecting the lush green forests and sparkling blue waters characterizing the area.
Today, the area is a cherished destination for its natural beauty and family-friendly environment. The island is part of the Bogue Banks, a barrier island offering 12 miles of coastal land and a variety of ecosystems, hosting diverse wildlife.
From biking and walking to fishing and swimming to kayaking and paddleboarding, Emerald Isle has no shortage of fun for all visitors. Explore the island on the Emerald Path, a multi-use trail that runs the length of the island, offering scenic views and easy access to shops, restaurants, and parks. While exploring the island, visit The Point, the westernmost tip of the island, for breathtaking sunsets and unique shelling opportunities.
After your island adventures, try Emerald Isle’s good eats. Visit a local favorite for American classics and seafood, or eat on a rooftop deck, taking in stunning views of the ocean. Showcasing its vibrant community and coastal culture, this island hosts a number of events and festivals.
Get some luck of the Irish at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival. Held in March, this annual festival features live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts. Enjoy free live music on Thursday evenings during the summer at the Western Ocean Regional Access with the EmeraldFest Concert Series. If you’re visiting in December, kick off the holiday season with the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.
Offering a wonderful blend of outdoor beauty and a charming community, Emerald Island is an ideal destination for those looking to relax, for an adventure, or a little bit of both. Come back from your visit feeling refreshed with locally sourced food, natural trails, and pristine beaches.
Topsail Island
Known for its wide sandy beaches and sea turtle nesting sites, Topsail Island is a hidden gem for families and nature lovers. Spanning 26 miles, this picturesque island is perfect for your next getaway. Enjoy untouched beaches and spot wildlife like loggerhead turtles and Karen Beasley Sea Turtles nesting on the beach.
The island’s name originated from talks of pirate ships hiding behind the island’s dunes, with only their topsails visible to passing merchant ships. During World War II, the island acted as a testing site for Operation Bumblebee, a top-secret military project focused on developing guided missiles. Remnants of this era can still be seen in the form of concrete observation towers scattered along the island.
Today, enjoy a range of activities on Topsail Island. Relax on its beautiful beaches, perfect for a swim or sunbathing. Visit this iconic fishing pier in Surf City, where you can fish, stroll, or simply take in the stunning ocean views. With the island’s calm waters and gentle waves, try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or surfing.
Learn about the island’s efforts to protect sea turtles at Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center where you can tour the facility and see these incredible creatures up close. If you are a history buff, discover the island’s history, from its pirate legends to its military past, at Missiles and More Museum.
Don’t forget to take in the island’s culinary delights. Enjoy oceanfront dining and fresh seafood or try homemade desserts. Appreciate the southern hospitality in a relaxed setting or try fine dining at one of the upscale restaurants.
Fascinated by turtles? Plan your visit around the Topsail Island Turtle Project. Participate in education programs and take a guided turtle walk during nesting season. Check out the local market at Surf City Summer Market, held weekly during the summer months. Pick fresh produce, support local crafters and artists, or enjoy live entertainment.
With its pristine beaches and welcoming community, Topsail is an excellent destination for adventures and families. From exploring its history to viewing a variety of turtles, you will not run out of fun here. Plan your visit around a festival or during the off-season, and discover why this island remains a cherished destination.
Roanoke Island
Rich in history, Roanoke Island is famous for the Lost Colony and the charming town of Manteo. Measuring just eight miles long and two miles wide, this island offers visitors a unique blend of historical intrigue and cultural experiences. Explore historic sites, beautiful gardens, and cultural attractions.
Known for the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony, this island holds an unsolved mystery. Also known as the Lost Colony, Roanoke Colony was established in 1587 by English settlers. In 1590, when a supply ship returned, the settlers seemingly vanished without a trace.
The mayor, having returned on the ship found his wife, child, and grandchild all vanished. One clue left behind by the settlers was a cryptic tree carving: CROATOAN. Remaining unsolved, this enduring curiosity continues to fascinate historians and visitors alike.
During the Civil War, Roanoke Island saw the Battle of Roanoke in 1862. After the Union won the battle, they gained control of North Carolina’s waterways. Following this, the Freedmen’s Colony was established, a refuge for formerly enslaved people seeking freedom and new beginnings.
Today, you can enjoy Roanoke Island’s outdoor recreation and rich history. Visit the Roanoke Island Festival Park and discover the island’s history and culture through interactive exhibits, a 16th-century ship reconstruction, and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life. Stroll through the beautiful Elizabeth Gardens or explore marine life at the Touch Tank Aquarium.
Take a short drive to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge where you can hike, bird watch, and observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. Try local cuisine from fine dining to cozy eats, or ask around for a local favorite like Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop.
Celebrate the beginning of summer with Dare Day Festival. Held annually in June, this event features live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Embrace the island’s pirate history with the fun-filled OBX Pirate Festival, hosting pirate reenactments, treasure hunts, and educational programs.
Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, Roanoke Island offers something for everyone. Explore its rich colonial and Civil War era past, savor locally sourced seafood with a waterfront view, or try a watersport. With its welcoming community and diverse attractions, Roanoke Island is an idyllic destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Shackleford Banks
Part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks is known for its shelling opportunities and undeveloped beaches. It's a great spot for camping and hiking, offering a raw and authentic coastal experience. If you are lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of the island’s most iconic inhabitants: the wild horse.
Part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, this island is a protected area known for its natural and cultural significance. The island’s history is interwoven with maritime traditions, having served as a navigational landmark for sailors and a refuge for shipwrecked mariners. While it lacks extensive historical structures, the island’s natural landscape tells a story of resilience and biodiversity.
The shifting sands and dynamic coasts create a constantly evolving landscape that supports a variety of plant and animal life. Believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs brought to the region by early explorers and settlers, the island is known for its wild horses.
While visiting Shackleford Banks, participate in the island’s main attraction, wild horse viewing. Horses roam freely across the island and can be spotted grazing along the beach or in the dunes. If you encounter a wild horse, keep a respectful distance and do not feed them.
Explore the island’s trails and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of its maritime forest and salt marshes, offering opportunities to spot a variety of bird species and other wildlife. Cast a line from the beach or bring your boat to try your luck at fishing in the island’s waters. Or simply enjoy the island’s untouched beaches with a swim or beachcombing.
Shackleford Island is raw and underdeveloped, therefore it does not offer many modern amenities. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. If you need to grab a bite before your visit, try fresh cuisine at a nearby town such as Beaufort or Morehead City.
Most Beautiful Islands in North Carolina
From the lush, maritime forests of Bald Head Island to the pristine sands of Emerald Isle, North Carolina’s coastal islands offer a remarkable array of landscapes and experiences that capture the essence of seaside beauty and charm. Whether you want to get lost in history or lost on the beach, there is something for the entire family to enjoy. Spot a variety of wildlife, sample fresh, locally sourced food, or try your hand at a water sport. Embark on your island-hopping adventure and immerse yourself in North Carolina’s rich history and natural beauty.
