Travel to the east coast can include amazing mountains, fascinating cities and beautiful beaches. There is a huge variety of opportunities to enjoy nature while you relax in the Tar Heel state.
Bald Head Island
If you’re yearning for peace and quiet, book the 20-minute ferry ride to Bald Head Island for a stroll on some of the most pristine beaches in the United States. For those who love to hike, there are several walking trails in the Maritime Forest Preserve on Bald Head Island that will allow you time to forest bathe.
Fans of nature viewing will want to bring their binoculars; the bird watching on this barrier island is amazing. Finally, if you can be there from the middle of August to the end of September, you can watch sea turtles hatch and head for the sea from these remarkably smooth beaches.
Do bring good shoes. There are no cars on the island. If you are tired, you can take the tram. Someone looking for peace and quiet when reviewing options for tourism in North Carolina will love their time on Bald Head Island.
Duck Public Beach
If you love to take the day paddling and playing in the water, a trip to the Duck Public Beach is an ideal choice. There will be a lifeguard on duty from May to October. Do keep an eye on the location of the lifeguard if you want to swim a bit deeper; rip tides are possible.
A lot of resorts are within an easy drive of Duck Public Beach; you can stay at the Sanderling Resort and have several choices of nearby beaches. There is a long pier where you can walk out and view the ocean in 360 degrees. You can cool off in the Atlantic!
Fort Fisher State Park
If you love to picnic, a visit to Fort Fisher State Park is a great option for older children. There are showers and changing rooms for travelers who need to clean up before heading back inland. You can also enjoy designed picnic areas with shade and grills for cooking lunch. This beach features beautiful sand; make sure you bring a sturdy rolling cooler to get your gear and cooler down to the sand.
From the sand, you can enjoy Loggerhead sea turtles along the water. If you and your children love wildlife and learning, the NC Aquarium of the city of Fort Fisher is a quick drive away. Regardless of the weather, you can find fun things to do on your Fort Fisher vacation.
Cape Hatteras Seashore
The three barrier islands protected by the Cape Hatteras Seashore include Ocracoke Island, Bodie Island, and Hatteras Island. If you love to snorkel, there are hundreds of shipwrecks to the east of these islands. If you time the storms right, you can catch some great waves and surf off the coast of Cape Hatteras.
On the island proper, there are three designated hiking trails that you can enjoy. YOu can also hire a guide and view the islands from horseback. If you prefer to visit during calmer weather, you can enjoy terrific wind-surfing along the beach as well.
Kitty Hawk
North Carolina Fans of history and beaches will love a long stay on Kitty Hawk. This island is where the Wright Brothers first flew their powered aircraft. There is a coastal reserve to hike and enjoy when you need a break from the bustle of life. Many of the beaches are quiet and calm along these undeveloped stretches.
When you’re ready to rejoin the world, Kitty Hawk offers
- a golf course for grownups
- a water park for children
- sailing and surfing schools for kids of all ages
- a fishing pier
Bring your fishing gear to enjoy the quiet. Rent a kayak for a soothing paddle or a jet ski for a bit of motorized fun. When you’ve soaked up the sun and worked up an appetite, restaurants and bars are easy to find!
A trip to North Carolina can mean quiet time on the beach or a fun night on the dance floor. Regardless of how old your children are, you can find fun ways to enjoy the sea.
