Coastal Region
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SE Coastal Region
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Cape Lookout National Seashore--only accessible by boat is only minutes from Harker's Island, Beaufort and Morehead City!
A great place to find awesome sea shells!
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I really don't know what to say about the Outer Banks other than it's a "must see" destination as far as the Coastal US goes. I really don't want to say too much more because these #s make you think it's not crowded when it can be but that doesn't matter because it's one of the best places to be in NC--anytime of year!!
Jockey's Ridge State Park is one of the best places to view a sunset in all of NC too, btw.
Once you access the Island along HWY 64 you can journey South on NC HWY 12 through Pea Island Wildlife Refuge and over the Oregon Inlet (best Fishing Charters) in order to reach Hatteras Island and the ferry terminal that can take you and your auto to Ocracoke Island. Of course you must first visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse--tallest lighthouse in America. The climb to the top is worth every step!
Travelling by ferry is a super fun way to explore the Outer Banks--But Be aware of the schedule, plan ahead and make reservations so you are not stuck...summer traffic can be busy!! Click here for 2025 NC Ferry schedule
Pictured below is the lighthouse at Ocracoke--"Discover the area patrolled by Blackbeard at your own risk, Argh!!"
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Inner Banks
I am including these towns and their populations in the classification of the "Inner Banks". Some of these communities, like Rocky Mt, Wilson, Roanoke Rapids and Greenville are not really on the banks, but they are east of the I-95 Corridor and are best suited for this categorical area.
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While North Carolina is home to 3 National Parks, two of them are here on the coast.
be sure to visit the Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore when out or down east.
4 Wheel drive vehicles and permits are required to drive along the beach here--so be prepared to make your own fun!
Meanwhile, some of the finest state parks anywhere. are located here in North Carolina.
www.ncparks.gov for more details
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