FAQs

What are the best beach towns in North Carolina?

- Nags Head for fishing and hang gliding on your own, or with tours and lessons
- Southport for surprising history—from pirate invasions to Civil War blockades to the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, known as Old  Baldy
- Beaufort for ghost stories over craft beer and upscale eats
- Manteo for spying native red wolves and hiking (but not at the same time)

What are the 10 best mountain towns to visit in North Carolina?

Asheville
Bunn
Bryson City
Lenoir
Bernardsville
Cashiers
Pisgah Forest
Banner Elk
Highlands
Boone and Blowing Rock

What can I do in Asheville NC in one day?

- Start your day with yoga or paddle boarding.
- Take a guided food tour of the downtown for locally sourced treats and art deco architecture.
- Stop to enjoy live music on the streets as buskers strum away, or head into an independent venue for a set.
- Go shopping for jewelry, yoga attire, and other wares from local artisans in the River Arts District.
- Sip on a pint from Burial Beer Co.

Are the Appalachian Mountains and the Smoky Mountains the same?

The Smoky Mountains (aka the Smokies) are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains.

Are the Blue Ridge Mountains part of the North Carolina range?

Yes, the Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains. They cover most of North Carolina, including Asheville. The range gets its name from the seemingly blue haze that engulfs it.

Where is the best mountain biking in the NC mountains?

- Pisgah
- Dupont State Forest
- Tsali

What makes up the Outer Banks?

The Outer Banks (commonly known as OBX) of North Carolina is a string of barrier islands—and a breath of fresh, salty air. It’s where locals and travelers alike come to understand what R&R really means.

The communities that make up OBX are Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Portsmouth Island, and the Core Banks.

What are family-friendly beaches along the North Carolina coast?

- Carolina Beach for a fun day with the whole family at the Boardwalk
- Atlantic Beach for lighthouse cruises and parasailing

What is the weather like at North Carolina beaches?

Like most places in the South, you can expect unpredictable weather throughout the year, but some of the best times to visit North Carolina beaches are April through June and September to October.

What are the best fishing charters in North Carolina?

Some of the best fishing charters in North Carolina can be found in Wanchese along the coast. Depending on your schedule, there are full-day charters (usually 4:30am–5pm), as well as 4-, 6-, and 8-hour options with different start time options. Most charter pricing includes up to six people.

What are the most historic lighthouses along the beaches of North Carolina?

- Currituck Beach Lighthouse
- Old Baldy
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Oak Island Lighthouse
- Ocracoke Lighthouse
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Cape Lookout Lighthouse

What are the best things to do on North Carolina beaches?

North Carolina beaches are safe and kid-friendly, making it easy to lose hours building sandcastles and splashing around in the warm Atlantic ocean.

Other ideas include:

- Take a plane ride to see the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla from above.
- Unleash your inner kid on obstacle courses in Riegelwood, where you can swing from trees.
- For those looking for an adrenaline rush, try hang gliding, Jet Skis, and shipwreck dives along Atlantic Beach.
- Head out on tranquil boat cruises out to historical maritime sites such as the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
- Adventure to Bald Head Island for a relaxing ferry ride and historical walking tour.
- Visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
- Take full advantage of a beach vacation and add a day of golf at Bald Head Island, Nags Head, the Beaufort Club, and more.
- Cruise along the Albemarle Sound.
- Relax along the Crystal Coast.