- North Carolina has many beaches from which to choose.beach image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
North Carolina is known for its many beaches located along the Atlantic Ocean. The entire east coast of the state is coastal area, and there are many beaches from which to choose. Some of the beaches are busy and heavily populated by vacationers, while other beaches are a little more isolated, offering a bit more solitude. - Atlantic Beach is located in the middle section of the state along the coast. It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive east from Raleigh, straight down Highway 70, and then across the bridge at Morehead City. Atlantic Beach provides visitors with a large array of eating and lodging choices, including hotels, motels, condos and resorts. There are several local fishing tournaments held each year, including mackerel tournaments and marlin tournaments. The resident charter fishing boat fleet is always ready to take visitors out for a day of angling. Other local attractions include Fort Macon State Park, Historic Downtown Beaufort and the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
- Located just over the bridge from Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is another well-known North Carolina beach. Wrightsville Beach is only about two hours from Raleigh, making it popular for day and weekend trips. Wrightsville Beach is home to local favorite Johnny Mercer's Fishing Pier, as well as the Middle of the Island restaurant and the Oceanic Hotel and Restaurant. Wrightsville Beach has a large number of beach-front condos, cottages and hotels, and there is public parking for visitors as well. Visitors can also a take a boat trip to the local marina, and eat at several waterfront restaurants, including the Fish House. Wilmington is just two minutes away over the bridge, where guests will find many local activities, including visiting the waterfront along the Cape Fear River, as well as the U.S.S. North Carolina battleship memorial.
- Carolina Beach is located in the southeastern portion of North Carolina, about 20 minutes south of Wilmington, along Highway 421. Visitors are treated to a great view of the Intercoastal Waterway as they travel over the bridge from the mainland to the island. Carolina Beach has a variety of hotels, motels and cottages from which to choose, with many beach-front units. There is a local boardwalk along which many restaurants and shops are located. Some local favorite restaurants include Bowman's (seafood), the Deck House and Frank's Pizza. There are resident charter fishing boats that are available in the center portion of town, ready each day for fishing and sightseeing. Visitors may drive their vehicles on the beach on the north end of the island, as long as they acquire the needed parking permit. Camping is also permitted on the north end of island, and many locals spend the night fishing and camping on the sand. Some other local attractions include Fort Fisher, the N.C. Aquarium and the ferry boat ride to Southport, all of which are within a 10-minute drive south down the road.
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