There’s Still Time to Head to the Beach

North Carolina’s beaches extend more than 300 miles, offering a variety of activities, including kiteboarding, hang gliding, fishing, boating and windsurfing. And, just plain relaxing.

The Outer Banks extend along most of the N.C. coast, and just offshore rest more than  600 shipwrecks that occurred since the 16th Century, Ten lighthouses were built along the coast, and seven still stand today seven of which stand today.  The most famous of the lighthouses is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which was completed in 1870.

The islands of the Outer Banks are a popular tourist spot linked by ferries and bridges. While some of the villages have a more commercialized feel with lots of  shopping, restaurants and nightlife, other towns are more isolated and quieter.

For those who love to fish, the Holden Beach Pier is the place to visit. The convergence of the warm Gulf Stream and the cold Labrador currents create a hotspot for all types of fish, and fishermen catch anything from Wahoo to Sailfish, depending on the season.

Holden Beach is regarded as one of the top 10 beaches in the nation, and is a nesting spot for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. This protected species begins nesting on the beach at night in mid May and continues to nest thru August, sometimes into September. The babies start hatching in July, usually continuing into October. The annual Festival by the Sea is held there each October.  Oysters, in season, are cooked over a wood fire and there are many other types of cuisines served – from Italian sausages and funnel cakes to shrimp bog and barbeque.

Have you been to any of the North Carolina beaches?  Tell us where you went and what you enjoyed most.

Click here for more detailed information regarding the North Carolina and Outer Banks beaches.