Coastal North Carolina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bonner Bridge is one of North Carolina's most well known man-made structures of it's kind (The Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway is probably the most well known). This location makes for a great getaway at the Outerbanks to spend an entire day (and night). The location is popular for fishing and is ideal for landscape and astro photography. You can have lots of fun on some of the dunes, although getting the sand out afterwards is a big hassle.

This is one of my favorite images from this location. I love the warm light tones and the shadows that create a contrast in the foreground sand. It is created from a single exposure with only minor modifications made to adjust overall contrast and brightness. 

If you are interested in wildlife, the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge is nearby and is a very popular location. 

Thank you for stopping by.

#NC #Sunset #Bridge #OBX #BonnerBridge #colorful #roadtrip #weekend #goldenhour #beaches #abandoned #USA #beach #history
Bonner Bridge is one of North Carolina's most well known man-made structures of it's kind (The Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway is probably the most well known). This location makes for a great getaway at the Outerbanks to spend an entire day (and night). The location is popular for fishing and is ideal for landscape and astro photography. You can have lots of fun on some of the dunes, although getting the sand out afterwards is a big hassle.

This is one of my favorite images from this location. I love the warm light tones and the shadows that create a contrast in the foreground sand. It is created from a single exposure with only minor modifications made to adjust overall contrast and brightness. 

If you are interested in wildlife, the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge is nearby and is a very popular location. 

Thank you for stopping by.

#NC #Sunset #Bridge #OBX #BonnerBridge #colorful #roadtrip #weekend #goldenhour #beaches #abandoned #USA #beach #history
One of the northernmost towns along the coast in North Carolina, Duck is an idyllic town on the shores of the Currituck Sound.  This shot was taken from the town's boardwalk while looking West over the sounds. It is advisable to visit the location in Winter as that is off season - so you can spend more time taking in the beauty of the North Carolina coastline and also sunsets are usually much more picturesque around the time owing to the cooler temperatures and lower amount of atmospheric haze.

Plenty of things around Duck to see. Further north, there is the Currituck Lighthouse where you can climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse. North of Corolla, there is an area where you can drive along the coast on the sand - 4X4s a must. Here you can spot some Spanish Mustangs, horses out in the wild. If you're lucky, you can spot them running along the beach in the surf. I'd recommend taking a tour through the Corolla Wild Horse Fund - the money from the tours is used to help the wild horses in every which way possible and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly.

Thank you for stopping by and for the support.

#colorful #goldenhour #weekend #waterlust #bestof5
My first attempt at a serious panorama of the Milky Way, our home galaxy. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse provides an ideal location since it faces the right direction to compose such a panorama while maintaining the balance in the image. 

This shot is composed of 6 vertical shots shot at 30 degrees of rotation and merged in Photoshop. Added to the usual difficulties of shooting and composing a panorama at night, this night was crazy hot with nighttime temperature in the mid 80s, no breeze and humidity so high that the lens had to be wiped after every exposure. On top of it, the mosquitoes had a field day running rings around me and no amount of bug spray helped. But in spite of all that, I managed to walk away with an image and experience that does appeal to me.
If you're looking for great camping on the beach, wildlife, fishing, lighthouse tours, nature preserve hikes and a interesting mix of ocean and marsh environments Hatteras Island is the place for you!!!

Where to stay in Coastal North Carolina

Bodie Island Light Station was placed on the National Register of Historical places by the United States Department of Interior 2003

South Nags Head

While visiting South Nags Head, you might make a stop by sights like Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

South Nags Head
Coastal secret

Long Beach

Long Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Caswell Beach and 57th Place West Access Park.

Long Beach
Eating dinner and watching the sunset on the Boardwalk in Wilmington, NC

Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington is known for its stunning river views, and with sights like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Cape Fear River, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wilmington.

Downtown Wilmington
OBX

Whalehead Beach

While visiting Whalehead Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Currituck Beach and Corolla Beach.

Whalehead Beach
Sunset

Corolla Light

If you're spending some time in Corolla Light, Outer Banks Beaches and Whale Head Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Corolla Light
Walking the beach of Corolla.

Ocean Sands

While visiting Ocean Sands, you might make a stop by sights like Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches.

Ocean Sands
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
301 N Water St Wilmington NC
The price is AU$219 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$219
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,437 reviews)
Staff was courteous, place was nice.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn

John Yancey Oceanfront Inn

2 out of 5
2009 S Virginia Dare Trl Kill Devil Hills NC
Stay at this beach hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,862 reviews)
Rooms were very clean we were impressed. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Slow time of the year to visit but the hotel is very near some of the best restaurants. Kill Devil Grill right across the street was outstanding.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

John Yancey Oceanfront Inn
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is AU$129 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$129
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (166 reviews)
Very friendly staff, very nicely decorated and maintained.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and Les and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (281 reviews)
We very much enjoyed our stay. Staff was friendly and helpful. The facilities were good. The apartment, while somewhat dated, was clean and functional. While there were limited kitchen supplies, we had brought some with us, so all was good. We enjoyed the location and beach. We would return!

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

A Place at the Beach
RIGHT ON THE BEACH - special rates spring Larry's Lazy Susan  HC Elevator PETS

RIGHT ON THE BEACH - special rates spring Larry's Lazy Susan HC Elevator PETS

North Topsail Beach NC
Stay at this beach holiday home in North Topsail Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a water park. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (221 reviews)
This rental is directly on the ocean and has wonderful views. There is a great deal of room plus the house is truly decorated as a beach house. We had a wonderful week especially since the house is conveniently located.

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

RIGHT ON THE BEACH - special rates spring Larry's Lazy Susan HC Elevator PETS
4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.

4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.

Corolla NC
Stay at this holiday home in Corolla. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
The Carte’s were extremely pleased with our stay for the 2025 Labor Day holiday. The house was amazing, clean and Phil was extremely helpful with answering our questions about the area. The best part of our trip was by far the wild horses and the seclusion of the Rusty Crab. We recommend booking ...

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2025

4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Coastal North Carolina

Explore a world of travel with Expedia