What destinations come to your mind when you think of a beach holiday in the USA? You will probably name Miami, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Hawaii. Yes, you’re right! These are iconic seaside vacation spots in the United States. However, America has a few more not quite typical but no less amazing beach destinations.
Just pick up Budget car rental Raleigh and explore North Carolina to find them! More than 300 miles-long state’s coastline is home to beautiful beaches, and we recommend you visit them on your road trip. We’ve picked some great North Carolina beaches for you. Whether it’s a hidden beach for a wild getaway or a well-equipped family spot, you’ll surely find what you need…
Carova Beach
It’s hard to find a place more secluded than Carova Beach in North Carolina. It hides in a strip of sandy barrier islands with absolutely no paved roads nearby. Therefore, you will need to pick up a rental car with four-wheel drive. Otherwise, you risk getting stuck halfway.
As a reward, you can wander along the 12-mile-long coastline, enjoy the surrounding scenery and look for seashells in the pristine sand. If you are lucky, you will see wild mustangs – horses roam freely along the ocean and in the surrounding area.
If you get tired of walking along the beach, consider a road trip to the nearby beach towns of Corolla and Duck, full of cozy shops, restaurants, and incredibly picturesque houses.
Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach is one of America’s finest beaches located in North Carolina. This 2-miles-long and 10-meters-wide sandy strip is perfect for everyone – it attracts travelers from all over the world with its magnificent landscapes, clear water, and close proximity to the big city.
The beach infrastructure is well developed. There are restaurants, bars, massage rooms, changing cabins, and toilets. And if you come there in a rental car, you can safely park it in the large beach parking lot. The water in this area is almost always warm due to the shallow depth, so Ocean Isle is ideal for families.
Fans of active rest will love the numerous diving and surfing centers. By the way, the territory of Ocean Isle Beach is home to exotic flora, including unique ancient broadleaf palms and reed bushes. Its surroundings are also rich in hotels and villas where you can stay.
Wrightsville Beach
If you don’t know how to spend a family vacation in North Carolina, rent a car and go to Wrightsville Beach. It’s an ideal sandy place both for children and adults. Wrightsville will amaze you with its unusually beautiful dunes and an ancient pier located in the middle of the beach.
Wrightsville Beach is also suitable for fishing enthusiasts since the underwater world in these places is rich and varied. You can fish from the pier or book a fishing yacht tour on the high seas.
Surf lovers will be happy to ride the waves on Wrightsville Beach. What’s more, beginners will find several surf centers with the necessary equipment right on the territory.
After relaxing on the beach, head to one of the local cafes and restaurants nearby to sample the local cuisine. In addition to your usual meals, order seafood specialties including lobster, squid, and shellfish dishes.
Onslow Beach
Located 8 miles from Jacksonville, Onslow Beach is a quiet and secluded piece of paradise. The soft and white sand, the gentle entrance to the sea, and the clear water offer a great setting for family travelers. However, this place is also perfect for even the most active people who go there for surfing.
Onslow Beach is wild, which is the reason for its unique nature and rich underwater world. This beach is also famous for its large population of sea turtles, as well as dolphins that frequently visit the area.
Despite the great distance from the city, you will find several small cafes and restaurants nearby. Those looking to spend more time here can stay at one of the hotels within driving distance of the beach.
Carolina Beach
The small town of Carolina Beach in New Hanover County, North Carolina, is famous for its beautiful beach of the same name. This is a great place for a family vacation or a fun time with friends. It combines beautiful views of nature, exciting fishing opportunities, and numerous festivals and competitions. Whether it’s a water adventure, hiking, or cycling, everyone will find a great entertainment option there. A boat, yacht, or kayak trip will also satisfy those who want something special.
The good news is that the city boasts more than just the beach. If you are traveling in a rental car, drive to Carolina Beach State Park. This is a great place full of picnic spots, fishing locations, and convenient bays for water sports enthusiasts.
Where to rent a car in North Carolina?
North Carolina has four large airports – in Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington, and midway between Raleigh and Durham. If arriving by plane, book your vehicle at one of these airports through a simple car rental app. It provides a perfect selection of car rental deals at affordable rates. By the way, you can compare all available offers from different companies at once and quickly choose the best one.
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