Love the Outer Banks? Try This Similar Spot in North Carolina

North Carolina’s Outer Banks gets all the love—and understandably so. With its rolling dunes, historic lighthouses, wild horses, and, of course, Netflix notoriety, it’s long been a go-to vacation destination for families, honeymooners, and road-trippers alike. But what if I told you there’s a quieter, less crowded alternative that offers the same windswept beauty and salty breeze without the bumper-to-bumper summer traffic? That hidden gem is Topsail Beach.

Topsail (pronounced Tops’l) is one of three towns on Topsail Island, located just off the southeastern coast of North Carolina. While the northern part of the island—Surf City—has been developing quickly, Topsail Beach, at the southern tip, remains delightfully laid-back. The town has a tiny main strip, a handful of old-school motels, a swing set right on the sand, and one of the best little retro ice cream shops I’ve ever stumbled across.

I first discovered Topsail Beach almost by accident. I was searching for a last-minute coastal escape after a trip to South Carolina that wouldn’t require elbowing through crowds or paying premium OBX prices. As soon as I crossed the swing bridge into Surf City and followed the narrow road down to Topsail Beach, I knew I’d found something special. The beach was practically empty. I watched pelicans skim the surf, collected seashells with barely another soul in sight, and caught a stunning sunset from a quiet fishing pier—no lines, no loud music, just the sound of waves and seabirds.

While the Outer Banks are rich in history, Topsail has its own quirky past. During World War II, the island was used by the U.S. Navy for secret missile testing, a story you can learn all about at the Missiles and More Museum. There’s also a turtle hospital here, where volunteers rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles—something that quickly became a favorite stop on my visit.

What sets Topsail Beach apart, though, is its unpolished charm. There are no high-rise hotels, no big box stores, and no chain restaurants. Instead, you’ll find pastel-colored beach cottages, mom-and-pop seafood joints, and a pace of life that invites you to slow down and savor the salt air.

If the crowds of the Outer Banks are starting to wear on you, try Topsail Beach. It has all the beauty, none of the bustle, and just enough local flavor to make it feel like your own little secret.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Topsail Beach using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.